Team size: Four

Why are in-house lawyers well placed to drive change in their organisation?

In-house lawyers are the doctors of our organisations; we diagnose and manage legal and regulatory risks and liabilities, identify key areas where changes and improvements are necessary, and effectively advise management in proceeding with strategic decisions.

As we deal with almost all departments within the organisation – from front, middle and back offices to management positions – we are well positioned to have a holistic understanding of the organisation’s business and operations. This, combined with our legal expertise, resources, and network, enable us to steer the organisation away from unethical and illegal practices, keep up with the trends, and help the business sustain its growth the healthy (legal and ethical) way.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

In an age where technology is rapidly advancing and artificial intelligence is becoming a threat to our relevance, in-house counsels should be familiar and leverage on new technologies, be adaptable, and enhance their emotional intelligence.

Corporate teams should be aware of the existence of tools that could help increase efficiency in work output – and be skilled in using them to their advantage. Legal teams should also be at the forefront of legal developments in relation to the business and be open to new approaches as well.

More importantly, corporate legal teams should continue developing their emotional intelligence, whatever industry they may find themselves in. What separates us from AI, or any new technology is the human element – we can empathise with our stakeholders, be present, have regular communications, and build strong relationships with them. This enables us to effectively address their concerns and sincerely advocate for their positions. Emotional intelligence would also allow us to be resilient and manage our own stress at work.