Team size: Five

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?

We have created a digital task board where each team member has listed all their tasks, assigned estimated response timelines, categorised them by priority, and assigned responsibilities. Team members can easily collaborate by adding comments and attachments to tasks, making it a centralised hub for project-related communication. The system sends out automatic notifications when tasks are assigned, completed, or have upcoming deadlines, reducing the need for manual reminders. The visual board allows team members to see the progress of all projects immediately, which reduces the need for lengthy status update meetings.

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

I joined the organisation in May 2023 and set up the entire legal and compliance function. Over the past almost six months, we have grown to a team size of approximately five attorneys and qualified company secretaries. We have been working on creating a repository for drafts of our critical contracts and have established systems and processes for more efficient document execution and coordination between the business teams and the legal teams. We have successfully led numerous transactions to closure, including those with leading industry conglomerates. These transactions involve complex structuring in a highly regulated sector, including equity infusion in the relevant solar project and long-term power off-take agreements for up to 25 years. Additionally, I have also worked on all shareholder-related matters, including board and governance matters, with The Partners Group.

If you had to give advice to an aspiring in-house lawyer or general counsel, what would it be and why?

Build a strong foundation in legal knowledge and skills. This includes staying updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry-specific issues. This is key to success. Stay updated on legal developments through courses, seminars, and professional organisations. Get to know the company inside and out. Understand its industry, competitors, products or services, and the challenges it faces. Learn the language of business, understand financial statements, corporate structures, and KPIs. 

In-house lawyers are often seen as problem solvers. Focus on finding practical solutions to legal issues that align with the company’s goals and risk tolerance. It is important to develop strong relationships with colleagues, most importantly the business and finance teams. This will help you understand the company’s needs and build trust. Network with other in-house lawyers and legal professionals to gain insights and share best practices.

As an in-house lawyer, you must uphold the highest ethical standards in all your actions. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is crucial to protect the company from legal risks. Be an effective communicator. Simplify complex legal matters for non-legal colleagues and executives. Keep stakeholders informed about legal developments that could impact the company. Clear communication is key in any legal role.

Furthermore, understand that the legal landscape is constantly evolving. Stay flexible and adapt to changing laws, regulations, and industry trends. Understand the company’s risk appetite and work to mitigate risks within acceptable levels. Develop risk management strategies that protect the company’s interests while allowing it to pursue its business objectives. 

Another important point for the modern industry, embrace legal technology tools and platforms that can streamline legal processes, improve efficiency, and provide valuable data analytics. Finally, building a successful career in-house may take time. Be patient and persevere through challenges and setbacks.