Dan Fitz: In an enlarged Europe it is increasingly important that in-house counsel proactively manage the function and acknowledge and identify the different needs of the roles within the corporate legal department. Clear expectations need to be set and smooth relationships will help deliver what the company needs from a legal risk management perspective.
Most of us serve mid- to large-sized companies that have business activities in a number of countries throughout Europe. It is usually a mistake to deal with a foreign subsidiary or parent as if it were a domestic organisation with the same legal system. More and more lawyers at head office will want to be involved in managing risks that could have group impact. These may include large lawsuits, major patent disputes, important licence applications and renewals, as well as significant M&A.
