Team size: 13

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

We have held two workshops on collaboration with a total of over 500 participants from the construction industry.

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

As an in-house lawyer in the construction industry, there are several unique qualities that can contribute to success. Here are a few key qualities:

Deep understanding of construction law: Having a comprehensive knowledge of construction law, including regulations, contracts, and industry-specific legal issues, is crucial in providing effective legal guidance and support

Excellent communication and negotiation skills: Effective communication and negotiation skills are vital in dealing with various stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities. Being able to articulate legal concepts clearly and negotiate favourable outcomes is crucial.

Adaptability and versatility: The construction industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Being adaptable and versatile in handling diverse legal matters, ranging from contracts and disputes to compliance and regulatory issues, is essential for success.

Industry knowledge and business acumen: Understanding the specific challenges, trends, and commercial aspects of the construction industry can greatly enhance the value you bring as an in-house lawyer. A strong grasp of the business objectives and operations of your company and its clients is beneficial.

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

To foster closer collaboration between the legal department and our business counterparts, I focus on:

(a) Regular communication: I ensure that we are in regular contact to discuss ongoing projects, legal issues, and any potential risks or challenges. This helps to build trust and enables us to address legal matters proactively.

(b) Proactive involvement: I make a conscious effort to be actively involved in business meetings and decision-making processes. By participating from the early stages of projects or initiatives, I can provide legal insights and guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate potential legal risks.

(c) Training and education: I have organized training sessions and workshops for our business counterparts to enhance their understanding of legal issues relevant to their roles. This helps to create a shared language and promotes better collaboration between the legal department and other departments.

(d) Legal support and guidance: I strive to be approachable and readily available to provide legal support and guidance to our business counterparts. This includes reviewing contracts, offering legal opinions, and providing timely advice on legal matters that impact their work.

(e) Building relationships: I actively seek opportunities to build relationships with our business counterparts – also outside of formal work settings.

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

Yes, I am passionate about collaboration, equality, and interest-based dialogue. I believe that by fostering a collaborative culture and promoting equal participation and respect for diverse perspectives, we can achieve better outcomes and create a more inclusive work environment.

My passion lies in creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment while also making a positive impact on society and the environment. By aligning business goals with these values, we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.