Team size: Eight

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

Over the past year, our legal team has been pivotal in navigating and executing several high-profile legal engagements. These undertakings not only showcase our team’s legal acumen but also our strategic role in shaping the landscape of the automotive industry.

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

I believe that, in envisioning the future of the general counsel (GC) role in South Africa, we anticipate a significant evolution driven by a myriad of factors. Over the next five to ten years, the role is poised to transcend traditional legal advisory functions, becoming deeply integrated into the strategic heart of businesses.

GCs will be expected to actively engage in risk management and strategic decision-making, aligning legal advice with broader business objectives. A key aspect of this evolution will be the increased adoption of legal technology. As we move forward, the ability to leverage digital tools and artificial intelligence for efficient legal management and enhanced decision-making will be crucial. This integration will also extend to areas such as cybersecurity and data protection, which are becoming increasingly vital in our digital age.

The general counsel’s role in ensuring adherence to evolving regulations, both domestically and internationally, will become more pronounced. Moreover, there is an expected shift towards a stronger emphasis on ethical leadership and practices within organisations.

Another significant area of evolution will be in ESG. GCs will be at the forefront of advising on sustainability challenges and aligning corporate strategies with ESG goals. Diversity and inclusion will also be pivotal. The future sees GCs as champions of diversity within the legal profession and their organisations, ensuring that legal services being procured are inclusive of historically disadvantaged individuals and facilitate the transformation of the legal industry.

Furthermore, as businesses increasingly operate on a global scale, the role will demand a more international perspective. Navigating cross-border legal challenges will require not only an understanding of international law but also the ability to collaborate effectively across jurisdictions.

Finally, the evolving role will demand continuous learning and adaptability. General counsel will need to consistently update their skill set to keep pace with changes in law, technology, and global business practices. Leadership and management skills will be as essential as legal expertise, especially as the role evolves into a more strategic partnership, rather than remaining a mere legal advisory position. The general counsel’s role in South Africa is set to become more dynamic and integral to business success, requiring a blend of strategic insight, technological savvy, ethical leadership, and a global perspective.

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

In-house lawyers play a unique and crucial role in building strong relationships with business partners – it involves a multifaceted approach.

Firstly, it is imperative for in-house lawyers to have a deep understanding of the business that they work within. This goes beyond legal aspects; it encompasses understanding the business goals, challenges, market dynamics, and the competitive landscape. By comprehending the business in its entirety, lawyers can provide tailored, pragmatic legal advice that aligns with business objectives. Secondly lawyers must be adept communicators, including the ability to simplify complex legal concepts. Moreover, effective communication involves active listening, a skill essential for comprehending the concerns and perspectives of business partners.

Furthermore, in-house lawyers should adopt a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. This entails anticipating potential legal issues and addressing them before they escalate. Proactive legal advice can be a significant asset to the business, helping to avoid pitfalls and take advantage of opportunities.

Fourth, building strong relationships with business partners involves collaboration. This includes working closely with various departments, understanding their roles, and contributing legal insights that aid in decision-making. It is about being a team player and a trusted advisor.

It is also a non-negotiable that you uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. This builds trust, which is the foundation of any strong relationship. Business partners must know that they can rely on legal to guide them with honesty and integrity.

Lastly, continuous learning and adaptability are crucial. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, especially in a dynamic industry like automotive. In-house lawyers must be committed to continuous learning and adaptability to stay ahead of legal trends and regulatory changes. This ensures that the advice we provide is not only relevant but also forward-thinking. It is crucial to ensuring that the legal department is not just a function but a strategic partner.