Amid the new age of remote work, corporate legal teams are grappling with the challenge of demonstrating their value and building strong, trustful relationships whilst out of the office, as highlighted in the recent ALM General Counsel Summit in Sydney. According to several statements articulated by prominent general counsels, remote working setups are likely to persist, prompting a major rethink of how in-house legal departments can solidify their standing and effectiveness within rapidly evolving corporate structures.
As reported, the twin forces of fewer face-to-face interactions and constricting corporate budgets are driving the pressure for in-house counsel to prove their worth. Not only are these attorneys expected to keep up with legal advisory needs, but they must also adapt to this remote landscape, where maintaining visibility and strong collaborations can pose a major challenge.
Certainly, the reliance on technology has skyrocketed, and while advances such as generative AI can enhance several operational aspects, they are not seen as replacements for the personal interactions that engender trust in a lawyer-client relationship. Accordingly, with in-house counsel striving to remain relevant and appreciated, the task falls on these legal departments to successfully harmonize traditional legal practices with new digital opportunities.
In summary, this is a critical period for corporate legal departments worldwide. Personnel and budget changes resulting from the pandemic have necessitated a re-evaluation of the roles and procedures of these internal teams. Their challenge lies in being able to balance the demand for traditional legal services with technological advancements, while effectively communicating their value within the corporation, a task which has grown increasingly important and complex in today’s remote working environments.