The landscape of the in-house legal department, particularly the General Counsel’s role, has transformed over the years. Once perceived solely as technical experts to be consulted for niche legal problems, GCs are now integral pillars of an organisation’s strategic framework.
Today, the modern General Counsel does more than simply provide legal advice. They actively manage risks, ensure strict adherence to regulatory norms, and crucially, align their efforts with the company’s broader business goals. In doing so, they not only address immediate challenges but also harness opportunities that align with the company’s growth vision.
Accutrainee has been at the forefront of this change, with our paralegals, trainees, and flexible lawyers actively supporting GCs and their teams. This collaboration has provided us with unique insights, helping us identify key challenges and, importantly, offer solutions through our seasoned legal professionals.
Emerging Challenges and Opportunities for In-House Legal in 2023:
1. Regulatory Compliance: The ever-expanding reach of regulatory bodies is pressing companies to stay on their toes. With new legislation cropping up in various sectors – from the environment to intellectual property – it’s a herculean task to stay compliant across multiple jurisdictions.
2. Climate Responsibility: Increasingly, businesses are at the centre of the climate change dialogue. Stakeholders, including customers, investors, and NGOs, demand corporate responsibility towards the environment. There’s a growing legal risk associated with climate change, evident from lawsuits in the US and The Netherlands. It’s a clarion call for businesses, especially in the UK, to revisit their environmental impact and align with global sustainability goals.
3. Brexit & Geopolitical Factors: With significant shifts like Brexit and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, companies must navigate these tumultuous times efficiently, keeping data security at the forefront.
4. Data Privacy & Cyber Security: Never has there been so much focus on what data you retain, how you retain it and keeping it safe. The focus on data management and its security has reached unprecedented levels, with GDPR-related fines setting new benchmarks. This remains a central concern for both legal and IT departments.
5. Embracing Technology: Technological advancements like blockchain, AI, and big data are reshaping the legal landscape. For GCs, it’s crucial to understand the implications of these technologies for their businesses, ensuring legalities are met while staying ahead in the innovation race.
5. Addressing Pension and Payroll Matters: Regulations around corporate pension schemes and changes like the off payroll working (IR35) rules have already contributed to significant legal undertakings in the first part of the decade, it is crucial for legal teams to be aware of these changes and planned changes coming in the next few years.
6. Upholding Ethics and Professional Conduct: With the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) implementing a more rigorous code in 2020, the spotlight isn’t just on individual lawyers. There’s a growing emphasis on establishing a culture of integrity within companies which inevitably is being spearheaded by the legal team.
The Path Forward for Senior In-House Lawyers: The responsibilities of a General Counsel are continuously broadening. However, the perception of legal departments as cost centres can create a challenging balance. Accutrainee stands ready to help bridge this gap. We offer a diverse range of legal professionals, from juniors to seniors, each equipped with specialised knowledge. Whether it’s regulatory compliance, tech integration, or ethical considerations, we have access to the expertise to assist. If any of these areas resonate with challenges you’re facing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our people, be it paralegals, trainees, or seasoned lawyers, stand ready to support.
