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

To be a successful in-house lawyer, you need to be able to deliver high-quality legal advice while striking a delicate balance with commercial interests. Legal advice is only valuable when it is not just legally sound, but also aligned with the organisation’s commercial goals. It sounds basic, but balancing such requires that you constantly remind yourself of the bigger picture.

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

I believe in nurturing relationships with the business by simply being a good colleague. Relationships are everything, and I have succeeded with lots of matters starting with a cup of coffee.

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

Companies are faced with increasing levels of (complex) regulation. I am passionate about making compliance a value-adding exercise – which I truly believe is possible, when using a risk based and commercial legal mindset.