Team size: Eight

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?

Although there remains uncertainty in the legal framework with respect to e-contracting in Vietnam, we have assessed the risk level and decided to proceed with deploying an electronic contract solution. While there is an initial investment cost, the long-term benefits of this solution outweigh any disadvantages. These benefits include time and cost savings when compared to circulating traditional paper contracts, and, importantly, contract storage improvement. It also gives us a better view of how templates are used, allows easier alignment among internal functions, and provides meaningful statistics.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in Vietnam over the next five-ten years?

Ten or fifteen years ago, only very large companies in Vietnam had their own internal legal department. Presently, almost all mid-sized companies have one. In-house legal departments no longer merely vet contracts, a task that could easily be outsourced. They now perform more complex tasks: improving internal processes, participating in business projects, even owning projects, and educating the company’s ecosystem, among other responsibilities. Certain expectations for in-house legal counsel never change. They are still expected to guard companies against legal risks and, at the same time, facilitate business. However, as the legal department grows larger, the role of the general counsel also evolves. The general counsel needs to be a legal professional with stronger leadership skills and a strategic mindset. Furthermore, the general counsel must ensure their legal department advances at the same pace as the business.

What are some of the main trends impacting your industry in Vietnam?

Digital and AI. Everything is now digitalised. There is a growing trend of leveraging AI in all aspects of business. In-house legal counsel need to learn new skills while at the same time identifying relevant risks with new tools and processes.