What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Our legal team has been instrumental in supporting our client service teams, excelling in three pivotal areas: top-level client service, protection of our firm, and dedication to thought leadership and partnership. These focus areas have not only bolstered our capabilities, but have also positioned us to deliver holistic impact. In particular, our involvement in complex negotiations has strengthened our client relationships and safeguarded our firm’s interests. This support covers every aspect of the firm’s day-to-day operations and underscores our integral role in supporting the firm’s strategy.

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

Success as an in-house lawyer in our industry is built on a blend of courage, excellence, responsibility, and an innovative spirit. These qualities are epitomised by our commitment to Thought Partnership—our ethos of being more than just legal advisors or a back-office operation. We strive to deeply understand the challenges our stakeholders face, providing insights and guidance that extend well beyond conventional legal advice. This thought leadership, combined with a solution-oriented mindset, enable us to help our stakeholders navigate complex legal landscapes and advance our business objectives.

Additionally, our dedication to excellence and collaboration means prioritising clear communication, teamwork, and exceptional client service, ensuring our strategies are seamlessly aligned with our stakeholders’ values and vision.

How have you fostered closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

Building strong relationships within a corporate framework demands time and a proven record as effective thought partners and legal counsel. This requires challenging the traditional support model and embracing a role for lawyers as entrepreneurs—a mindset typically reserved for business strategists.

Historically, in-house legal teams were primarily seen as technical support, crucial for drafting and negotiating legal agreements. Their efficiency was judged by their “speed-to-contract,” innovative contract and process designs, and the strategic use of technology aligned with business priorities. Their adeptness in managing risk and balancing the economic and legal interests of the firm throughout the contractual process was also key.

Today, while these elements remain fundamental, they merely set the baseline. Our mission has evolved; our legal team professionals now serve as trusted advisors to the firm’s leadership, influencing the entire business agenda. We achieve this through delivering sharp legal insights and cutting-edge solutions that simplify complex situations, fostering a dynamic interplay with all areas of the business to continuously improve client service and legal risk management.

Our lawyers fully immerse in the business landscape, building trusted partnerships through continuous commitment. This alignment empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions more frequently, reinforcing trust, and cementing our legal team’s role in the organisation’s strategic success.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

At the heart of our firm lies a profound commitment not just to excel in what we do, but to forge an unrivalled environment that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional people. This principle transcends the confines of our office walls and is a passionate endeavour that I carry into every aspect of my life.

I firmly believe that the true strength of any team is directly linked to the well-being and capabilities of its members. This conviction drives our mission to invest deeply in our people. By nurturing their skills and fostering an atmosphere ripe with opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation, we do more than just enhance individual careers. We empower our entire team to contribute meaningfully to our firm’s overarching goals.

Our commitment is to foster a workplace where exceptional talent thrives, creativity is ignited, and every individual feels valued and inspired. This is not just a strategy—it is our passion. It is how we ensure that our team not only succeeds in the business landscape of today, but also shapes the innovations of tomorrow.