Team size: 15

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

Automation of standard contracts is progressing fast. Various solutions are being offered in the market. This will reduce the reliance on in-house teams to prepare standard contracts. The role can be handled by other functions such as procurement in FMCG companies and the leasing department in real estate businesses. As an organisation we have implemented a solution and started using it. This has resulted in efficiency and freed up lawyers to focus on other matters and added value work. Also, moving to a paperless environment is being facilitated by the use of digital signatures, virtual data rooms and other digital solutions for saving documents. This would reduce admin work and result in more efficiency.

In summary, technological advancement will not replace in-house legal functions but will have an impact on the size and structure of legal functions and the skill set of lawyers that organisations would require.

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

Giving opportunity to students and interns to train and get exposure to the way an in-house team functions is a cause that we care about. We offer this opportunity to students on a regular basis to allow them to decide whether law is the practice that they wish to pursue. For students who have already started legal studies this helps them understand how the legal team interacts with the rest of the functions within an organisation and applies their theoretical knowledge in practice.

Continuous development and training of the in-house team is another area that we focus on to ensure that they are up to date with developments.

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

Simplicity is a key element of success for any in-house lawyer. Providing accurate but simple advice is critical. Straight to the point email and advice, as well as strong and clear communication skills are essential.

Also, understanding business priorities and working closely with the management are key. They allow the in-house team to focus on what matters and handle work efficiently and review decisions from a legal and commercial perspective.

Working with other functions as business partners and treating peers as clients. It is important to strike a balance between enforcing policies and mitigating risks and addressing the concerns of business partners.

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

They can do these three things: understand the business of their client and the industry that their client operates in is important to provide the right legal support while addressing commercial necessities. They can assign a small team with the right expertise to avoid various layers of supervision within the firm and high legal fees and utilise artificial intelligence and technology especially when it comes to litigation and the need to get constant update and set out strategies.