
In today's fast-paced business environment, corporations need legal teams that can quickly and effectively navigate the complex legal landscape. Legal teams are responsible for protecting the corporation's interests, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and providing guidance on a wide range of legal issues. But what specific qualities should a modern corporation look for in its legal team? Here are a few key characteristics to consider:
Look for adaptability
The legal landscape is constantly changing, and a good legal team must be able to adapt to new laws, regulations, and court decisions. This means staying up-to-date on the latest legal developments and being able to pivot quickly when necessary. For example, with the rapid advances in technology, legal teams must be familiar with data privacy laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, and understand how they apply to the corporation's operations. They should also be able to quickly respond to changes in laws and regulations, such as those related to labor and employment or trade.
Think about strategic thinking
A legal team should not only be able to react to legal issues, but also proactively identify and address potential risks. This requires a deep understanding of the corporation's overall goals and objectives, as well as the ability to think ahead and anticipate potential legal challenges. This is true for companies all over the world, including Australia, and you need to look for law firms that plan things in advance. So, if you’re located there, you should look for a law firm from Sydney that understands the corporation's growth strategy and can help identify potential legal hurdles and develop strategies to mitigate them.
Insist on strong communication skills
Legal teams must be able to clearly and effectively communicate legal issues to non-legal stakeholders, such as management and employees. This means being able to explain complex legal concepts in plain language and tailor communication to a specific audience. For example, a legal team should be able to explain the implications of a new regulatory change to an executive team in a way that is easy to understand, without sacrificing accuracy or precision.
Check for business acumen
A legal team should not operate in a vacuum. They should understand the business and industry in which the corporation operates and be able to provide practical and business-focused solutions to legal issues. This means having a good understanding of the corporation's operations, processes, and financials and being able to provide legal advice that takes into account the corporation's bottom line.
Don’t forget about collaboration
Legal teams should work closely with other departments within the corporation, such as finance and human resources, to ensure that legal concerns are taken into account in decision-making. A legal team that can collaborate effectively will be better able to protect the corporation's interests. For example, working closely with the human resources department on issues related to employee relations can help minimize legal risks and ensure compliance with labor laws.
Insist on ethics and integrity
Ultimately, a corporation's legal team should be guided by a strong sense of ethics and integrity. This means adhering to the highest legal and professional standards and being transparent in their actions. A legal team that is guided by ethics and integrity will be better able to build trust with key stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and regulators.
Opt for diversity and Inclusion
A legal team that is diverse and inclusive brings a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table. This can lead to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. Corporations should look for legal teams that are reflective of the diverse communities they serve, and that promote an inclusive culture within the legal department.
Check out legal project management potentials
The ability to manage legal projects and cases effectively is something that’s becoming increasingly important. This includes the ability to prioritize tasks, set and meet deadlines, and track and report on progress. Legal teams should have the knowledge and tools to manage legal projects and cases in an organized and efficient manner.
What about technical proficiency?
The legal profession is becoming more digitized and legal teams should have the technical skills and knowledge to take advantage of new technologies. This includes proficiency in legal research databases, electronic discovery, and legal project management software. Legal teams should also be familiar with the use of technology in legal practice and be able to advise on legal issues related to the use of technology in the corporation.
Modern corporations need legal teams that can keep pace with the rapidly changing business environment. By looking for legal teams with these key qualities, corporations can ensure that they have the legal support they need to succeed. Legal teams that are adaptable, strategic, possess strong communication skills, have business acumen, collaborate effectively, and are guided by ethics and integrity, will be better equipped to serve the best interests of the corporation.