Since joining BASF Corp. in 2014, Matthew Lepore has, as one colleague put it, “sought to turn the billable hour on its head.” He reworked the company's outside counsel agreement, helped navigate almost all outside counsel engagements to alternative fee arrangements, and, as a result, saw legal spend decrease by 47.9 percent in 2016, according to BASF. Lepore also has prioritized diversifying the department, and demanded similar efforts from outside counsel. And he's pushed BASF to become involved in community outreach, especially legal clinics, in tandem with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Pro Bono Partnership.

How is the role of general counsel evolving, and how have you adapted?

In my experience, the role of general counsel has grown from that of a practicing lawyer to that of a business leader. The legal department operates like a business—we work to bring money into BASF; attract, engage, and retain a diverse talent pool; proactively manage risk; and emphasize efficiency while minimizing cost to BASF. I work directly with the senior business team, and I'm expected to directly participate in developing and driving the strategic vision for BASF Corporation. Everything is done while ensuring we maintain our high standards of compliance in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.