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? 

A suggestion I made to improve the efficacy and functionality of our team was to convert some of our existing suite of contractual precedents into master style agreements. We found that we would regularly receive requests from stakeholders asking for assistance negotiating contracts with incumbent suppliers or contractors for similar supplies or projects, and though possible to vary existing agreements or adopt previously agreed terms in certain instances, we still had to go through our usual internal processes and procedures which could be time consuming. 

By way of making the initial time investment in restructuring some of our contractual infrastructure to allow flexibility in engaging repeat suppliers and contractors through master agreements (as and when appropriate), we saved the business precious time and resources, in turn, freeing up availability within our team to work on other matters. 

Time is a precious resource and improving efficiency within the business on such an important matter as how we contract is a clear win for our team in terms of future resource allocation and, particularly in the context of being a non-revenue generating department, demonstrating our value and ability to adapt to meet the business’ needs. 

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

CSR’s business philosophy is to provide building solutions for a better future. The last year has seen our team support the progression of the business across multiple facets and assist in laying some groundwork for future growth.

We have negotiated contracts with a broad range of suppliers and contractors to increase the business’ overall capability on numerous fronts, such as by way of achieving an increase in resources, improvement of facilities, and expansion of our infrastructure. We have assisted with the introduction of new products and product varieties by way of providing advice on everything from intellectual property rights to compliance to the advertising and marketing of those products. We have also stepped up in our role as educators in helping expand the knowledge of our stakeholders to allow greater autonomy and heightened awareness of present and up-and-coming interest matters to be aware of and focused on. 

A moment we are particularly proud of was completing a complex multi-jurisdictional acquisition of a group of companies in what was a challenging but exhilarating transaction, one which we were able to largely manage in-house. In addition to the learning curve this particular transaction posed and expansion of our skill set, it demonstrated to us how well our team were able to work collaboratively.    

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

I am a proud supporter of raising awareness of and improving mental health and wellbeing in the legal industry, something that can often be overlooked as we lawyers give off the appearance of a stoic front with no sign of wavering, even as the candle burns at both ends.  

As in-house counsel, the central tenet of our role is to care and look out for and support the business we work for and our client – being proactive and always staying two steps ahead, and identifying risk and working to mitigate that risk, amongst other things. 

I am a big believer that we need to look after ourselves as well as we look after our clients to be able to provide those clients with excellent legal advice and services. Doing so requires more than just staying ahead or on top of deadlines and promptly responding to emails – it requires recognition that we have our limits and taking measures necessary to both acknowledge and care for our mental health and wellbeing no differently than we would our physical health.