How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic brought new risks and tough challenges for a financial conglomerate like Generali. However, instead of being discouraged, in-house counsel enhanced their commercial awareness and improved their existing skills in different areas of law as well as business. We are the guardians of our company, business, and stakeholders. With the proactive and innovative approach, we contribute to constant evolution of legal frameworks as well as social and environmental changes.

In a changing financial landscape, how does the company remain competitive against new phenomena such as fintech and blockchain, and how does the legal team assist with this?

It is pointless to constantly compete against potential competitors. What is important is to keep ahead of the competition by absorbing innovative ideas and actively contributing to the development and transformation of the legal and business markets. To make it happen, in-house lawyers are required to proactively follow the stream of news, constantly expand their knowledge of legal tools, and take part in business deals by asserting the company’s value.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of an in-house legal role compared to a private practice one?

Regardless of their nature of work, in-house or private practice, the unifying purpose of the work is to balance the needs of their clients and the compliance of law. The pros of working in an in-house legal department are the opportunities to be part of the overarching business of their company. Thus, they are more likely to be involved in significant roles shaping the company’s mission, rather than focusing on a few cases from different clients. Having undertaken projects both in a good and bad time for the company, in-house lawyers can be put in a position where they can use the company as fertile ground and grow enormously as a lawyer.