How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

For quite some time, the legal department has been working to increasingly assist business operations by acting as a facilitator rather than simply pointing out the risks involved in transactions. This approach is a two-way street, and closer collaboration is essential for building partnerships with business counterparts in any field.

It is an ongoing and consistent process that professionals must focus on. I would emphasise that the initial step, particularly when dealing with supported areas like legal, involves understanding the business and its requirements. Another way to foster closer collaboration is by engaging yourself and your team to establish stronger ties with counterparts in other areas. Availability and the development of an effective communication strategy are crucial in this regard.

Furthermore, taking proactive steps to identify their needs and providing, for instance, legal training and workshops to educate your business counterparts can also strengthen partnerships between departments. Moreover, identifying and implementing tools to measure the legal services provided, and informing counterparts of any legal exposure upfront, can foster closer collaboration among different areas.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

We are developing legal platforms to facilitate internal communication, enabling all areas of the organisation to navigate various legal aspects, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks effectively. We are also focusing on Business Intelligence (BI) tools that provide an updated overview of legal data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for contract review and legal consultations.

Another aspect I am passionate about is working with the business to provide legal and compliance training. I collaborate closely with the human resources department to contribute to a healthy workplace for all employees and stakeholders.