How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organization’s resilience? 

Considering that risk management is crucial during periods of instability or crises, my preferred approach is to implement proactive risk management mechanisms by collaborating with other departments (such as finance or compliance) to identify and address risks early, ensuring organisational resilience. Conducting regular risk assessments and scenario planning are essential ways to prepare for various types of crises.

Communication and coordination are also key to supporting business continuity during times of instability. By aligning legal strategy closely with business objectives and ensuring strong communication, we can make sure legal considerations support the overall goals of the organisation. This means prioritising collaboration with business leaders to understand their vision for achieving the company’s goals and integrating legal advice into their strategic decision-making.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company? 

The company has taken several measures to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations. These include implementing energy-efficient practices across its facilities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, launching programs to minimise waste generation and improve recycling efforts, and focusing on designing more sustainable products by using environmentally friendly materials and reducing the environmental impact of product manufacturing. Additionally, the company works with suppliers to ensure they adhere to sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint, while also encouraging employees to participate in relevant initiatives and providing training on sustainable practices.

The role of legal counsel in driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company is central, as they are at the forefront of mitigating legal risks associated with non-compliance with evolving environmental, social, and economic legal requirements. Legal counsels assist in the development and implementation of corporate policies that promote sustainability and ethical practices, while advising the board and senior management on integrating sustainability into the company’s governance framework. Furthermore, in collaboration with other internal stakeholders (such as sourcing), legal counsel ensure that suppliers and partners adhere to the company’s sustainability standards.

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?  

For me, artificial intelligence and big data analytics are emerging technologies that can greatly assist in automating routine tasks such as document review, legal research, and contract analysis, while also ensuring efficiency and reducing costs. Big data analytics tools are especially helpful in litigation, aiding in e-discovery and uncovering critical insights from large volumes of electronic data. They also play a crucial role in risk management by identifying potential legal risks through pattern detection and anomaly analysis. Additionally, by providing real-time monitoring of regulatory changes, these tools help legal counsels ensure ongoing compliance and mitigate legal risks.

Furthermore, I view cybersecurity as an increasingly important technology that can help legal professionals manage sensitive information securely, protecting both individual and company data from breaches and cyber threats.

To stay up to date, I make it a priority to attend industry conferences, seminars, and webinars focused on legal technology. I also find networking with peers to be an excellent way to exchange knowledge and insights on new technologies.