Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most? Which have you found most useful in your legal team?

Specifically, automated contract review, AI-based third-party due diligence and online dispute resolution systems are examples of new technology that might transform the way in-house legal, company secretariat and compliance teams work.

While we keep an eye on these promising new tools, we are on a journey to be a data-driven function, defining clear key performance indicators and implementing bespoke and off-the shelf tech solutions that support the collection of this data. Among other tools, we have introduced automated systems for data protection management, vendor due diligence, whistleblowing, conflict of interest and gifts and hospitality. The team is also on schedule to deliver a matter management system that not only captures and consolidates data but also provides the team and senior management with real time visibility of our work.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house legal world? 

We believe that success for an in-house legal, company secretariat and compliance team is closely linked to a set of technical and soft skills we have summarised as our team fundamentals. These are three pillars of a successful in-house professional we expect from and develop in our team members. First, establishing trusted partnerships and collaborating with our stakeholders across our business. Second, performing rigorous analysis, bringing to bear deep subject-matter skills and understanding, through the well-researched legal advice to our business we give based on a strong understanding of its rationale for action. Lastly, a balanced risked approach alongside business opportunities while mitigating risks and proposing pragmatic solutions.

In line with these fundamentals, our team recently collaborated to develop a team charter that sets out our values to hold each of our team members accountable for making our legal team inspiring, inclusive, and successful. The team charter will guide our recruitment and performance review processes.

Elizabeth Messud