What's Happening?
Minh Merchant, a general counsel, has taken an unconventional approach by drafting the earnings script herself, a task not typically owned by legal departments. This decision allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's commercial, financial, and operational aspects. By doing so, she positioned herself as a business partner and strategist, rather than just a legal advisor. This approach highlights the importance of in-house lawyers embedding themselves into the business to enhance their impact and effectiveness.
Why It's Important?
Minh Merchant's approach serves as a valuable lesson for in-house lawyers seeking to increase their influence within a company. By actively participating in business processes, lawyers can better understand the company's operations and align their legal advice with business realities. This proactive involvement can lead to more effective compliance programs and policies that are grounded in the company's actual needs and challenges. It also fosters stronger relationships across departments, enabling legal teams to anticipate and address issues before they escalate.
Beyond the Headlines
This approach reflects a broader trend of in-house legal teams evolving from traditional roles to becoming integral parts of business strategy. As companies face increasingly complex legal and regulatory environments, the ability of legal teams to provide strategic insights and support is becoming more critical. Minh Merchant's example underscores the potential for legal professionals to drive value and innovation within their organizations by stepping beyond conventional boundaries.
