Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?   
I continuously strive to enhance the efficiency of my legal team while keeping expenses in check. One example is addressing the challenge of tracking ongoing legal matters and projects by introducing a cost-effective task management and collaboration platform which allowed us to create customised project boards, assign tasks, set deadlines, and facilitate seamless communication among team members. With real-time access to task status and improved communication, we were able to prioritise and optimise our workflow, and make more effective decisions during meetings.  

How do you balance your responsibilities as a GC with your involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters?  

I believe that balancing my responsibilities as general counsel with my involvement in dispute resolution and M&A matters requires effective time management and delegation. To ensure smooth operations, I prioritise empowering my team by providing them with the necessary authority and guidance to handle routine legal matters. By delegating tasks and responsibilities, I am able to focus on strategic legal matters, dispute resolution, and M&A activities. Regular team meetings, status updates, and clear expectations contribute to an efficient workflow and enable me to stay updated on critical matters without feeling overwhelmed. This approach allows me to effectively fulfil my role without compromising the quality of our legal services. 

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?   

General counsel have been experiencing notable transformations in their roles and responsibilities, and I foresee that these evolutions will continue to intensify over the coming years. The integration of technology, such as automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, will further optimise contract analysis, legal research, and compliance management for enhanced efficiency and decision-making. 

The increasing focus on data privacy and cybersecurity will demand more robust strategies to safeguard sensitive information and ensure compliance with evolving regulations, safeguarding companies from potential legal and reputational risks. 

Remote work and virtual collaboration, already accelerated by the recent pandemic, will continue to influence the legal profession, necessitating adaptation to virtual communication platforms and addressing legal implications related to remote work arrangements. 

Embracing data analytics will enable general counsel to identify trends, assess risks, and optimise legal strategies, allocating resources efficiently for better outcomes. 

Lastly, I believe that the emphasis on diversity and inclusion will be further highlighted, and general counsel will play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive work environments, promoting equal opportunities, and embracing diverse perspectives within their teams and organisations. 

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments? 

I see artificial intelligence and machine learning as the most significant drivers of change in the legal profession. AI-powered tools can assist with contract analysis, predicting case outcomes, and conducting due diligence in M&A transactions, thereby saving valuable time and resources. Additionally, blockchain technology has the potential to transform areas like contract execution and intellectual property rights. To stay informed on these developments, I regularly engage with legal technology providers, attend tech-focused legal conferences, and experiment with innovative tools and platforms.