Team Insights – Nawal Belkalem

Welcome to a typical day in my role at In-House Legal Solutions (IHLS). My name is Nawal, and beyond specialising in corporate and commercial law, I also lead the Transaction Support Solutions for IHLS.  This pivotal responsibility grants me significant control in supporting client relationships, as well as allowing me to shape the delivery of our Solution to our clients. Tasked with advising a diverse clientele, including prominent investment managers and firms, I take pride in delivering exceptional care and strategic collaboration to tackle complex legal matters effectively.

My Role at IHLS

I have a varied role at IHLS.  As one of the longest standing members of the team – I was one of the very first paralegals employed by Brian and Lauren – I lead the Transaction Support Solution which processes high volumes of NDAs, advisor engagement letters and other transaction related documents for investment funds, pension schemes, banks and advisors.  The team is used to working under high pressure but with detailed expertise in the types of transactions that are work relates to, and so a lot of my time is spent ensuring our processes and clients checklists are up to date, assisting on complex documents and looking for improvements in our services and opportunities to win new clients.

As an trained in-house lawyer however, I also service clients directly and work with a range of clients including professional services firms, investment funds and trading businesses advising on general commercial work.  One day I may be assisting on a straight forward terms of business for a supplier, the next I might be negotiation a complex IT outsourcing agreement for a critical function for one of our clients.  The work is so varied but importantly I get to foster a strong relationship with our clients and really understand their businesses in detail, which is so important for the clients and the work that I do but also one of the most enjoyable things for me in working at IHLS.

How I maintain a strong client relationship:

At IHLS, we foster an environment that nurtures professional growth and early leadership. This is exemplified through my role in managing a team comprising paralegals, newly qualified lawyers, and trainees. Central to our success lies IHLS commitment to maintaining strong client relationships, a principle that resonates across various professions. Our innovative approach involves empowering paralegals to lead client calls under the supervision of qualified solicitors, offering high quality learning experiences and client interactions.

Why its important to work with other departments, solicitors and paralegals in the company:

Collaboration is the foundation of our daily operations. Whether exchanging insights with colleagues or navigating client engagements, teamwork is fundamental to delivering superior service. Our open-door policy encourages conversation and knowledge-sharing, enabling continuous development and fostering a supportive work culture. Soft skills are honed and applied across departments, enhancing collaborative endeavours such as contract reviews supervised by paralegals.

My experience with staying up to date with changes in laws and regulations:

Staying on top of legal developments is paramount in my role. Regular training sessions, networking events, and academic engagements keep me informed of evolving laws and regulations. Our firm’s proactive approach ensures that the team remains up to date on the latest trends and case law, promoting informed decision-making and legal excellence, that I can apply to my work.

How technology and legal innovation have influenced my work at IHLS:

Technological advancements have revolutionised our approach in our legal practice. Leveraging cutting-edge solutions like Denovo and Luminance, we streamline case management, automate processes, and enhance contract review efficiency. As experienced workers in legal technology, we strive to maintain our position as the forefront of innovation in the industry.

Why I chose to pursue a career as an in-house solicitor:

Reflecting on my journey, I never anticipated pursuing a career as an in-house lawyer. Originally drawn to the financial market, my transition to IHLS was driven by a passion for helping clients navigate complex transactions and legal challenges, this is because I have found a deep appreciation for helping others and in this role, it is my main duty.

My advice for aspiring in-house legal professionals:

For those aspiring to enter the field of in-house legal practice, I offer some advice. Firstly, familiarise yourself with the differences of in-house compared to private practice. Secondly, embrace the distinctive approach of organisations like IHLS, where client-centricity is of the greatest importance. Finally, prioritise work-life balance and seek practical experience to complement academic qualifications, as these experiences will shape your journey and enhance your professional trajectory.