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 organisation’s resilience?  

As head of legal and compliance for a telecommunications company, managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis requires a proactive, adaptable, and aligned approach to ensure resilience. In these times, telecommunications companies face heightened pressures, from regulatory shifts to cyber threats and operational disruptions. Our legal strategy plays a central role in navigating these challenges and reinforcing the broader business strategy, especially when rapid decisions and sound risk management are crucial.  

The cornerstone of our approach is a risk-responsive legal framework that is flexible enough to adapt to new issues and resilient enough to manage uncertainty. This framework involves continuously monitoring potential and emerging risks—such as regulatory changes, cybersecurity threats, and supply chain disruptions—and developing response strategies in advance. Our legal team collaborates with various business units to ensure that we have comprehensive and clear protocols in place for responding to crises. These protocols are tested and updated regularly, incorporating insights from past experiences, industry developments, and regulatory trends. 

For example, in anticipation of regulatory changes, we maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies and stay actively involved in industry discussions. This ensures that we’re not only prepared to comply with new regulations but also positioned to influence their development in a way that aligns with both our business strategy and industry best practices. 

During crises, decision-making must be rapid but well-informed. Legal issues often impact many areas, from technology and finance to customer relations and public perception. To address this, we maintain close communication with other departments to foster a collaborative and integrated approach to crisis management. By working closely with IT, finance, and operational teams, we ensure that legal considerations are factored into all key decisions. 

For instance, if a cyber incident occurs, the legal team immediately partners with IT and compliance teams to assess the extent of the breach, manage disclosure obligations, and ensure customer protection. Our role involves evaluating potential liabilities, advising on communication strategies, and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. Through this collaborative approach, we not only safeguard the company’s legal position but also protect our customers and our reputation. 

Our legal strategy is not isolated but is tightly woven into the company’s broader business resilience strategy. This alignment ensures that we are not only managing risks but also supporting the company’s goals of continuity, customer trust, and innovation. By focusing on proactive compliance and adaptability, we create a legal foundation that enables the business to respond swiftly and effectively to change. 

For example, during financial or operational instability, we conduct legal reviews to assess and potentially renegotiate critical contracts, ensuring favourable terms and minimizing exposure to counterparty risks. By doing so, we help preserve our company’s financial stability and operational continuity, aligning legal risk management with broader business goals. 

To be prepared for unexpected crises, we conduct regular scenario planning and crisis simulations. These exercises allow our legal team to test and refine response strategies, ensuring that we are prepared for various contingencies—from supply chain disruptions to regulatory changes. Such planning not only builds legal readiness but also strengthens organizational resilience by fostering a culture of preparedness. 

In times of crisis, transparency is key to maintaining trust with stakeholders, including regulators, customers, and employees. Our legal team plays a critical role in advising on transparent communication practices. We provide guidance on disclosures, regulatory reporting, and public statements, ensuring that all communications are clear, accurate, and compliant with legal obligations. This transparency helps manage public perception and strengthens stakeholder confidence in our company’s ability to handle crises responsibly. 

In summary, managing legal aspects during instability requires a balanced approach of proactive risk management, cross-functional collaboration, and alignment with the broader business strategy. By focusing on adaptability, transparency, and resilience, we ensure that our legal strategy supports the company’s ability to navigate crises, safeguard stakeholder interests, and emerge stronger.  

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?  

General Counsel can foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles by taking a strategic and ongoing approach. First, leadership must commit to ESG, aligning company values with sustainability, social responsibility, and governance. General Counsel plays a key role in crafting and communicating these commitments to all levels of the organization, ensuring they are integral to the company’s identity. 

Visible leadership commitment is crucial for credibility. General Counsel can help demonstrate that ESG is not just a requirement but a shared value that influences decision-making. By integrating ESG into company policies and daily operations—such as sustainable sourcing or diversity-focused hiring—these principles become part of functional processes. Training programs should also reinforce ESG from the outset, ensuring employees understand their role in upholding these values. 

To foster accountability, general counsel should establish measurable ESG goals and track progress using key performance indicators (KPIs). Regularly reporting on these metrics reinforces transparency and shows commitment to continuous improvement. Cross-functional collaboration is also important, encouraging teams to work together to achieve shared ESG goals, which enhances employee engagement and understanding. 

Engaging stakeholders and maintaining transparency is key to building trust. Regular reporting and open communication about ESG efforts—such as through sustainability reports or town halls—encourages feedback and demonstrates the company’s commitment to ESG, even when challenges arise. 

Finally, general counsel should foster a culture of continuous improvement by staying updated on ESG regulations and best practices, ensuring the company adapts to new developments. 

In summary, fostering an ESG-supportive culture requires clear commitment, integration into policies, accountability, collaboration, transparency, and continuous learning. This approach ensures ESG principles are actively practiced and aligned with the company’s long-term sustainability and ethical goals.