Team size :   + 20 

  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?  

Managing legal risks during periods of instability or crisis is crucial for any organization. Our approach prioritizes proactive measures, adaptability, and clear communication, ensuring alignment with our overall business strategy to foster resilience. 

We begin with a comprehensive risk assessment, identifying potential legal challenges such as regulatory shifts, contractual vulnerabilities, and litigation risks. This allows us to develop robust contingency plans that address potential disruptions and ensure business continuity. These plans include communication protocols, crisis management procedures, and strategies for maintaining essential operations. Remaining adaptable in a crisis is essential. We closely monitor the evolving regulatory landscape and adjust our operations and strategies to maintain compliance with new laws and guidelines. We also adopt a flexible approach to contract renegotiation, working collaboratively with suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions that address the challenges posed by the crisis.Open and honest communication is vital during times of uncertainty. We prioritize clear internal communication to keep our employees informed about legal challenges and the steps being taken to address them. This fosters trust and a sense of shared responsibility. Externally, we communicate proactively with customers, partners, and stakeholders, providing updates and reassurance to maintain confidence and strong relationships. 

Our legal strategy is an integral part of our overall business strategy. During a crisis, this means prioritizing business continuity. We focus on maintaining essential operations and safeguarding company assets to ensure the organization can weather the storm. 

We uphold the highest ethical standards and act with integrity to protect the organization’s reputation and maintain stakeholder trust. We view crises as opportunities to learn and improve, implementing measures that enhance our resilience and preparedness for future challenges.By adopting this comprehensive approach, we can effectively navigate legal complexities during crises, ensuring not only survival but also a stronger, more resilient organization for the future. 

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

Fostering a corporate culture that embraces ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and compliance requires a multifaceted approach led by the General Counsel. The legal department must model ESG compliance by integrating these principles into all legal processes, from contract drafting to regulatory analysis and litigation strategy. The department promotes a culture of ethics and integrity, ensuring that legal and ethical considerations are intertwined in decision-making. This includes implementing robust whistleblowing mechanisms and setting clear consequences for non-compliance. 

The legal department develops comprehensive training programs to educate employees at all levels about ESG principles, relevant regulations, and the company’s ESG commitments. The training emphasizes the importance of compliance while highlighting specific risks and responsibilities within each department. Collaboration with other departments such as HR, Sustainability, and Operations helps develop and implement ESG initiatives, ensuring alignment and shared responsibility across the organization. Additionally, the department extends its ESG focus beyond the company’s operations by working with suppliers and partners to promote ethical and sustainable practices throughout the value chain. 

The legal department also ensures transparency and accountability by developing clear and accessible ESG policies and codes of conduct, providing guidance, and setting expectations for employees. Metrics are established to track ESG performance, with regular reporting on progress to both internal and external stakeholders, fostering accountability and driving continuous improvement. Employee engagement is encouraged through feedback and participation in ESG initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and shared commitment. Furthermore, individuals and teams who demonstrate exemplary ESG conduct are recognized and rewarded. 

By actively promoting ESG principles and compliance, the General Counsel can play a crucial role in shaping a corporate culture that values sustainability, responsibility, and ethical behavior. This approach not only mitigates legal and reputational risks but also creates long-term value for the organization and its stakeholders. 

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?  

The legal department plays a key role in promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) within our organization, viewing it as a core value rather than just a compliance obligation. We develop and implement CSR policies aligned with international standards, covering areas such as sustainability, human rights, and labor standards. We also ensure that CSR initiatives have a solid legal foundation, advising on relevant laws and regulations. 

We promote ethical conduct through regular training on CSR principles and legal obligations, while managing whistleblowing processes and conducting investigations of CSR violations. Additionally, we collaborate with departments like HR, Sustainability, and Operations to integrate CSR throughout the organization and conduct due diligence on partners to maintain a responsible supply chain. 

Transparency and accountability are central to our CSR efforts. We assist in preparing accurate CSR reports and engage with stakeholders to build trust and strengthen relationships. By embedding CSR into the organization’s culture, we mitigate risks, enhance our reputation, and drive long-term sustainable growth.