Gina is currently Assistant General Counsel at a global tech company. Gina has more than 20 years’ experience advising multi-national corporations and private clients on intellectual property, data privacy and IT/licensing and general commercial transactions. Gina was previously a Partner and Head of IP at Haldanes, General Counsel (APAC) for Crocs Footwear and in-house consultant at Lane Crawford Joyce Group. Gina is qualified in Hong Kong SAR and England and Wales.
Hi Gina! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing / have been doing?
I am currently Assistant General Counsel at a global tech company. I advise the Hong Kong team on government tenders and internal compliance policies. I am also involved in drafting and negotiating master IT service agreements relating to sales of professional IT services and software licenses.
Tell us a little bit about your previous in-house or consultant roles that you have done in the past
I was a senior consultant at Lane Crawford Joyce Group, advising the business teams on a full range of legal issues, including drafting and negotiating retail and distribution agreements and licensing arrangements. I also managed the group’s IP portfolio. I was General Counsel (APAC) of Crocs Footwear, also advising on a full range of legal issues, including drafting and negotiating retail, distribution and manufacturing agreements as well as property tenancies in APAC. I also put in place a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting program for APAC and was involved in crisis management relating to escalator safety, including travelling to different jurisdictions to meet with government officials.
What’s the most rewarding assignment you’ve ever had and why?
I have been working closely with the business team at a technology company to transition and integrate a local subsidiary which the group acquired around 18 months ago. 50 plus sales agreements and master service agreements needed to be reviewed and renegotiated with around 10 clients to comply with the group’s internal contract policy. I have enjoyed working with the business team and I am proud to say that we have built a strong relationship and it has been a valuable experience discussing and negotiating with customers.
As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSP fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?
Following Covid and many professionals’ families relocating back to their home countries at short notice, the ALSP consultancy model offers a great alternative and flexible way for lawyers. I truly believe that if one’s work environment fits in with their family life, one is more motivated and willing to make an extra effort in their professional jobs in exchange for greater flexibility to work remotely and to manage one’s time. For clients, I believe hourly rates are outdated and clients should insist on pre-agreed fixed fees so that they can more effectively manage their legal budgets. Also, having the option to engage a consultant at pre-agreed rates and hours/days, gives clients access to high calibre lawyers without taking on new headcount or paying high hourly rates.
What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?
I see a continued increase in the ALSP consultancy model – more lawyers becoming consultants and more clients engaging consultants. The model is well established and well received by clients in US, UK and Australia. I see the trend growing in Asia too.
Your favourite tune? And why?
This is difficult as I love a range of music. I grew up with 80s and 90s rock and pop music but I do love Harry Styles so I will say “Late Night Talking”. Harry is a great musician but also a good role model for our younger generation (me being a mother of twin teenagers).
KorumLegal is a boutique legal consultancy committed to providing value innovation in legal service delivery. The legal services industry is continuing to change with ‘NewLaw’ – and clients are seeking more innovative and cost-effective solutions without compromise on experience and quality
