Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?           

One of the key innovations I spearheaded within our legal function involved a complete overhaul of our team’s efficiency, without incurring a large expense.  

Before the overhaul, the legal function was inundated with requests from the sales team for contract support. Sales team members often needed customised contracts for various clients, leading to a substantial workload for the legal department. This process was time consuming and hindered the sales team’s ability to move quickly and close deals.  

To address this challenge, I proposed a solution that focused on empowering the sales team to handle contract-related tasks independently. This solution involved redrafting contracts to make them user-friendly and easily understandable for non-legal professionals; automating contracts using readily available software tools to create templates with placeholders for key information, such as client names, contract terms, and pricing details; and conducting training sessions for the sales team, to explain the new contract generation process, provide guidance on completing key fields, and offer ongoing support as needed.    

This innovation not only streamlined our operations but also contributed to increased revenue by expediting the sales process without incurring a significant expense. 

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in? 

One of the most significant transactions that I have been involved in recently is a transformative joint venture with a Tier 1 developer client, which represents a groundbreaking approach to high-rise community living through the development of build-to-rent projects. I had the privilege of leading this remarkable deal and played a pivotal role  

Our partnership involved extensive collaboration and alignment of objectives. We worked together to craft a strategic framework that leverages both parties’ strengths to redefine the high-rise living experience. The build-to-rent model we adopted represents a fresh perspective on housing solutions. It offers residents an exceptional living experience with flexibility and community engagement at its core, which challenges traditional real estate paradigms. From a commercial perspective, this venture holds immense promise. It not only aligns with our client’s goals but also has the potential to generate substantial revenue for our business. 

I played a critical role in ensuring that the joint venture agreement was comprehensive and protective of our interests. I addressed various legal complexities while maintaining a focus on our growth and profitability. This joint venture has been widely viewed as a pioneering effort that could reshape the landscape of high-rise living, setting new standards for quality, convenience, and sustainability.  

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?  

I am deeply passionate about supporting victims of family violence, and this cause holds significant personal and professional importance to me. In my role at Energy Locals, I have a unique opportunity to directly impact this cause by managing our interactions with family violence-affected customers and ensuring they receive the support they need to stay safe and rebuild their lives.  

What drives my commitment to this cause is the recognition that energy providers like Energy Locals play a crucial role in the lives of individuals and families. For many victims of family violence, their homes can be both a refuge and a potential danger zone. It is essential that energy companies are attuned to the unique needs and vulnerabilities of these customers. This includes providing flexible billing options to accommodate their circumstances, ensuring their personal information is kept confidential, and offering resources and referrals to support organisations.  

By supporting victims of family violence through my work at Energy Locals, I believe we are not only fulfilling our corporate social responsibility but also contributing to the broader societal effort to combat this issue. My passion for this cause is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their homes. Through our actions, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by family violence, offering them a glimmer of hope and the opportunity for a brighter future.