An interview with Crina Ciobanu, Head of Legal and Business Affairs at Porr in Romania.
How would you describe the state of the GC Community in your region? How has it changed since you first moved in-house?
The in-house legal community in Romania has evolved significantly over the past decade. When I first transitioned in-house, GCs were primarily seen as legal risk mitigators, often working in isolation within their companies. Today, however, the role has transformed into that of a strategic business partner, with GCs actively contributing to corporate governance, regulatory strategy, and operational decision-making.
Recognising this shift, the GC community in Romania has made efforts to organise itself more formally. Aside from the informal meetings we occasionally have and the connections on email and WhatsApp groups, we have attempted to establish a dedicated association, with the aim of highlighting how much the role of GCs has evolved, emphasising that we represent a substantial and influential part of the legal profession. Our goal has been to reinforce the idea that GCs are not just legal advisors with no further career opportunities, but on the contrary, they are key decision-makers in the businesses they activate and can be role models within the industry.
As part of this effort, we have sought to ensure that the voice of in-house counsel is heard in the broader legal and business landscape. This includes initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration with law firms on common challenges, as well as engagement with universities to bridge the gap between legal education and the realities of in-house practice. We have envisaged events that bring together universities, law firms, and in-house professionals to share knowledge, shape the next generation of legal professionals, and advocate for the evolution of the GC role in Romania.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, this initiative has not yet been finalised due to various challenges. However, it remains very much a work in progress and has not been forgotten. The need for a stronger, more unified in-house legal community is still a priority, and we continue to explore ways to bring this vision to life.
Through these efforts, we aim to further professionalise the in-house legal community, promote knowledge-sharing, and ensure that our collective insights contribute meaningfully to the development of both the legal and business environments in Romania.
Why is expanding your network important to you? What kinds of connections or discussions would be most valuable to you?
Networking is crucial not only for professional growth but also for staying ahead of regulatory and industry trends. Engaging with fellow GCs allows for the exchange of best practices, insights into cross-industry challenges, and discussions on legal tech, compliance, and evolving governance models. Personally, I value connections that foster open dialogue on strategic legal leadership and innovative problem-solving.
What do you want to achieve by collaborating with other GCs and senior in-house lawyers? Are there specific topics, challenges, or experiences you’d like to share or learn more about?
My primary goal is to enhance cross-industry collaboration to address emerging legal and compliance challenges, particularly in construction and infrastructure. Topics such as contract risk management, regulatory developments, and dispute resolution strategies are areas I am keen to explore further. Sharing experiences on managing complex projects and evolving compliance frameworks would also be highly valuable.
