The role of the legal counsel or corporate lawyer has transformed over recent years. They are no longer just a mere legal advisor but have become a strategic player who directly impacts the success of companies. That is why, in a world where regulation constantly grows and business risks become increasingly complex, the head of internal legal counsel faces more and greater challenges.
What are the most common challenges for a legal counsel?
1. Keeping up to date with a changing regulatory framework
The regulatory framework in which they operate evolves at a fast pace and it is very important to stay up to date with new regulations, changes, and updates. To face this challenge, organizations usually rely on one or several specialized law firms that support and accompany them to ensure comprehensive advice in all areas affecting their activity.
2. Balancing legal risk and business strategies
A common problem is that other departments within the company see lawyers as blockers (stoppers) or business limiters. The role of the corporate lawyer is to identify risks and warn about their consequences, seeking ways to avoid or mitigate them, but the final decision corresponds to management or the governing body, so it is important to distribute functions and responsibilities. Additionally, it must be taken into account that it is only possible to properly define limits and risks by thoroughly knowing the subject matters, so it may be necessary to consult external experts to make a well-grounded decision within the legal framework.
3. Efficient management of workload
The legal workload can become overwhelming and deadlines are very strict.
Nowadays, outsourcing strategies (subcontracting, secondment, inplants, etc.) that optimize document management, contract review, and other key processes to increase the legal team’s efficiency, either temporarily or permanently, can be vital.
4. Privacy and personal data protection
Some regulations require strict compliance and ongoing monitoring to avoid sanctions and protect the most essential assets, such as data protection, intellectual property, and other sector-specific regulations (healthtech, insurtech, fintech, proptech, legaltech, martech, etc.).
At Metricson, for example, we always offer audits, advice, and tailored solutions to ensure your company complies with all legal obligations.
5. Crisis and litigation management
It is often said that he who represents himself has a fool for a lawyer. This aphorism reflects the loss of perspective and objectivity when managing one’s own legal proceedings or claims against third parties, which is why these situations are usually handled by external professionals specialized in such claims.
6. Implementation of legal technology (LegalTech)
Technology itself does not have intrinsic value, but it is essential to structure efficient legal processes. There are increasingly more solutions that allow scalable management of contract negotiation and signing, risk detection, or compliance with legal obligations. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence has accelerated the personalization of these solutions, enabling legal departments to multiply their productivity without increasing costs for the company.
7. Communication and negotiation skills
In major operations or critical moments, having optimal communication and negotiation skills can make a legal counsel’s work stand out even more. In cases where high levels of demand are reached, it may be advisable to use training or coaching services in negotiation management and effective legal communication to interact strategically with other areas of the company.
At Metricson, we have a specialized team to help you face the challenges a legal counsel encounters with solutions tailored to their needs. We integrate with your team and provide flexible legal support so you gain efficiency, specialization, and responsiveness.
If you want to get to know us better, you can contact us here. We look forward to talking with you.