Why tech alone won't save your legal team - In conversation with Michiel van Straaten on people skills, legal leadership, and the changing role of the General Counsel.
The legal world is changing rapidly. Technology, AI, and new expectations from the business mean that legal departments must constantly adapt. According to Michiel van Straaten, founder of General Counsel Netherlands, it is therefore time to look at legal leadership differently.
“General Counsel often have a serving, dutiful attitude. But the role increasingly demands something else: making choices, daring to say no, and being visible within the organization.”
Michiel sees how technology (ironically) actually calls for more building of human skills. Think of:
Curiosity: daring to ask about what you don't know
Intercultural sensitivity: knowing how your message is received by others
Humor and lightness: not taking yourself too seriously, even when dealing with serious matters
He also emphasizes the importance of communication in a diverse, international environment.
“You can be incredibly strong on content, but if your message doesn't land — with your CEO, your team, or your international colleagues — you are missing the mark.”
According to Michiel, more and more GCs are taking that step forward. Those who ask themselves: “If I could rebuild my legal team tomorrow, how would I do it?”
These are the frontrunners. And we are dedicated to helping them grow.
Watch the entire conversation below ↓