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Battle star
The few remaining mid-market brokers are locked in a fight for clients and investors - just ask Michael Lee, general counsel at Numis Securities
Clifford Chance snubbed on GDF Suez's first-ever legal panel
GDF Suez has not appointed Clifford Chance to its inaugural legal panel, despite the magic circle firm’s relationship with the energy giant’s £17bn tie-up partner International Power.
Independent minded
In a music world dominated by iTunes, Merlin general counsel Charlie Lexton is sticking up for the independent labels
Politically correct
Efficiency is the watchword for Treasury Solicitor Paul Jenkins, as he and his team keep their government clients on the legal straight and narrow
Change manager
Michel Nussbaumer, chief counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is turning his attention towards nations affected by the Arab Spring
Stadium performer
Chris Kangis, European general counsel at London entertainment venue the O2, is proving his worth on the big stage
Security guard: David Taylor, Pension Protection Fund
Pension Protection Fund director of legal services David Taylor is braced for a slump-fuelled boom in work for his organisation
2011 Round-up - In-house interviews: Talking heads
We interviewed some of the very best legal chiefs practising in a variety of industries, from media to finance to the police force
Cable wise
Since becoming deputy general counsel at Cable & Wireless, Helen Copestick has put her private practice experience to good use when it comes to getting the best legal deals, says Katy Dowell
Live wire: Mo Ajaz, National Grid Property
Given the state of the market, National Grid Property general counsel Mo Ajaz has plenty on his plate. Luckily, he knows the company inside out, says James Swift
Piece work
Virgin Media’s quest to install a top-class transatlantic advisory panel is putting general counsel Scott Dresser’s problem solving credentials to the test. By Joshua Freedman
Inside track: Torsten Bartsch, Caterpillar
Caterpillar lawyer Torsten Bartsch knows a thing or two about the environment - handy for a plant maker facing tough EU rules. Joanne Harris reports
The claim man: Chris Newby, Chartis European
Having seen its UK arm through the financial crisis of 2008, Chartis European general counsel Chris Newby has shown his mettle. Katy Dowell reports
Talking shop
Simon Tuxen, group general counsel for global shopping centre developer Westfield, says he still feels the wow factor about its latest creation.
Trade mission: Valerie Hughes, World Trade Organisation
Valerie Hughes, director of legal affairs at the World Trade Organisation, has been smoothing the path for the agency since its early days, says Joanne Harris
Line manager
Claudia Junker, general counsel at Deutsche Telekom, moved from private practice to take up her role a year ago, seeing it as a chance to broaden her horizons.
Ad all over
Marina Palomba has found her perfect job as general counsel at global ad agency McCann Erickson.
On call: Belinda Bradberry, Cable & Wireless Communications
Telecoms is no industry for the faint-hearted lawyer. James Swift catches up with Cable & Wireless Communications head of legal Belinda Bradberry
Green fingers, Michael Webber: Clydesdale Bank
As head of legal services at Clydesdale Bank, Michael Webber is pleased to be an integral part of the business - and he still has time for his garden, says Joshua Freedman
Trust worthy: Natacha Onawelho-Loren, Natacha Onawelho-Loren
Natacha Onawelho-Loren, head of legal for Investec Trust, says life is never dull in an industry that is under the political spotlight. By Joanne Harris
Social worker: Michelle Kennedy, Badoo
Michelle Kennedy, head of legal at social networking site Badoo, thrives on the legislative and global challenges of the growing business. By Caroline Butcher
Covering the bases: Monica Risam, Aviva
Monica Risam, general counsel for the European arm of insurance giant Aviva, is aiming to create a unified legal panel across the continent, says Katy Dowell
Built to last, general counsel, Colas
Alain Clotte, general counsel at French construction outfit Colas, loves his job so much that he has stuck with the company for 30 years.
Medicine man
Simon Rajgopaul is the sole cure for all the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s legal ills.
Google's deputy GC takes private practice role at Perkins Coie
Google’s deputy general counsel and head of litigation Timothy Alger has joined US firm Perkins Coie as a litigation partner in its Palo Alto office.
United front: Clare Wardle, Kingfisher
Ex-barrister Clare Wardle finds strength in numbers when dealing with the challenges of her role as Kingfisher general counsel.
Medic aide
Healthcare specialist Bupa’s general counsel Paul Newton is keeping the pressure on his panel firms.
Delivery man: Neill Abrams, Ocado
Neill Abrams, general counsel at online grocer Ocado, has been with the company since its earliest days.
Power ranger: Francois Graux, International Power
International Power general counsel Francois Graux is no stranger to the legal challenges of the energy industry. Caroline Butcher reports
Rebuilders’ mate
World events have more than a passing interest for Emanuel Maurice, general counsel at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as they can directly affect his workload.
Daisy gains
Telecoms provider Daisy Group is on an acquisition spree, which is just one of the tasks keeping general counsel David McGlennon on his toes.
Role with IT
The job of Jonathan Smith, GC of Fujitsu UK&I, has grown in line with the massive structural changes at the IT giant, says Matt Byrne
Game-changer: Steven Holmes, Inspired Gaming Group
Steven Holmes, general counsel at Inspired Gaming Group, has seen the company through tough times into a new era of expansion, says Caroline Butcher
Mr Clean: Graham Arthur, UK Anti Doping
Graham Arthur, director of legal at UK Anti-Doping, leads a team looking to level the playing field for Britain’s sportsmen and women. Joanne Harris reports
Shift work: Charlotte Taggart, Lockton Companies
Lockton counsel Charlotte Taggart’s talents have been put to full use in converting the insurance broker into an LLP.
Top of the World: Elizabeth Shurdom, WorldPay
Since Advent and Bain took WorldPay off RBS’s hands Elizabeth Shurdom has assumed a whole new level of responsibility. But as James Swift finds, the GC’s enthusiasm has kept pace with the company’s rate of expansion
Standard bearer: Palwinder Hare, Standard Chartered Bank
Palwinder Hare, head of legal, M&A/corporate at the acquisitive Standard Chartered Bank, heads a small but important team. By Gavriel Hollander
Savings grace: Liz Kelly, Nationwide Building Society
Nationwide GC Liz Kelly has created the building society’s legal team from scratch to cope with a host of regulatory challenges in markedly altered business environment.
Power player: Sheena Singla, Essar Energy
Essar Energy general counsel Sheena Singla has her work cut out building the company’s London in-house capability from the ground up, says Caroline Butcher
Pace-setter: Anthony Dixon, Pace
In the world of entertainment technology, it helps if an in-house counsel is a strong all-rounder, has an eye for detail - and is happy to live out of a suitcase. Anthony Dixon, general counsel and company secretary at pay-TV giant Pace, fits that profile.
Site seer: Chris Davies, Kelkoo
Retail comparison site Kelkoo’s sole in-houser Chris Davies has been instrumental in making the ex-Yahoo! subsidiary a top three player in its own right.
PE teacher: Claire Wilkinson, MVision
MVision GC Claire Wilkinson lives and breathes private equity, so much so that she is the industry guru on ethics.
Das capital: Orijit Das, Genpact
Outsourcer Genpact has strong links with the world’s fastest-growing economies - and legal boss Orijit Das makes the most of them.
The Reit call
As well as managing a huge property portfolio, combining the elements that now comprise the business means F&C Reit’s sole lawyer Paul Meads has been a key element in its success.
The legal general
The shifting world of regulation is keeping Paul Sweeney and his legal team at L&G’s investment management arm on its toes.
Good, clean fund: Rob Graham, Franklin Templeton Investments
Franklin Templeton Investments head of legal Rob Graham and his team have been key to the fund manager winning business. By Gavriel Hollander
Covanta Energy turns to Carillion for in-house legal hire
Waste to Energy specialist Covanta Energy has appointed Kim Humphreys as legal counsel.
The ACE face: Ken Underhill, ACE European Group
Ken Underhill, GC at insurance giant ACE European Group, not only runs a tight ship, he also wants his panel advisers safely on board. By Katy Dowell
Bobby dazzler: Gareth Madge, Gwent Police
South Wales and Gwent Police legal director Gareth Madge is leading the way in streamlining legal services in the public sector.
Sun cover
A baptism of fire was the perfect way to kick off a new role for RSA in-house legal chief Derek Walsh.
Letter of law
As European GC at security company Lockheed Martin, Brian Craig not only deals with fighter jets and arms trafficking, but the more everyday matter of sorting your post.
Tweet shop: Melanie Hatton, Latitude
Latitude GC Melanie Hatton has gone from social media innocent to online aficionado since joining the digital marketing specialist, says Joanne Harris
Spirit guide: Martin Cooke, Edrington
Martin Cooke, until recently the first and only lawyer at spirits business Edrington, also enjoys a heady cocktail of non-legal roles.
J’adore law: Joanna Luke, Elior UK
When Joanna Luke joined caterer Elior UK as head of legal in 2006 it was a chance to combine a career in law with her passion for all things French, says Andrew Pugh
Man at M&A
Barclays M&A legal chief Matthew Dobson believes his job combines the best parts of in-house and private practice, says Andrew Pugh
Chip building
Intel European head of labour law Richard Devereux’s formidable remit covers overseeing counsel and employees in 37 countries, meaning an ability to adapt has been crucial to his role.
Show me the savings
There’s little doubt about the fashion among the in-house counsel who talked to The Lawyer in 2010 - getting maximum value for money remains the name of their game.
Ate crime: Rod Ainsworth, Food Standards Agency (FSA)
Public bodies are in the firing line and the Food Standards Agency has been affected. But as Matt Byrne reports, legal director Rod Ainsworth is even more focused on food safety
Rockin’ role: Roger James, MTV Networks
MTV Networks International general counsel Roger James has the dream job for a lifelong music lover.
Web head: Grainne Brankin, Yahoo!
Yahoo! is proud of its laid-back West Coast heritage, but don’t be fooled - GC Grainne Brankin is no pushover when it comes to grilling external advisers, says Andrew Pugh
Screen star
Darren Drabble, GC at online comparison website Moneysupermarket.com, jumped in feet first when he learnt the company was on the verge of becoming a plc.
Colt resolver: Robin Saphra, Colt Technology Services
?Robin Saphra, group GC at Colt Technology Services, uses a combination of legal models to boost service levels. By Luke McLeod-Roberts
Head of estate: Gareth Williams, Countrywide
Gareth Williams, head of legal at the UK’s largest estate agency Countrywide, takes a no-nonsense approach to the legal function, says Andrew Pugh
Happy to help: Eleanor Doohan, Asda Stores
Eleanor Doohan, general counsel and company secretary at Asda Stores, extends her company’s service ethic to the legal function. By Luke McLeod-Roberts
Battle ready: Joanna Talbot, BAE Systems
As head of dispute resolution at BAE Systems, Joanna Talbot is faced with finding strategic ways to manage disputes at a company that comes under close scrutiny from the authorities. By Andrew Pugh
Homing instinct: Gordon Moir, GHA
From eviction disputes to giving residents a greater say in housing issues, GHA company secretary Gordon Moir is relishing the challenges of his latest role. Andrew Pugh reports
Dragon’s ken: Rhodri Lewis, Welsh Rugby Union
Welsh Rugby Union legal head Rhodri Lewis is hard at work getting the union’s legal function up to scratch - and loving every minute of it.
Close call: Kirsty Cooper, Aviva
Kirsty Cooper, group general counsel at Aviva, is on a mission to build closer ties between the insurer’s disparate legal advisers.
Sea worthy: Dominic Buckwell, GE SeaCo
GE SeaCo legal chief Dominic Buckwell takes a commercial approach to his job and a careful approach as to which firms he chooses to spend his significant legal budget on.
Local hero: Peter Judge, One North East
Peter Judge, legal chief at One North East, has made his department an integral part of the regional development agency.
Motor head
Risk management is the name of the game in the fast-moving world of Simon MacDonald, group legal affairs manager at MotorSport Vision.
Calm under pressure: Hugh Peart, Harrow Council
Providing legal services to local councils - which often come under considerable public scrutiny - may not have the cachet of working for the private sector, but it’s certainly not without its share of controversy.
Mr Fixit
Director of legal at HomeServe Benjamin Scott found a rather haphazard legal function when he took over, but soon got to work on creating a single workable unit.
Law games: Julia Runnacles, Hasbro Europe
As vice-president of Hasbro Europe’s legal team, Julia Runnacles’ job is not just fun and games - it’s also IP, safety regulations and a long list of upcoming Hollywood films.
A winning bet
General counsel Dominic Bacon thrives on the challenge of building up legal teams from scratch. Andrew Pugh discovers that Bacon’s positive, hands-on approach is highly valued at WorldSpreads
A touch of Das: Orjit Das, Genpact Europe
General counsel Orijit Das has taken Genpact Europe from ostensible start-up to being one of the fastest-expanding companies around. He tells Andrew Pugh about the changing face of life as an in-house lawyer
Body guard: Susie Flook, The Body Shop
As general counsel at The Body Shop, it’s part of Susie Flook’s remit to keep alive the philanthropic spirit of company founder Anita Roddick. By Tom Phillips
Iron woman
For most in-house lawyers, a high level of involvement with a thriving start-up would be enough. MetLife’s Stephanie Fuller, however, also manages to squeeze in some Ironman training.
Capital’s gain
Particularly where litigation and regulation are concerned, business is booming for Capital One Bank general counsel Rupert MacInnes.
High diplomacy
After strike action, snow and volcanic ash, nothing surprises BA head of employment law Julia Harrison. She talks to Tom Phillips about battles with the elements, staff and angry customers
The cable guy
Liberty Global head counsel Jeremy Evans was the man behind the groundbreaking acquisition of Unitymedia. He tells Andrew Pugh about overcoming the deal’s challenges in record time
Big thinkers
Man Investment is poised to go up a league in the fund management stakes. Gavriel Hollander meets the men running the legal team, Stephen Ross and Jasveer Singh
Day of the low costs
Santander UK’s head of commercial law, Joanna Day, has seen the company undergo radical change and has been instrumental in guiding it through the recession.
Peddie power
As director of litigation and special investigations, Jonathan Peddie has seen off the OFT and implemented major changes at Barclays Global Retail and Banking. But that was only the beginning, writes Andrew Pugh
Running Lyca dream: Mohammed Malique, Lycamobile and Lycatel
As general counsel of Lycamobile and Lycatel, Mohammed Malique knows exactly when to place that all-important call to external lawyers.
Found in translation: Catherine Palmer, Joseph
If you’ve ever been on the Eurostar, Catherine Palmer’s voice will not be new to you. But as Tom Phillips discovers, the legal director of fashion retailer Joseph is not just a pretty voice
One step ahead: Heather Mitchell, The Carlyle Group
General counsel at The Carlyle Group Heather Mitchell sees outsourcing to exceptional people as one of the secrets of her success.
Screen saver: Ted Shapiro, Motion Picture Association
Motion Picture Association general counsel Ted Shapiro is taking a leading role in the fight against copyright pirates.
Trading aces: Mark Elliott, Bank of America Merril Lynch Commodities
As global general counsel for Bank of America Merril Lynch Commodities, Mark Elliott believes that lawyers need to get their hands dirty and get involved with their product.
In-house rules: Lee Greenbury, Enterprise
As group legal director at support services company Enterprise, Lee Greenbury’s strategy to build a mini-law firm in-house is also receiving a lot of support.
Rock of Aegis: Simon Zinger, Aegis Media
Simon Zinger brings an American can-do attitude and a passion for commerce to his GC role at Aegis Media - and a horde of acquisitions on the horizon will truly test his mettle.
A taste for law: Suzanne Wise, Premier Foods
As counsel for Premier Foods, creating a legal function to reflect the vastly altered focus of the company has been Suzanne Wise’s bread and butter. By Corinne McPartland
You’ll never work alone
Some of them might try to convince you otherwise, but it is a rare thing for a lawyer to describe their job honestly as “a dream come true”.
Marathon man: Christopher Aujard
Christopher Aujard is no stranger to hard work, but in his role as legal director at insurer Royal London Group he is also a great believer in putting people first. By Gavriel Hollander
Fair game: Jason Freeman, Office of Fair Trading
As legal director at the OFT Consumer Market Group, Jason Freeman is the man leading the charge in the battle for consumers’ rights. By James Swift
Record player: Chris Ancliff, Warner Music Group
As international GC for one of the world’s largest record companies, Chris Ancliff has his hands full fighting to protect the music industry.
Calling the shots: David Frolio, GSM Association
As counsel for the GSMA, handling the legal side of the mobile telecoms industry has kept David Frolio at the forefront of the technology, says Corinne McPartland
Common touch: Akbar Khan, Commonwealth Secretariat
Legal director at the Commonwealth Secretariat Akbar Khan is committed to furthering what he believes are the organisation’s altruistic aims.
Pharma wiles: Robert Fairless, Merck Serono
Merck Serono’s Robert Fairless makes sure his legal team is at the centre of the biopharma company’s business. By Tom Phillips
Fit for purpose
As legal chief for medical equipment provider and operator Asteral, Antoinette Keane and her team need to consistently prove their worth to sole client the NHS.
Guardian angel
In her first year at The Guardian Gill Phillips thrived on getting stuck in to one ruck after another.
Human interest
A broader remit has meant Old Mutual GC Meekal Hashmi has had to develop broader shoulders.
Structural shift: Mohaimin Chowdhury, European Islamic Investment Bank (EIIB)
EIIB legal chief Mohaimin Chowdhury says Islamic finance will emerge from the downturn in rude health.
Making a splash: Huw Brooker, Ofwat
With the issues of severe flooding, an increased remit for the regulator and a legal panel to finalise, it’s sink or swim for Ofwat legal director Huw Brooker.
Good counsel
With the recession biting law firms right from the start of the year, 2009 has in many ways been the year of the general counsel.
Using his loaf: John Healey, Warburtons
Since leaving his role at Williams F1 to settle down at Warburtons, general counsel John Healey has shaken up the way things are done at the family bakers. Tom Phillips reports
High drama: Maria da Cunha, British Airways
British Airways GC Maria da Cunha may be a high-flying lawyer, but with her company’s merger plans cleared for take-off she needs her feet firmly on the ground. By Matt Byrne
Healthy attitude: Louise Guss, Care Quality Commission
Leading the legal arm of the UK’s health and social regulator is a tough ask, but one that Louise Guss answers admirably. By Luke McLeod-Roberts
Sound advice: Chris Johnstone, Music Choice
Who better than a musician turned lawyer to handle the legal side of one of the music industry’s most significant players, Music Choice? Matt Byrne meets ex-Quireboys keyboardist Chris Johnstone
The In-house Interview: Local hero
With huge changes underway at the London Borough of Hackney, legal chief Gifty Edila is working hard to help improve the outlook for residents.
Ward of law: Dan Toner, Spire Healthcare
With an NHS background, Dan Toner has all the right knowledge for the top legal job at Spire Healthcare.
Changing standards: Malcolm Wood, Standard Life
When Standard Life demutualised, the legal team was forced to become much more involved in the business - a challenge that general counsel Malcolm Wood has thoroughly enjoyed. By Julia Berris
The right tone: Justine Campbell, Vodafone UK
Justine Campbell is pushing all the right buttons as Vodafone UK’s head of legal. Luke McLeod-Roberts reports
Food for thought: Gareth John, Sodexo
Sodexo general counsel Gareth John’s team deals with more than just catering contracts, with the company branching into PFI and prisons management.
House call: Thomas Werlen, Novartis
Leaving private practice to go in-house at Novartis was a tough call to make, but one that has worked out well for both Thomas Werlen and his former firm, Allen & Overy. By Kit Chellel
Nipping yarns: Janet Hood, BII Scotland
Janet Hood, as head of legal for BII Scotland, is helping pubs and clubs catch up with the country’s new licensing laws. By Corinne McPartland
A life in books: Maya Abu Deeb, Bloomsbury Publishing
As general counsel for Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury, Maya Abu Deeb enjoys a literary life that makes up for the late nights. By Kit Chellel
Screen idyll: Amber Blake, QVC UK
GC Amber Blake has bought in to the success of TV shopping channel QVC UK as the ideal platform from which to highlight her legal talents. Julia Berris reports
Intelligent design: Giles Millerchip, McArthurGlen Group
Giles Millerchip is yet to qualify as a fully fledged lawyer, but that has not prevented him from taking the top legal spot at designer outlet village group McArthurGlen. By Corinne McPartland
Thirsty work
For someone who doesn’t drink much, Sabine Chalmers has made a niche for herself in the top legal post at Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Customs made
HM Revenue & Customs general counsel Anthony Inglese is a government lawyer through and through.
Noteworthy: Lesley Cameron, The Law Society
As the lawyers’ lawyer, Law Society senior legal adviser Lesley Cameron helps law practices do just that - practise law. By Corinne McPartland
Power struggle: Roger Clayson, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)
Between winding down Sellafield and overseeing a £70bn nuclear waste clean-up, the interim legal head of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Roger Clayson has his hands full. Corinne McPartland reports
Cash cow: Florian Mattinson, Müller Dairy (UK)
Florian Mattinson is more than just a lawyer - he helped make German dairy company Müller a household name in the UK. Corinne McPartland reports
Box clever: Bryan Hall, Virgin Media
The ‘Digital Britain’ report and Ofcom’s recent Sky competition proposal are keeping Virgin Media general counsel Bryan Hall very happy.
Public arena: Keith Marriott, NEC Group
Its links with the local council don’t stop NEC Group from working as a fully fledged commercial enterprise. Tom Phillips meets general counsel Keith Marriott
Dial M for Moir: Gordon Moir, BT Retail
With telecoms in constant flux, BT Retail GC Gordon Moir has had to ring the changes on an almost daily basis.
Southwark belles
With a raft of issues in her own back yard, Southwark’s legal chief Deborah Collins keeps her team’s focus local.
Courier girl: Rachael Hambrook, DHL Express
As head of legal for DHL Express, Rachael Hambrook is making sure her legal team is part and parcel of the success of the business.
Fridge magnate: Alessia Oddone, Indesit
Indesit in-houser Alessia Oddone may have joined the company just nine months ago in the depths of the cycle, but she’s not in a spin. By Corinne McPartland
