Could you share with us the story of your path to becoming an in-house counsel? What motivated you to choose this career path?

I have always been drawn to the intricate world of corporate law and the dynamics of business entities. The allure of being an integral part of a corporate identity fuelled my ambition to pursue a career as an in-house counsel. I found immense satisfaction in navigating the legal landscape within the confines of a single organisation, where I could contribute to its growth and protect its interests with a sense of ownership.

The opportunity to work closely with various departments, understand their needs, and provide tailored legal solutions resonated deeply with me. As I embarked on this path, I embraced the challenges and complexities inherent in corporate law, driven by a passion for problem-solving and a commitment to upholding legal integrity within the corporate area.

In your role as an in-house counsel, what are the main responsibilities and tasks you handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an in-house counsel working in the compliance department, my day-to-day responsibilities involve ensuring that the company adheres to all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. This includes conducting legal research to stay updated on regulatory changes, drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and legal documents, and providing legal advice and guidance to various departments within the organization.

I also play a crucial role in designing and implementing compliance programs and training initiatives to educate employees about their legal obligations and minimise the risk of non-compliance. Additionally, I conduct internal investigations into potential violations of laws or company policies and collaborate with other stakeholders to develop remediation plans and mitigate risks.

In essence, my role as an in-house counsel in the compliance department revolves around proactively identifying and addressing legal and regulatory risks, fostering a culture of compliance within the organisation, and safeguarding the company’s reputation and integrity.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced as a rising star in-house counsel, and how have you overcome them?

I have encountered several key challenges on my journey. One significant challenge has been navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape and staying abreast of legal developments relevant to the industries my organisation operates in. To overcome this, I have cultivated a habit of continuous learning and proactive engagement with industry forums, legal updates, and professional networks.

Additionally, balancing the demands of legal compliance with the strategic objectives of the business has been another hurdle. I have addressed this challenge by fostering open communication channels with stakeholders across departments, aligning legal strategies with the organisation’s goals, and advocating for a culture of compliance and risk mitigation.

Moreover, managing workload pressures and prioritising tasks in a fast-paced environment has required effective time management and delegation skills. By leveraging technology, optimising workflows, and collaborating with colleagues, I have streamlined processes and enhanced efficiency.

Overall, embracing these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation has been integral to my journey as an in-house counsel, enabling me to thrive in a dynamic and demanding legal landscape.