Team size: More than 50

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

We have had quite a few challenges due to multiple factors and it is difficult to pick one. However, I would say the global geopolitical situation last year created many challenges that also reflected on the daily work for the legal department. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered a lot of workstreams, our exit from Russia, a lot of sanctions and trade compliance topics, a general shortage of certain material, and redesigning of supply chains, among others. All these required changes to our processes, contracts and a lot of strategic discussions and decisions.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

A practical example that brought us closer to the business and improved our target to become strategic business partners was to relocate the lawyers located in any type of head office to the offices where the sales and supply departments are located. As a result, we are closer to business, hear the daily rumours, the business gets to know us better and the threshold to contact legal is significantly lower.

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

It is important to know the business thoroughly, understanding the products and services provided and what the main challenges with such may be. It is also crucial to be well connected both with the internal business team, and with other legal counsel from our stakeholders and industry. An in-house lawyer in this industry must be a strategic thinker and be able to advice and add value to the entire business value chain.