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

One of the most significant transactions that my legal team has recently been involved in was conducting a privacy assessment for a startup company that focuses on vehicle connectivity. This was a complex and important task, as the company’s core business involves collecting and using vast amounts of data from connected vehicles, which raises various privacy and data protection issues.

To conduct the privacy assessment, my legal team first worked closely with the company and the relevant stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of their business operations and data collection practices. We reviewed the privacy policies, data security protocols, and third-party contracts, as well as the relevant legal and regulatory requirements in their jurisdiction.

Based on our analysis, we identified several areas where the company needed to improve its privacy and data protection practices. For example, we recommended that they update their privacy policy to provide more detailed information about the types of data they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with. We also recommended that they implement additional security measures to protect the data they collect, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication.

In addition, we provided guidance on how the company could comply with relevant privacy and data protection laws, such as the GDPR in the European Union and the PDPA in Malaysia. We advised the company on its obligations to obtain consent from individuals for the collection and use of their data, to provide individuals with access to their data and the ability to delete it, and to implement appropriate safeguards for the transfer of data to third parties.

Overall, the privacy assessment was a crucial step in helping the startup company to establish strong privacy and data protection practices. By identifying areas of risk and providing practical recommendations for improvement, my legal team helped the company to build trust with its customers and partners and to comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

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

One of the most significant skills that corporate legal teams will need in the coming decade is technological proficiency. As more legal functions become automated and digitised, it is crucial for legal teams to have a strong understanding of technology and how it can impact the legal profession. This includes the ability to use e-discovery tools, analyse data, and work with AI-powered legal tools. As legal departments increasingly rely on technology to streamline their work and improve efficiency, technological proficiency will be essential for legal teams to stay competitive.

Corporate legal teams also need to have a strong understanding of the business and its objectives. Legal departments are no longer seen as a separate entity within the business, but rather as an integral part of the company’s overall strategy. Legal teams must collaborate effectively with other departments, provide strategic advice, and align legal advice with business goals. Having a deep understanding of the company’s operations and objectives will be critical for legal teams to provide valuable insights and make informed decisions.

Project management skills are also becoming increasingly important for corporate legal teams. Many legal matters involve large, complex projects, and legal teams need to be able to manage these projects effectively to ensure they are completed on time and within budget. Good project management skills can also help legal teams to identify and mitigate risks, allocate resources effectively, and keep stakeholders informed throughout the process.

Interpersonal skills are another critical skill set for legal teams. As the legal industry becomes more collaborative, legal professionals need to be able to build strong relationships with stakeholders both within and outside the organisation. This includes the ability to work effectively with colleagues, clients, and outside counsel. Good interpersonal skills can help legal professionals to establish trust and credibility, which can ultimately lead to more successful outcomes.

Finally, corporate legal teams need to develop change management skills to adapt to the rapidly changing legal landscape. The legal industry is constantly evolving, and legal teams need to be able to anticipate and respond to changes quickly. This includes changes in the regulatory environment, shifts in business priorities, and the introduction of new technologies. Legal teams that can stay ahead of these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly will be better positioned to succeed in the modern in-house industry.