How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

The approach I have for managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises is to align the legal strategy of my department with the broader business strategy of the company. Thi said, it’s important to emphasise proactive planning, flexibility, risk assessment, and communication being the latter the key to success. This alignment can only be met if the legal team and the overall company’s teams receive permanent, clear and effective communication.

What strategic priorities are guiding you and your team in 2024?  

In 2024, my team and I are aligning our efforts with several key strategic priorities that are shaping our focus and driving our actions. One major area of emphasis is Technology and AI Integration. We are exploring ways to harness the power of these ultra-efficient solutions while ensuring the security and confidentiality of our sensitive files. Balancing innovation with robust safeguards is a critical objective for us. We are also prioritising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Compliance. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mandates companies like Auchan to adopt new procedures and reporting frameworks addressing ESG concerns. This requirement, monitored closely by the legal department, presents a host of challenges that demand meticulous planning and execution.

Another pressing priority is Workforce and Talent Management. Addressing skills shortages and fostering talent within the team remain significant hurdles, requiring innovative strategies to attract, retain, and develop legal professionals in an ever-changing market. Efficiency and Cost Management is equally critical. The advent of AI has unlocked transformative opportunities to enhance efficiency and reduce legal costs. However, this also intensifies the pressure on legal departments to deliver measurable results without compromising quality. Finally, we are deeply focused on Risk Management and Compliance. The ever-present concerns of data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory adherence are at the forefront. Our team is proactively managing these risks by anticipating regulatory changes and preparing for potential litigation, ensuring we remain ahead of emerging challenges.

Together, these priorities reflect a broader strategy to align our legal functions with overarching business goals, drive operational efficiency, and navigate the evolving regulatory landscape with resilience and agility.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this evolution, revolutionising legal activities by automating time-consuming tasks such as research, contract drafting and analysis, document review, and alerting on clauses that deviate from predefined norms. This not only increases efficiency but also enhances accuracy across legal processes. Blockchain Technology also holds significant potential, offering secure and transparent record-keeping capabilities. By enabling the use of smart contracts, blockchain can streamline contract management, reduce fraud in transactions, and bolster the security and integrity of legal documents. In addition, Data Analytics and Big Data are becoming indispensable tools for legal professionals. These technologies support case strategy development, legal spending analysis, and trend identification in litigation and regulatory enforcement. A data-driven approach empowers legal teams to make informed and strategic decisions.

However, in an era where technological advancements are happening at an unprecedented pace, it can feel daunting to ensure that a legal department remains up to date. As Head of Legal Corporate at Auchan Retail International, I have developed strategies to stay informed and agile in this fast-changing landscape. Continuous learning plays a pivotal role; I regularly attend legal tech conferences, webinars, and workshops to gain insights into the latest trends and tools. Additionally, being an active participant in professional networks and communities, particularly LinkedIn groups focused on legal innovation, allows me to exchange ideas and stay informed about industry advancements. I also prioritise collaborating with legal tech startups and vendors, engaging with them to explore new tools and technologies. Participating in tests or pilot programs provides first-hand experience with these innovations, enabling me to assess their relevance and utility.

By embracing these practices, I remain attuned to technological developments and their potential impact on the legal profession. This proactive approach allows for strategic adaptation and innovation, ensuring that legal services evolve in step with emerging opportunities.