New network launched for in-house lawyers

Thursday 22 November 2018

A new network has been launched to help local in-house lawyers connect and share experiences about their work.

The Jersey In-house Network was set up by offshore law firm Mourant as part of "a varied programme of future events to explore the issues faced by in-house lawyers at all levels."

It was launched at an event at CCASM Gallery last week. Speaking at the event, Michael Hancock, General Counsel at HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: "Against a backdrop of rapidly changing technology and regulatory developments, the role of an in-house lawyer is constantly evolving.

"It's about much more than just legal expertise - the expectation is increasingly on us to proactively manage risk, have direct input into key business decisions and to help our colleagues find the best way forward in any given situation. That's why it's vital to develop a solid commercial understanding of your business and also to share experiences and best practice with peers."

Pictured: Sarah Huelin, Mourant Counsel.

Sarah Huelin, Mourant Counsel and supporter of the initiative, said: "We're really pleased to provide a dedicated forum for connecting in-house lawyers. Over the past few years, we've seen an increasing number of in-house lawyers working in Jersey and we understand that they face different issues to lawyers in private practice - often working independently or in very small teams to support their business. 

"We have long-standing relationships across the financial services sector and the network is an opportunity for us to facilitate discussion on some of the technical, commercial and personal aspects of their roles. It will also help us to share access to our local knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing in-house counsel, so that we can adapt the way we work to meet the changing needs of our clients – which often involves working in partnership with in-house lawyers, as an extension of their team."

Pictured: Carla Benest, Mourant Partner and Head of Employment.

Carla Benest, Mourant Partner and Head of Employment in Jersey, added: "The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're looking forward to seeing many familiar, and new, faces as the network continues to grow and we explore the hot topics on the agenda of Jersey's in-house legal community."