Team size: three

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

Market conditions have changed dramatically, requiring the renegotiation of selected contracts to reflect and meet new requirements. There has been a significant increase in the need for assessing, drafting, negotiating, and closing new contracts in this period. The pandemic has highlighted the positive aspects of having in-house counsel with legal competencies and skills; internal lawyers are close to the business and usually have a deep understanding of the operations, taking part in strategic decision-making. In this extraordinary period, they have added value to companies by assisting in carrying out needed changes, vetting external and internal communications, analysing governmental support initiatives, and negotiating contracts.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months and how do you intend to assist with this?

Not only has the pandemic affected my company’s operations, but the whole sector, given the worldwide shortage of semi-conductors and global logistics challenges. One of the areas significantly impacted is the delivery time to end customers, resulting in new paradigms for delivery clauses going forward. The uncertainty and dependency on external factors cannot be covered by force majeure clauses but need to be reflected in new ways in end-customer agreements. Furthermore, open, and honest dialogue with customers addressing this topic is necessary to align future expectations.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one?

One of the biggest pros of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one is the proximity to the business and the opportunity to advise in ways preventing issues from escalating in big, complex legal lawsuits. The interaction with various departments within the company enriches the daily work and supports the continuous development of a multifaceted skillset.

The cons of being in-house compared to external lawyers are the risks of getting involved in business matters outside the legal area of competence.