Team size: 16

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

DESFA’s Legal Division has developed its internal structure in such a way as to “mirror” all business units and activities of the Company. This ensures a maximum level of specialisation and familiarisation of the in-house lawyers with all activities of DESFA, allowing for swift and efficient responses to all needs. Therefore, every corporate department knows the lawyer they need to address for every item, such lawyer not only being specialised in the specific sector but also having monitored and followed major projects and items. Aiming to handle efficiently the needs of “internal customers” and service the company goals, in-house lawyers are integrated with different teams who are responsible for important projects and transactions; this ensures that their role is not limited to the interpretation of a legal rule, but instead, they are active members of every project and function. The result is fast response, time-saving and efficiency at low cost.   

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?  

Working with external lawyers who share the values and vision of the company is of utmost importance. DESFA’s Legal Division is constantly assessing its external legal support providers to ensure their support aligns with such values. Furthermore, we are developing an induction program for DESFA’s external legal advisors. This program will update existing and introduce new external lawyers who will work with us on DESFA’s values and ESG strategy, as well as all central policies adopted by the company. In addition to that, it will provide an overview of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to DESFA. This will facilitate the provision of legal support consistent with past cases. At the same time, in parallel, it will reduce costs related to the familiarisation of new external lawyers with the very specialized framework wherein DESFA operates.