Team size: Six

Can you please give us an idea of the sort of work your team has done recently (cases, transactions, projects)?

TANAP is a megaproject of a significant strategic importance and has always required to take on a multi-dimensional approach in all its dealings. The legal team has been actively involved in all essential steps of the company. As of 2021, the commercial gas transit to Europe through TANAP has started; it has changed the dynamics and the team’s scope of work, urging it to develop an understanding of commercial gas operations. Today, the legal team oversees the implementation and execution of the relevant legal arrangements required for the operations — transportation and operation of natural gas and agreements with shippers, and interconnection agreement with upstream and downstream system operators. Simultaneously, the team is largely involved in legal processes linked to the completion of construction phases, such as the close-out process of the EPC contracts, and all sorts of litigation cases relevant to the demobilisation from the site.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic has forced companies in all different sectors to adapt to new realities. For in-house counsel, it has been both a challenge and an opportunity. Regulatory restrictions required stakeholders to be flexible in the implementation of contracts. Force Majeure clauses became of special interest; processing of personal data created many questions of its own. Legal counsel played a key role, in finding creative solutions while ensuring compliance.

Legal departments are often considered conservative and unable to catch up with novelties. The pandemic proved this to be wrong. Our team efficiently used all available technology to provide legal services while working remotely. Additionally, the pandemic has showed us that we could still achieve successful results as a team and support each other from a distance. Coordinating and motivating a team working remotely and sustaining a healthy communication with other departments (which is a key to provide accurate legal services) was a new challenge and learning opportunity for me as a leader.

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

Building mutual trust and respect is essential for any strong and healthy relationship. Furthermore, it is essential that in-house lawyers take an interest in the technical and commercial aspects of the company to cooperate with business partners. What differentiates an in-house lawyer from an external counsel is that the in-house lawyer benefits from the knowledge of the company. General counsel must understand the non-legal aspects of the business, in order to bring additional value, and give tailored advice to internal clients. Once an in-house lawyer shows a sincere effort to understand the technical aspects, business partners would also be more eager to cooperate with the legal team.