Team size: Five
Major legal advisers: Baker Botts, DLA, Herbert Smith

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

We have been increasing investments in technology, including SharePoint, cybersecurity, and Litera comparison software, while also expanding our workforce by hiring and training non-legal personnel for the management of internal data rooms.

How do you balance your responsibilities as a GC with your involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters?

I am closely involved and oversee all aspects of M&A matters, including the post-closing integration. When it comes to dispute resolution, it is essential to hire expert external legal counsel with a proven track record.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

In addition to solid legal skills, the general counsel will need to possess excellent management and people skills – those on par with any other C-suite executive. The general counsel’s leadership skills will be assessed based on their ability to effectively manage both legal and non-legal personnel while actively contributing to the development of the corporate culture.

Furthermore, general counsel will need to be able to embrace change and adapt to AI and automation to remain competitive, while also holding a deep understanding of the legal framework surrounding such modern technologies like cybersecurity and data protection.