Spotlight On: Rob Paterson, Senior Legal Counsel

Rob Paterson, Senior Legal Counsel at Dennis Eagle

1. Hi Rob, really good to be catching up with you about your time in the business. Could you tell us how long you’ve been at Dennis Eagle and what your role is? 

Thanks for having me! I joined Dennis Eagle in April 2024, so I’ve been here about 18 months. Time really does fly. My role is to help the business navigate legal issues across different functions, whether that’s reviewing contracts, managing risk, or supporting strategic projects. Sometimes I’m just a sounding board for colleagues, but whatever I’m working on, my philosophy stays the same: be practical, be logical and avoid being “too much of a lawyer”. Ultimately, it's my job to be a critical friend and trusted advisor to the business.   

2. How would you describe your role in three words? 

Only three words for a lawyer? If I had to pick, I’d go with: strategic, enabling, and professional. They sum up my regulatory responsibilities and keep me focused on what matters. 

3. What are some of your key responsibilities? 

An in-house lawyer, I see myself as a trusted advisor and critical friend, combining legal expertise with commercial insight to manage risk, enable informed decisions, and ensure compliance across the organisation. 

4. Describe a typical day in the life of a Senior Legal Counsel.  

Although “no two days are the same” is a cliché, it couldn’t be more accurate. I might advise on employment issues in the morning, review a supplier agreement by lunch, and plan a litigation strategy in the afternoon. One of my biggest challenges is speaking the language of business - translating legal complexity into things that make sense for the company. I’m judged on how well I enable plans, not block them. That might mean suggesting contract terms to reduce financial or operational exposure, streamlining compliance processes, or horizon scanning for upcoming regulatory risks. There is never a dull moment in our world! 

5. What did you do before joining Dennis Eagle? 

I started out life in private practice at Shoosmiths, one of the UK’s leading law firms. Before long, I’d spend more time at client sites than at my own desk - probably thanks to my knack for building rapport quickly. After qualifying, I joined Scania UK following another secondment to help rebuild the legal function. That journey was one I’m proud of, culminating in our team winning Most Transformative In-House Legal Team of the Year at a major industry awards event. Next, I joined Nissan to look after the procurement and research and development (R&D) function across the AMIEO region. It was an exciting role, not least because legal-R&D positions aren’t exactly common in the UK, but because it included a marathon 26-hour negotiation to secure a £2bn battery plant in Sunderland! Eventually, the lure of the truck world proved too strong and the chance to build something new at Dennis Eagle was simply irresistible. Here I am today, still loving the ride. 

6. Why did you decide to join Dennis Eagle and what makes you want to stay?  

I love the challenge of influencing new people and shaping fresh processes. This, alongside Dennis Eagle’s strong reputation and clear sense of purpose, made the decision easy. What’s kept me here is the culture. It’s genuinely collaborative, forward-thinking, and open to ideas. One of my first experiences summed it up perfectly: I received an email that said, “Hi Rob, I’ve had a go at reviewing this contract but could really use your support to take it further.” Most lawyers never see that - a non-lawyer “having a go” instead of just saying “this is a contract so it must be legal’s problem”. That attitude is rare, and it was instantly refreshing. I also get to challenge the stereotype of the disconnected lawyer every single day and that’s a challenge I’m happy to take on! 

7. What is your favourite thing about working at Dennis Eagle?  

There really is a genuine team spirit and a shared drive to do things well here. Everyone I’ve met is fully invested in what we do but still brings personality and pragmatism to the table. It feels like we’re all in the same boat, heading for the same destination. To me, that makes a big difference. 

8. What is your proudest achievement so far?  

Being asked to do this Spotlight, obviously! 

It’s hard to choose because we’re still at the start of an exciting journey. However, when I look back, my biggest achievement so far isn’t a contract signed or a process implemented - it’s how warmly the business welcomed me and invited me into their world. For me, that openness and trust speak volumes, and it’s what makes building this legal function so rewarding. It also can’t be forgotten that I’m incredibly proud of earning the unofficial title of “office feeder” - if you’ve enjoyed a sweet treat near Sales or Finance, you’re welcome! 

9. Do you have any specific goals or ambitions for the future of your role? 

I’d love to build a legal function that’s seen as a true partner to the business - trusted, approachable, and proactive. My goal is for legal to be viewed not as a hurdle, but as an enabler that helps the business move faster, smarter, and with confidence. Longer term, I’d love to take on broader leadership responsibilities, but there’s plenty to do before then. 

10.  Final question: who are you outside of work?  

Away from the legal world, I’m a proud “pawrent” to Cooper, my six-year-old red cocker spaniel. If you’ve ever met a cocker spaniel, you’ll know they’re the embodiment of calm, chaos, and everything in-between! My partner and I spend as much time as possible exploring with him, getting into mischief, and enjoying life.  

I’m also a huge sports fan. Sadly (or proudly), I’m devoted to Leeds United - a rollercoaster ride if ever there was one! I love staying active, being a social butterfly, and proving that lawyers can break the stereotype. Oh, and one small detail… I got married this month - cheers to that, and to surviving the wedding planning!