Amalia Muollo: the legal area, creating value for the company
Our new General Counsel introduces herself
Can you tell us about pivotal moments in your career that led you to become General Counsel at EF Solare Italia?
Working for over 16 years at top-tier law firms has enabled me to acquire solid technical skills and an in-depth knowledge of legal dynamics. Since 2018, I assisted numerous clients entering the renewable energy market in Italy for the first time. I developed strong negotiation and communication skills, translating the legal language of a complex and, at the time, unfamiliar industry. Later, I served as General Counsel at a company specializing in developing and constructing photovoltaic plants. Collaborating with various corporate functions allowed me to understand business dynamics and become a legal advisor capable of driving strategic decisions.
What legal challenges does EF Solare Italia face in the renewable energy sector, and what strategies do you plan to adopt to overcome them?
The complexity of regulations requires companies to comply with specific requirements for the installation and maintenance of plants. However, current government policies, on the one hand, have set ambitious targets for renewable energy, but on the other hand, have created uncertainty by introducing regulatory barriers that make the development of renewables significantly more complex. For a company like EF Solare Italia, this means tackling challenges with professionalism, expertise, and ambition. This goal is achievable by working with a team of up-to-date professionals who can enhance corporate know-how.
How will you promote compliance and legal transparency within EF Solare Italia?
Compliance is essential for business. Therefore, it has to be an integral part of business management, the recognition of which represents an opportunity to create value. Respect for regulations is the basis of every relationship, but at the same time, there can be no compliance without knowledge of the context in which a company operates. The challenge for the future is to go beyond mere compliance with laws by developing a corporate culture that reflects the values of ethics, collaboration, and transparency. The role of the General Counsel is to create an environment in which compliance is a fundamental driver of value rather than a bureaucratic burden.
What skills should you and your team develop to excel in this role?
In the past, the General Counsel used to be one of the legal advisors to the business. In contrast, today, she owns considerable responsibility, affecting strategic choices. Without a doubt, solid legal and technical skills are necessary. However, what is critical in my role is to foster collaboration within the legal team and other business functions to meet deadlines and achieve goals. To do this, the team must resonate with the relevant function, exercising their technical and professional skills with emotional intelligence.
What advice would you give to a young lawyer interested in the renewable energy sector?
The lawyer’s role is crucial even in a technical field like renewable energy. My suggestion is to invest in yourself through training and specialization courses. The industry is constantly evolving, and training is essential to remain competitive. To this, I add the importance of being curious, observing, listening, and challenging yourself with dedication, spirit of sacrifice, attention to detail, and commitment. It means being willing to take risks and put yourself out there with courage and a spirit of initiative to create value for yourself and others.