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

Remote work has been more prevalent over the past year, significantly changing how we run our firm and interact with others. Maintaining a work-life balance, staying in touch with co-workers, and functioning effectively as a team have all become more challenging because of adjusting to this new type of remote working. As general counsel for a venture capital firm, I have also managed the regulatory and investment climate uncertainty, among other difficulties caused by the pandemic’s economic effects. These added difficulties have made it necessary for me to be agile and quick to adjust to the continuously shifting business environment.

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

Technological developments, including artificial intelligence, contract management software, blockchain, and e-discovery tools, will impact in-house legal teams. These developments will simplify procedures, automate tedious jobs, securely preserve sensitive data, and improve efficiency. In-house legal teams will need to stay up to date on new technologies, embrace and integrate new tools, and continuously adapt to suit the changing demands of the business to traverse this quickly changing environment successfully.

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

A unique set of talents and traits, such as first-rate communication, the capacity to forge strong connections, adaptability, and strategic thinking, are necessary to succeed as an in-house lawyer. An in-house lawyer needs to be well-versed in the relevant rules and legislation, as well as be able to analyse complicated legal problems and offer workable, commercially sensible solutions. Strong communication abilities are essential for establishing trusting connections with internal and external partners and explaining complex legal topics to legal and non-legal stakeholders. As in-house lawyers frequently operate in fast-paced workplaces where they must respond quickly to new issues and shifting business needs, the capacity for adaptation and strategic thinking is particularly crucial.