Interview with Diolimar Garcia by LegalToday, Thomson Reuters

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Five main challenges of the In-House Lawyer In recent years, company managers have become aware of the importance of the legal function, incorporating the professional lawyer into the management team and, therefore, in decision-making.

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Being a lawyer is a challenging activity for those of us who are dedicated to the exercise of this profession.  Regulatory changes and the competitiveness of the sector push us to be in constant technical training and to acquire maturity in many personal skills.

 For a few years now, the role of the Lawyer for the company has been immersed in a process of transformation, adapting increasingly to its intrinsic needs.  We have gone from the reactive model to the preventive model.  Before, the company used an external lawyer when faced with a legal conflict, so that his role was merely defensive, to win the lawsuit or reach a better agreement.

 In recent years, company managers have become aware of the importance of the legal function, incorporating the professional lawyer into the management team and, therefore, in decision-making.  In this process, knowledge of the law is essential, but mastery of the company, its processes and its core business is a critical factor.

On a daily basis, the company requires advice on the legal aspects of the business to ensure the legality and legal responsibility of the company and its administrators, mitigating legal risks.  The in-house lawyer knows the company in depth, its strengths and weaknesses, is a business ally, advises from a perspective that contemplates all risk scenarios, seeks legal alternatives in gray environments to make new products and services viable;  Furthermore, he makes its production processes more efficient and supports innovation.

 According to the latest report published by the Association of Corporate Counsel - ACC, the Chief Legal Officer continues to play an important role in overall business strategy and decision making;  and he regularly providesparticipates in the meetings of the Steering Committee, Board of Directors and Shareholders' Meeting, provides information on business decisions and is sought out by other business leaders to discuss operational and risk areas.

This transformation process has also been accompanied by the incorporation of professional women in Law, where they, such as General Counsels or In-house Lawyers, are increasingly gaining prominence.  A study by the American consultancy BarkerGilmor reveals that the percentage of women as General Counsels in Fortune 500 companies has been growing significantly from 26% in 2017 to 34% in 2020. And I dare say that this same trend It is being observed in the Spanish corporate sector, although in-house Lawyers must face these five main challenges:

Creativity: It is often thought that we women risk less and therefore propose less creative solutions.  The in-house lawyer has to overcome this stereotype by obtaining legal alternatives that make the new business of the company viable.

 Leadership: The low presence of women in positions of responsibility associates men with a superior leadership capacity.  They usually like power.  Women seem to be better at communication and social relationships.  We have the attribute of empathy, which strengthens the confidence of our internal client to improve our leadership skills.  In addition, it is necessary to know how to combine the professional agenda with the personal and family for the effective leadership of the in-house lawyer.

 Know and understand the industry: Men excel in the technical and strategic fields;  Therefore, it is essential that the in-house lawyer knows the implications of the operation of the industry and the business that she advises in order to provide assertive solutions, aligned with the company's strategy.

 Customer service: Women must take advantage of our more democratic and collaborative sense so that our role as in-house lawyers meets the needs of the entire management team.  Taking as our own the problems of our internal clients, which implies meeting their needs in time and capacity to generate value.

 Visibility: Women are often characterized as being modest and preferring to be in the background.  Companies need to be nurtured by professional women.  The greater the visibility of the in-house lawyer, the more opportunities she will have to participate in making strategic decisions and in the full and satisfactory exercise of her role.  It is important that the in-house lawyer work on her personal brand and show her worth and professional skill and the contribution that her networking can give to the business.

 Meritocracy and equal opportunities are deserved for all in-house Lawyers who with effort, talent and passion seek to achieve their professional goals.  You have to trust in constant training, in knowing how to face difficulties with effort and a fighting spirit, in believing in yourself, in learning to listen and consider the opinion of others.  Facing these five main challenges, in-house lawyers will be able to strengthen our legal function and leadership capacity in the company.

https://www.legaltoday.com/actualidad-juridica/mujeres-por-derecho/cinco-principales-retos-de-la-abogada-in-house-2021-10-08/

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