Team size: Four

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

Nokia Networks is a leading provider of network solutions involving the construction of telecommunication infrastructure for mobile and fixed-line networks, encompassing 5G, 4G LTE, and earlier generations. The company enables IoT connectivity and solutions, including smart cities, industrial automation, and more. Additionally, Nokia Networks offers cloud and virtualisation offerings, software development, and analytics for network management and optimisation. The company also provides managed services, enterprise networking, and supports digital transformation.

Within the above scope of multi-million-euro deals, our legal team negotiates and ensures the protection and mitigation of Nokia’s risks while fostering and maintaining excellent relationships with Nokia customers. In addition, our team provides legal counsel on daily operations within a corporate governance framework that ensures ethical standards in line with Nokia’s code of conduct and anti-corruption policies.

We take pride in contributing within our scope to advance and transform technology access and infrastructure for the benefit of economies. As lawyers, the building and fostering of relationships, both internally and externally, are key to ensuring the progressive enhancement of Nokia’s capabilities and offerings.

Specific examples include the recent negotiation of a commercial deal with our customer for the construction of a telecommunications network in Ethiopia, following the awarding of a new telecommunications license by the regulator. The multi-million-euro deal involved complex contractual engagements aimed at supporting our customer in assisting the country to realise its digital potential. The goal was to leverage technology to increase connectivity for its citizens and boost the economy.

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

The general counsel role will require greater adaptability and the continuous updating of its skill set to address the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation, regulatory changes, economic shifts, emphasis on ESG, remote working, and technology, as well as an increased focus on ethics and compliance. More proactive and deliberate engagement is needed to anticipate change and contribute to business strategy as thought leaders, rather than just as advisors. General counsel will also need to cultivate a tech-savvy mindset to enable the use of digital transformation for creating better efficiencies within their environments.

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

Being approachable and positioning yourself as a partner in finding solutions pave the way for better collaboration and trust. Organisations need solutions-oriented partners. Invest in relationships to gain a deeper understanding of the overall business goals and objectives and align your legal strategy. Within an ever-changing world, in-house lawyers must always demonstrate adaptability, accessibility, responsiveness, willingness, and the softer skills needed to strengthen collaboration; at the same time, lead ethically. Businesses look to in-house counsel to lead the way.