Transform from legal advisor to strategic business partner by mastering stakeholder influence, optimizing operations, and demonstrating tangible value to your organization.
In the modern corporate landscape, the role of in-house counsel has evolved significantly from a traditional legal advisor to a strategic business partner. In this course, titled Maximising Impact: Practice Management for In-House Lawyers, host Ryan Peyton joins Natasha Bryant, Senior Legal Counsel at Suntory Oceania, to explore the operational and strategic nuances of leading an effective in-house legal function. This professional education series delves into how lawyers can transition from being perceived as the "department of no" to becoming essential enablers of business growth, all while maintaining ethical integrity and managing risk.
This comprehensive discussion covers the critical components of practice management, beginning with the definition of value within an organization. Natasha Bryant shares her extensive experience across various industries, offering insights into how legal teams can demonstrate their worth through tangible KPIs, such as reducing litigation exposure and improving time-to-market. The course also addresses the complexities of managing relationships, specifically bridging the gap between internal business stakeholders and external legal counsel. Learners will gain practical strategies for selecting external firms, managing costs beyond the billable hour, and ensuring commerciality in legal advice.
Beyond operations, the course emphasizes the soft skills required for maximum impact, including effective communication and influence. It examines how to translate complex legal risks into business language that resonates with C-suite executives and how to foster an ethical organizational culture. Finally, the discussion looks toward the future, analyzing the integration of technology and AI in legal workflows and how in-house lawyers can future-proof their careers.
Key learning outcomes include:
Senior Legal Counsel at Suntory Oceania
Natasha Bryant is currently a Senior Legal Counsel at Suntory Oceania, one of the world's largest beverage manufacturers, where she advises on areas including commercial contracts, corporate governance, IT, IP, sustainability and climate, procurement, and HR. She has over 15 years of experience in the legal field.
