Mr. Wittig, how has the job description of in-house counsel changed in recent years?
Expectations have grown; mainly due to three developments. In the past, the primary task of the legal department was to avoid legal risk, through legal advice and contract drafting. Today, active involvement in shaping the entire business is required, from processes to products - which calls for a profound understanding of the business and corporate strategy in addition to excellent legal knowledge.
What else has changed?
In the past, the cost of the legal department was whatever it was - and usually there was heavy pressure to cut costs by reducing staff. Today, the legal department is expected to manage a budget under their own responsibility. This means making decisions on what services to offer, how to increase efficiency, and how much external advice to add - make or buy.
And thirdly?
The typical work product of lawyers, even in the corporate world, was the legal brief; usually long and complicated. Today, legal technology is being used intelligently - in the company's own processes, in information procurement, in consulting, in communication and reporting, and even in self-service portals for the business units. That’s why excellent in-house today also have to have a good understanding of technology and processes.
The general counsel is increasingly being appointed as chief legal officer at board level. With what responsibility?
Excellent general counsels have always been involved...
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