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

Within the framework of employment law advice for local institution boards, especially in relation to the dismissal of the institutions’ top leaders at member institutions, there have been several significant cases. These cases highlight the complexity and legal nuances involved in these processes.

Recently, there have been a few important employment law cases where legal advice was provided to member institution boards in connection with the dismissal of the institution’s top leader. Many of these cases have clarified how crucial thorough preparation is, including transparent communication and correct application of legislation as well as practical knowledge of employment law.

One of the most critical aspects in these cases has been advising the boards on potential risks and consequences associated with the dismissal processes, including process risk and the case’s possible impact internally among employees and partners, but also externally in relation to the institution’s reputation. This requires a general understanding of employment law practices, with an in-depth understanding of complex legal issues, legal experience, and the ability to anticipate possible outcomes and advise on the best strategies for action.

These cases emphasise the importance of specialised legal advice within employment law, especially in dismissal cases of top leaders. The cases also underscore the importance of advising within the current societal context.

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 counsel in an association such as Danske Erhvervsskoler og -Gymnasier (DEG) requires a set of specific and unique qualities that probably differ somewhat from more general legal roles. It is crucial to have a broad and deep understanding of the education sector in general, including the ability to competently navigate specific legislation, education laws, the labour market’s collective bargaining agreements, and individual labour law. Moreover, due to the limited size of the organisation, it often entails a solitary legal environment, where one becomes the sole expert on complex legal tasks.

Thus, it also requires the ability to navigate complex areas, influence political processes and understand the interests and needs of the parties involved; it is not just legal expertise, but also the ability to think strategically and have political insight.

A final quality is integrity, which is important in an interest organisation, where one represents the interests of member institutions and works closely with public authorities and other organisations, but especially crucial when advising the schools’ boards or their top management, where legal advice becomes integrated into the decision-making processes.

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

At the DEG, we always strive to improve our already good cooperation with our partners, such as ministries, agencies, and external legal advisors, but also with teachers’ organisations and unions representing the employees. This collaboration is crucial for effectively navigating the complex legal and political landscape that characterises the education sector, and to ensure understanding and expectations for our various tasks, goals, and roles.

Generally, we always try to act proactively – both in our advising and in our operations – to anticipate potential challenges before they become larger issues.

Moreover, we frequently organise events with workshops or brief virtual webinars, where, in collaboration with our external partners, we review current educational issues, including best practices or relevant legal topics, such as the implementation of the EU Working Time Directive at our member institutions.

Finally, we work with feedback, cultural changes, and evaluations of collaboration projects, which are well-known and often used tools in the world of education.

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

Indeed; the professionalisation of board work and the activities of boards in our member schools’ local boards. In addition, of course, labour and employment law. Moreover, it is always fascinating to engage with law in various political and societal contexts.