Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an in-house counsel? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field? 

My journey as an in-house counsel has been greatly influenced by the professional individuals I have been surrounded by and the way they have facilitated my path. I began my legal career somewhat later, but it felt like the right timing. I was not initially certain about becoming a lawyer until I joined the legal department, and that’s when I realised that it is in my blood. The opportunity to work as in-house counsel opened my eyes to the passion and aptitude I have for this field.

In your role as an in-house counsel, what are the main responsibilities and tasks you handle on a day-to-day basis? 

My main responsibilities include leveraging my knowledge of all the ‘nuts and wires’ within the great company I work for to anticipate potential risks and to safeguard the company’s interests, as in house counsel you always need to navigate a wide range of legal areas and skills and even not legal skills to make the difference on what path you will lead your co-workers and internal clients.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced as a rising star in-house counsel, and how have you overcome them? 

Some of the key challenges I have faced as an in-house lawyer are balancing the pace demanded by the company with that of external legal firms, as well as immersing them in the complexities of our operations. Additionally, aligning business needs with the company’s values to mitigate risks swiftly has been crucial. The key, I believe, is clear communication of risks and potential outcomes to enable quick decision-making and consistently seeking input from experts to anticipate all possible scenarios.

What steps have you taken to enhance your professional development and expand your legal skill set? 

Staying updated and participating in forums that are not necessarily about legal issues, knowing how the company works gives you fundamental tools to face challenges and risks, thus making you part of the solution.