Team Size: 22 (divided amongst the Legal, the Governance, Risk and Compliance and the Procurement departments)

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

Being a successful in-house lawyer in the telecommunications industry requires a blend of four key qualities. Firstly, legal expertise. Understanding the regulatory landscape specific to the telecommunications industry is crucial. This includes knowledge of regulations governing, among other things, spectrum allocation, network and information security, data protection, net neutrality, and competition and consumer protection.

Secondly, telecommunications is a highly technical industry, so having a basic understanding of the technologies involved, such as frequency use and network infrastructure, and emerging technologies like 5G and IoT, is essential for effective counselling, communication, and problem-solving.

Furthermore, the telecommunications industry is constantly evolving due to technological advancements and regulatory changes. In-house lawyers need to be adaptable and proactive in staying abreast of these developments to provide timely and relevant legal guidance to the business.

Finally, in addition to the aforementioned qualities, it is particularly important for in-house lawyers in our industry to uphold high ethical standards in their counselling due to the paramount privacy and data security concerns inherent in the delivery of telecom services.

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

We have fostered closer collaboration between the legal department and the business by focusing on some key initiatives. We have worked to ensure that all lawyers have a strong understanding of commercial principles and business objectives, enabling them to balance legal risks with the company’s strategic goals and the needs of the business. This involved providing practical, risk-based, business-oriented legal advice.

We also emphasise clear and effective communication, enabling lawyers to convey complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders within the business. This includes honing written and verbal communication skills, as well as actively listening and understanding the needs and concerns of various business areas.

Furthermore, we have organised training sessions and offered practical guidelines for business stakeholders on legal topics relevant to their areas. This helps them better understand legal considerations and proactively address legal matters in daily operations. This not only enhances their legal literacy but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the legal department’s role in supporting the business.

Finally, cross-functional work. We encourage lawyers to participate in cross-functional teams or project groups with representatives from different business areas. This promotes collaboration and allows legal expertise to be integrated into various aspects of the business operations from the outset.

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

I am passionate about the role and impact the legal department has in relation to the business, and how this impact is used in a proactive, constructive, and sustainable way to support the business in achieving the goals of the company.