Team size: 18

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

This is one of the two key aspects that I consider when selecting an external law firm to work with. If we do not agree on key values, the type of advice, as well as the representation we will receive before third parties, especially governmental authorities, will not be what we need. If our values do not align, and we do not have common ground, there is an enormous risk of negative effects arising from working together, which could later prove to be detrimental to our company.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

I believe that today’s corporate legal teams must be in sync with the business plans and guidelines set by the board of directors. Legal teams can no longer afford the luxury of being removed from the day-to-day business operations or simply being involved when there is a legal need. Legal teams must understand the business objectives and take a proactive approach to their work. I strongly advocate that in-house teams must be involved from the origin of a business opportunity, and that is why my team and I participate in the business planning sessions held by our CEO and country heads.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

I would recommend that in-house lawyers actively participate in the complete analysis of a business opportunity. There is a lot that can be done, by the legal team, in the initial stages of planning that can avoid major setbacks later, as well as unnecessary operational and legal costs.