Team size: Eight

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

Artificial intelligence generally, and machine learning specifically, have the potential to drastically change the way in-house lawyers operate. When used in the right way, lawyers and legal teams will benefit from greater automation, standardisation, accuracy, and consistency in the way legal advice is prepared, researched, and delivered.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

I believe in the power of multicultural and multinational teams working together to bring about positive change. At the Technology Innovation Institute, we have 63 different nationalities represented, meaning we work, and innovate, in an environment where different approaches, ideas, and beliefs are welcomed and actively encouraged. In today’s often polarised world, it is important that these diverse backgrounds and values are promoted and celebrated.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Being a good lawyer, in the traditional sense, is no longer sufficient. Successful in-house lawyers must possess qualities that transcend pure legal knowledge. They must be commercially aware, technologically literate, expert stakeholder managers, and accomplished multi-taskers – all whilst acting as strategic advisers to support and guide the organisations they work for.

What can law firms do to improve their service to the legal department?

The Technology Innovation Institute is fortunate to work with a panel of first-class law firms. What makes our legal advisers stand out is their commercial awareness and understanding of how a business is run. This ensures their advice is pragmatic, practical, reliable, and clear – all of which are key characteristics of quality external legal advice.