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

The world has moved to a post-pandemic economy, and customers increasingly seek to apportion risk downstream in order to manage and protect fragile operating budgets as they struggle with inflation in an uncertain economy. This is evident in agreements which aim to impose certainties maintaining costs through “best pricing” guarantees, warranties relating to delivery times and unreasonable remedies for failing to adhere such provisions. In other words, imposing certainty in an uncertain world has been the biggest challenge for legal teams that balance the risks and rewards for its internal clients. Additionally, strategic requirements regarding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters being imposed on companies has increased the focus on risk identification, management and mitigation. These high-level requirements place in-house lawyers at the centre of many strategic decisions for an organisation and will only accelerate in the future.

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

There is definitely a push for efficiency when contracting and the involvement of lawyers in the process. The development of Artificial Intelligence and its role in contracting, especially reviewing and drafting, has certainly created a new perspective on this issue. As AI advances and becomes more reliable, its usefulness will challenge the viability of lawyers. Though I do not believe this will completely eliminate lawyers in the process, it will require them to adapt and seek alternate avenues to provide value. Lawyers, just like other professions will need to move with the times.

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

While having solid legal foundations is a given amongst anyone in the profession, it is important to have an inquisitive nature and curiosity to explore unique solutions to deliver value to the business. I have found that business leaders do not wish to hear the word “No”; lawyers who can provide alternatives for the business to consider will succeed and earn the trust and confidence of their internal client. Therefore, I believe quick thinking and having an open mind to consider innovative solutions are qualities that make a successful in-house lawyer in my industry.