In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?

The role of the in-house counsel has undergone dramatic change. For in-house lawyers who are subject matter experts (SMEs), they are no longer just specialists but need to be ‘generalist specialists’ with the ability to think business, ponder policy developments, litigate, draft, and strategize in their own areas. We are becoming more of a bedrock advisor as we consider the needs of advice in different stages of business development and on diverse interests such as guidelines for ethical practice and social responsibility, shaping product, and client service. To succeed, we think beyond the traditional concept of client and think of people, society, and planet.

In-house legal departments must offer a more diverse range of employment opportunities with expanded but different roles such as in-house legal technologists, critical thinkers and analysts replacing the traditional legal and non-legal positions. What is oft-forgotten and oft-wrongly defined as soft skills are emphasised now more than ever; empathetic, creative, and technologically confident lawyers are highly appreciated, and the legal workplace should be expected to ignite curiosity and creativity for their lawyers to excel.

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

As the core legal advisor of data and privacy at Citi, our team is involved in all aspects of the company’s activities where it uses data and AI. There are no limits to the areas of business that our team can be involved in when it comes to the use of personal data. As a standalone legal team which is heavily collaborative with our tech and business colleagues, we advise, help, develop and can even innovate in blockchain, AI innovation, fintech, international cross-border data transfers, global HR, and future of work for our internal and external clients. The importance of data is continually emphasised and the need for SME legal advisors is essential given that the very life force of a business including sale, operation, and innovation cannot be successfully completed without effective data management.

As a global team, we’ve taken the initiative and branched out to multiple project groups by leading discussions and helping other teams and colleagues for their understanding of new laws in the AI, digital technology, and privacy. By developing a transfer mechanism system for cross-border data management, we have also advised on managing workforce data for the various stages of mobile working, work from home, return to work, medical and public health initiatives in the multi-disciplinary environments. We have played a leading role in the drive for the innovation chain in areas such as AI and digital policy by moving fast where we see key legislative and policy developments.