What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

In 2021-2022, AGL prepared for a demerger of AGL Energy into two leading energy businesses (AGL Australia and Accel Energy). The AGL Board withdrew the demerger proposal at the end of May 2022 after it took the view that the demerger proposal would not receive sufficient support to meet the required shareholder approval threshold. Preparation for the proposed demerger was challenging – the legal team was (along with many others within the AGL business) required to undertake a huge amount of work to make sure the company could physically separate into two new companies with fit for purpose structures. This was particularly challenging in a post-Covid environment where many people were working remotely, there were absences due to sickness or caring responsibilities, a general feeling of uncertainty, and a number of changes in personnel.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

ChatGPT is likely to have a significant impact on in-house legal teams in the future. Whilst ChatGPT currently has limitations and could be seen as having a negative impact on the legal profession (for example, replacing skills and detracting from the value of personal interactions) it could make simple tasks easier and free up more junior members of the profession to take on more high value, challenging and interesting work at an earlier stage of their careers. It could also increase accessibility to legal services.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

It is an exciting time to be involved in the energy industry in Australia as it goes through a major transition on the path towards decarbonisation. An in-house lawyer in this environment needs to be flexible and commercial as the laws, regulations, and operating environment change. Efficiency is also important, with the ability to “pick your battles” in determining what issues are most material and worth spending time on. The ability to build and maintain relationships (both on a professional and personal level) is also important in this fast-paced environment, as is having a good sense of humour.