What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry? 

Being a successful in-house counsel in the medical devices industry requires various qualities that may not necessarily be unique, but nonetheless crucial. Solid industry knowledge is essential, including a good understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks, industry trends, and emerging challenges. This knowledge allows you to provide tailored legal advice while anticipating potential obstacles. Hand in hand with this goes a good level of business acumen, as understanding the business side of the industry, the market landscape, competitive pressures, and the company’s strategic objectives, is obviously essential.

The medical devices industry is constantly evolving, with rapid technological advancements and regulatory changes, so Legal itself also needs to be adaptable and flexible. You need to be able to quickly grasp new concepts, navigate uncertainty, and adjust strategies to align with the ever-changing landscape.

 Similar to the pharmaceutical and other regulated industries, ethical conduct is of great importance in the medical devices industry. Upholding integrity, complying with regulations, promoting patient safety, and protecting the company’s reputation are critical responsibilities. By maintaining high standards, you create trust within the organisation and also with external stakeholders.

As an in-house counsel you will need to interact with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders and partners. Building strong relationships and effectively communicating complex legal concepts build trust and collaboration. By translating legalistic talk into understandable language, actively listening, and collaborating effectively, you can ensure that legal advice aligns with the broader business goals.

By embracing these qualities, including industry and company knowledge, adaptability, effective communication, while at all times upholding high ethical conduct, you can excel as an in-house counsel in the medical devices industry, and add true value to your company. Continuously developing your expertise, staying updated on industry changes, and continuously improving your skills will strengthen your value proposition and further enhance your effectiveness in providing strategic and pragmatic legal advice to support your organisation’s success.