What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

Over the past year, my team and I have engaged in a variety of impactful projects across the BeNeLux and Nordic regions. These projects have included strategic partnerships, (pre-)litigation matters, high-value settlements, new product launches, governmental investigations, and complex contracting matters. Additionally, I have had the privilege of contributing to several of our Legal Department’s global goals, particularly in areas such as antitrust, AI, and Optimisation Centers.

One standout project in the Netherlands involved supporting Abbott’s Diabetes Care Division in forming an innovative cooperation agreement with a Dutch HealthTech company. This company developed a smartphone application that enables dieticians to provide medical and dietary advice to diabetic patients based on glucose data from Abbott’s FSL2 sensors. This partnership was a strategic pillar for 2024 for our Abbott Diabetes Division in the Netherlands, expanding its reach to a broader patient base. More importantly, this collaboration helps patients monitor their diabetes through lifestyle coaching, ultimately enabling them to live healthier lives, making this project particularly meaningful.

What do you think is the greatest innovation you have enacted in the past year?

Abbott’s commitment to innovation led to the global implementation of an AI tool. As part of the pilot team, I was responsible for testing the tool’s capabilities and designing user guidelines. We conducted a thorough assessment of our legal team’s main activities to identify areas where AI technology could enhance efficiency and impact. Based on this assessment, we developed training materials and delivered dedicated workshops for Abbott lawyers on the optimal use of this AI tool.

Recognising that lawyers often view such innovations with skepticism, we highlighted the significant potential of AI support to enhance efficiency in the legal and consulting sectors. Regardless of personal opinions, these technologies are inevitable and will become essential to day-to-day in-house legal operations.

Currently, as a follow-up project, we are mapping legal innovation environments and evaluating potential learnings to further improve the efficiency, innovation, and impact of Abbott’s Legal Department. Our goal is to identify and scope solutions in terms of systems, processes, data, skills, and technology to address prioritized needs, paving the way for their implementation.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A strong foundation in legal expertise and knowledge are often mentioned amongst the most important attributes for in-house legal counsels. In my view, having business acumen is equally important, while maintaining independent judgment. Understanding the company’s industry, market dynamics, business model, and strategic goals allows a modern in-house counsel to provide practical, tailored, and relevant legal guidance. This also helps earn the trust of business leadership, securing a “seat at the table” during leadership meetings and becoming a trusted advisor to the management.

Problem-solving skills are also vital. An effective in-house counsel should analyse complex situations, identify potential risks, and develop legally sound solutions that minimize risk exposure. Communication skills are crucial as well. Being able to explain complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders, drafting clear legal documents, presenting legal guidance to executives, and negotiating with external parties are key aspects of the role. Strong interpersonal and language skills also help in building relationships within the organisation. Ethical judgment and integrity are non-negotiable.

Lastly, adaptability and resilience are essential in today’s rapidly changing world. Being open to new technologies and business practices (including AI) and remaining calm under pressure, especially in litigation and investigation matters, are increasingly important traits for a modern in-house counsel.