“Amazon is a retailer, but its UK team has never been involved in a project like this,” says Alex Simpson, UK legal director at Amazon. “Although we`ve never done it before, we really wanted to help. Our legal team is deeply involved in all aspects of Amazon`s diverse business and operations, from researching groundbreaking new products and services to bringing our best ideas to market and operating effectively on a global scale. We`re full members of Amazon teams that disrupt established business practices for the benefit of our customers – whether it`s reading books on a device (Kindle), delivering just about everything you need quickly (Amazon.com; PrimeNow), establish the cloud as a business site (AWS), deliver packages by drone (PrimeAir), launch new TV shows (transparent and Mozart in the Jungle, Golden Globe winners, for best TV series – musical or comedy) and many more. The scope of our work is truly incredible. Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team Lawyers has developed an intellectual property model to enable the F1 team to start its applied science business. The department provides engineering and design advice to clients, including other professional sports teams such as the Ineos Team UK America`s Cup sailing team. It would have been very easy for any member of the team to say, “I think it`s too risky,” but no one has done it To keep up with Amazon`s growing list of exciting business opportunities, we look for exceptional lawyers who thrive on big challenges, think creatively and analytically to solve difficult problems, and consistently deliver great results despite all the adversity. We want people who are passionate about working with innovative and disruptive companies to deliver incredible customer experiences.

Nestlé A team of five sustainability lawyers and 150 sustainability ambassadors from Nestlé`s global legal team has helped develop new waste regulations and better standards for packaging. They defined a concept of “plastic neutrality” and recently used it to promote the development of recycling infrastructure in Colombia. They are also involved in a cross-sectoral group that sets standards for the calculation of CO₂ offsets. *Winner of the FT Innovative Lawyers Award for “The most innovative in-house legal team in Europe”; Other organizations are listed alphabetically ShellShell has developed the “We Care” Principles initiative to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being across the legal industry. It describes the specific expectations and practices that the team must follow in areas such as working hours, schedules, meeting commitments outside of work, and communication etiquette. The team now applies the principles in the way it teaches and communicates with external lawyers. Amazon UK`s legal team quickly advised on data protection and other legal and regulatory requirements so that the company could open its own Covid testing centre in the UK at the start of the pandemic. The facility has provided testing to thousands of employees. The pattern was followed by Amazon`s operations in Europe and the United States.

Nine years of senior legal positions at british supermarket chain Asda have helped him prepare for the role, but he is aware that he is still learning a lot. Simpson spoke to law.com International about the challenges of his role, how Amazon uses legal technology, and how he wants law firms to make better use of technology for clients. Project Edge, a training and development program, has also enabled legal staff to play a more strategic role in the business. As part of a new social mobility strategy, the team offers internships and mentorship to make legal careers more accessible. Archer-Daniels-Midland ADM`s legal team for Europe, middle east, Africa and India led and managed the legal aspects of forming a blockchain joint venture involving the world`s six largest food companies. The Covantis blockchain platform digitizes and tracks the global agribusiness, replacing a centuries-old paper-based process. BNP Paribas In the latest version of Sara, an online risk reporting tool developed for the bank`s global legal team, lawyers have new dashboards as well as a risk taxonomy and rating grid. The app is also used to shape the bank`s onboarding process for new law firms.