Team size: Nine

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

The number one challenge has undoubtedly been commencing a new global general counsel role with a company that publicly has a number of significant matters before the courts. As lawyers, we understand the challenge, and distraction litigation can have on a business. However, the real challenge is ensuring that the business continues to run and grow and keeping the team motivated to deliver a product that I believe is one of the most powerful data processing engines that provide intelligence to solve wicked problems in the world.

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

As the digitalisation of the legal function continues to evolve, the necessity of legal operations staff will be almost as important as the lawyers themselves in the team. Reliance on data and its management will become a competitive advantage in delivering a complete client experience. But let us remember that technology will never replace the compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, and sweet joy that only an in-house human lawyer can bring.

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

The main quality to be successful as an in-house lawyer is resilience with a capital R; but also, the ability to influence across multiple stakeholders, a clear and concise communicator, a builder of relationships that weather shifting tides.