Team size: Seven

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? 

As the general counsel, my primary focus has always been to optimise our legal team’s performance while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I am pleased to report that we have achieved just that through a series of innovative changes.   

Digital document management. We have successfully transitioned to a robust digital document management system. This not only reduces the need for physical storage but also enables quicker and more secure access to critical legal documents. Our team can now collaborate on documents in real-time, reducing redundancy and errors. 

AI-enhanced legal research. The introduction of AI-powered legal research tools has revolutionised how we gather and analyse case law and legal precedents. This innovation significantly reduces the time spent on research and allows us to provide more accurate and up-to-date advice to our clients.   

Furthermore, we have adopted a cloud-based platform for collaboration and project management. This tool streamlines communication among team members, improves task tracking, and facilitates better project coordination. It also enhances transparency and accountability. 

Workflow Automation. Implementing workflow automation has eliminated many time-consuming, manual, and repetitive tasks. Our team now has more time to focus on higher-value work, such as strategic legal counsel, as routine administrative tasks are streamlined. 

These innovations have been implemented without incurring significant additional expenses. They leverage existing resources, making our team more efficient and client focused. These initiatives have already begun to yield tangible benefits, such as reduced turnaround times, improved accuracy, and increased client satisfaction.

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

The legal team played a pivotal role in orchestrating TPG’s substantial investment in Fractal, a global provider of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics solutions for Fortune 500 companies. This involvement entailed a comprehensive array of responsibilities, including due diligence, documentation, negotiation of the definitive investment agreement, and the successful closing of the transaction. Of noteworthy importance is TPG’s impressive investment amounting to US$360 million, which was channelled through TPG Capital Asia, the firm’s specialised private equity platform focused on the Asian market. This transaction comprised both a primary investment and a secondary share acquisition from funds advised by Apax. This strategic manoeuvre effectively propelled Fractal into the coveted realm of unicorn status, a designation earned through the significant infusion of capital from TPG Capital.

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

To aspiring in-house lawyers and future general counsel, my advice is simple but critical. Prioritise a deep understanding of both the law and your organisation’s business. In-house legal roles are about more than just knowing the law; they demand a strategic alignment of legal counsel with the company’s goals and values. Strong communication, ethical integrity, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit will be your guiding stars. Remember that in this role, you have the unique opportunity not only to protect the organisation but also to actively contribute to its success. Embrace this, and you will find a rewarding and impactful career ahead.