Within three years of joining BASF's legal department Helen Koerner was appointed company secretary and de facto head of legal for its northern European operations. Koerner qualified in 2001 and started out her career as a property specialist. She joined BASF's legal department in 2004 to manage its property portfolio but was soon taking on a much broader role within the company.

Koerner's arrival at the company has coincided with a period of rapid expansion and restructuring, allowing her the opportunity to shine.

Following a management decision not to instruct external counsel, Helen led on BASF's recent acquisition of the Sorex Group, going head to head with Sidley Austin for the sellers. Helen drafted the complex corporate and banking documents, advised the directors on the entire deal, conducted negotiations, completed the transaction and undertook the post-completion work.

She has also been on a drive to promote good practice within the region she covers. As the credit crunch loomed, she instituted a review of BASF's standard term and conditions of purchase and sale. She then rolled out seminars on contract and competition law across sales teams and management.

She has also been reviewing the way her company procures legal services. Two years ago she recruited another solicitor with the result that the cost of instructing outside counsel on regular legal matters has fallen by 16%. On completion of a recent deal she received glowing praise from a site director. "Thank you for all your great support, excellent work, long hours and outstanding dedication," he said.

Samantha Livesey, head of IP and IT at Pannone, one of BASF's advisers, said: "In my opinion, Helen Koerner is a truly outstanding and inspiring lawyer, meeting and exceeding all key requirements of her role."