Team size: Six

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

I believe a few technological advancements will impact the role of in-house legal teams. First, the automation of legal activities relating to conclusion of transactions, to drive favourable business outcomes. Second, the need to develop forward-looking legal technology strategies, supporting both short-term and long-term business goals. Third, the need for technology solutions that improve efficiency in predictable tasks, whilst being both cost efficient against both the opex and capex of the company. Lastly, more reliance on artificial intelligence and machine learning to reduce the need to increase department headcount and reliance on costly external advisory. All the above will allow for a distinct shift for in-house legal teams from being solely a home for legal expertise, to being a business enabler.

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

The most important cause for me from both a business and social perspective is the training of young professionals and fostering local home-grown professional talent. Mentorship is key in knowledge transfer and the fostering of growth. But more importantly, it is about an investment in building the country’s talent pool and strengthening expertise. Hence for me, it is a great honour when I am given an opportunity to mentor young professionals in my capacity. It is rewarding on many levels.

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

In my opinion, these are approachability, proactivity, a problem-solving mindset, and above all patience. One may be an ace lawyer, but unless they are approachable, then they won’t gain the trust of their colleagues who will them use then raise pertinent matters that need action. Also, one needs to be proactive as an in-house lawyer and a key partner for strategic and commercial matters.

Problem solving may not be a unique quality, but when in-house, one will be faced with unique situations that are not necessarily found in legal texts. Unique situations need unique solutions that adhere to applicable laws and regulations, whilst meeting stakeholders’ requirements.

In relation to patience, a successful in-house lawyer needs to have the foresight and understanding that we cannot always finalise matters on our time frame. In some instances, we need to recognise that relevant stakeholders need processing time to reach to the same conclusions we did, whilst in other instances, we need to recognise that our commercial counterparts just may have a better solution and we did not recognise it, because we have been focused on our perspectives. Reaching desired destinations takes patience, humbleness and foresight.