First, can you please give us an idea of the sort of work your team has done recently?

We have recently completed a few M&A transactions. Our daily tasks include management of Porsche Holding’s shareholdings; internal training — especially on antitrust; setting up, reviewing, and negotiating various contracts, and giving legal advice to management and other departments of Porsche Holding concerning different areas of law, while guiding external counsel.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and altered the general counsel function. Working from home has now become customary. While it comes with some advantages, it is also challenging when you are liable for leading a team of people who are not in the same place.

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

One important quality for a successful in-house lawyer is to be empathetic and a team player, other than having profound legal knowledge and economic understanding. It is crucial, especially given the varied background and nature of the people in legal teams. The goals and intentions of colleagues should be clearly understood to work towards them and speak the same language, cooperate, and make the job more effective.