Team size: Two

What impact did the pandemic have on the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries in Ireland?

It has been a privilege to work in the pharma industry in Ireland throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The importance of the industry and the role it plays were thrown into the spotlight. In a heavily regulated environment, there is always a need for legal guidance and strategic approach but in figuring out a new way of working, even greater analysis was required. We were required to satisfy demand and distribute medicines to the right place at the right time whilst anticipating future need. My colleagues and I worked accurse time zones and jurisdictions to ensure that demand was met.

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

Over the next few years, there will be more of a move towards cross collaboration and a multi-jurisdictional approach to legal support. As a legal director sitting on the leadership team, I see the once traditional role of the in-house lawyer as solely a legal adviser, evolving and moving towards more of an overall risk management position, prioritising and advising on strategic issues.

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

It has been a privilege providing legal support to Pfizer during the pandemic. I must single out the legal work involved in the vaccines area during this time as the most significant of my career to date. The issues faced were new ones for which there was no playbook. To handle new challenges, the cross collaboration between teams has been done together with new considerations, the hard work, effort, and dedication to get the job done. These were key to positive outcomes as well as Pfizer’s purpose which provides breakthroughs in changing patients’ lives.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

In the new digital world, it will be essential to have digital skills, knowledge, and legal expertise to advise on digital projects and strategies. With increasing regulation adding to workload, there will be more demand to concentrate on and look at how the in-house lawyer adds value. Legal teams will need to increase efficiency and empower business colleagues by providing principles-based advice. To successfully do so, they need to create more room for meaningful work whilst educating and trusting our business partners in the risk management space.