Team size: Three

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

Being an in-house lawyer I have the pleasure of working with a broad range of legal topics closely linked to business activities and specific business needs. Recently our team have been deeply involved in supporting the business within GDPR and information security aspects. Not only having a focus on keeping the basic corporate GDPR in place but also supporting sales activities with contractual templates, data processing agreements, ISAE 3000 certificates, ISO 27001, awareness training, and audit activities internally and externally.

Our team is deeply involved in risk management and drive the process to identify, analyse, evaluate, and mitigate risks in close collaboration with key stakeholders in the organisation. We support in drafting and implement policies and guidelines supporting business needs. Furthermore, we conduct interactive compliance training within selected areas, increasing general awareness and implementing actionable guidelines to support a behaviour within areas selected through our risk management.

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

To excel as an in-house lawyer, one must possess a unique blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and interpersonal skills. Success hinges on the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical advice that aligns with the organisation’s strategic objectives. Adaptability and agility are crucial, as in-house lawyers often navigate diverse legal issues across multiple areas of law. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential for building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. Being commercially minded allows in-house lawyers to understand the business context in which legal decisions are made and provide proactive, strategic counsel. Additionally, problem-solving skills and the capacity to balance legal risks with business goals are paramount. Successful in-house lawyers are not only legal advisors but also trusted partners who contribute to the organisation’s overall success.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

Having a close collaboration between legal department and business is important. To foster closer collaboration between the legal department and business counterparts, we prioritise being physical present and visible in the offices. We have implemented cross-functional meetings to discuss ongoing projects and potential legal implications. We also provided proactive legal training sessions tailored to specific business units, ensuring that stakeholders understand legal risks and compliance requirements. Additionally, we established a streamlined process for legal review of contracts and agreements, prioritising clear communication and efficient turnaround times. By building strong relationships based on trust and open communication, we have enhanced our ability to align legal advice with business objectives and provide timely support to our colleagues across the organisation.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Being part of a company that takes the ESG agenda seriously is important to me. I am passionate about promoting ethical business practices, compliance and initiatives related to sustainable business where we care about the footprints we make in an environmental, social and governance context.