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

We have concluded a R200m per annum logistics joint venture over a ten-year period, which represents a combination of commercial operational mechanisms and a concession agreement. Additionally, we have spearheaded and consolidated three separate global entities in a joint merger.

How do you see the general counsel role evolving in South Africa over the next five-ten years?

The role of the general counsel (GC) has evolved significantly in South Africa. However, with the introduction of cross-functional teams, cross-functional skills, and the increased adoption of legal technology, it is expected to undergo significant evolution over the next five years.

As the legal landscape continues to change, GCs have moved from simply acting in an advisory function and have assumed the position of strategic directional partners. They have taken on a more strategic and proactive role within organisations. Going forward, they will be responsible for navigating complex regulatory environments, driving digital transformation, and ensuring ethical business practices.

Additionally, GCs will be instrumental in addressing emerging legal and compliance challenges, managing cybersecurity risks, and overseeing diverse legal teams. Their focus on sustainability, diversity, and inclusion will also become more prominent as they guide organisations through increased social and environmental responsibilities.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?

It goes without saying that the role of in-house legal teams is being transformed by several technological advancements that are shaping the legal industry. These advancements are poised to have a significant impact on how legal teams operate and deliver value within organisations. Some key technological advancements have impacted the role of my in-house legal team.

Advanced data analytics and visualisation tools have enabled my team to gain deeper insights from complex legal data, track key performance indicators, and make data-driven decisions. These tools empower legal professionals to identify trends, mitigate risks, and optimise legal strategies based on actionable data.

Furthermore, contract lifecycle management (CLM) softwares have provided my teams with end-to-end contract management capabilities, including drafting, negotiation, approval workflows, and compliance management. These platforms have enabled my teams to standardise contract processes across multiple jurisdictions, reduce turnaround times, and ensure contractual compliance across the organisation.

Another innovation is cloud-based collaboration tools, which empower legal teams across multiple jurisdictions to work efficiently with geographically dispersed teams, external counsel, and other stakeholders. These platforms facilitate secure document sharing, real-time collaboration, and version control, enabling agile and responsive legal operations in a virtual environment. This has probably been the most beneficial.

These technological advancements are reshaping the role of in-house legal teams by unlocking greater efficiency, improving decision-making, and enabling legal professionals to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives within their organisations. Embracing these advancements can empower legal teams to navigate the complexities of modern business and legal landscapes, while delivering enhanced value to the organisations they serve.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

In having performed this role in various organisations, both in an advisory capacity and as a company secretary, my experience has taught me that in-house lawyers can build strong relationships with business partners by fostering open communication, understanding business needs, providing proactive legal guidance, offering practical solutions, and aligning legal strategies with the company’s objectives. We also establish trust, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and partnership. Regularly engaging with business partners, seeking feedback, and adapting to the company’s culture and values further strengthens the relationship.