Many are accustomed to seeing a lawyer as a contract coordinator or a problem solver, but in the conditions of 2026, the role of legal expertise in a company has fundamentally changed. Today, a lawyer is not just support, but a co-author of a sustainable business architecture

It's very simple. We now live in a new reality with new rules of the game that are constantly changing. The tax burden is growing, restrictions are increasing, and government scrutiny has intensified

Tax risks have increased, and it is essential to audit the structure to avoid falling under signs of fragmentation. A separate issue is checking the financial purpose of contracts, so as not to later explain to the tax authorities and the investigator that it is not money laundering or tax evasion

Labor relations in the current reality have also become a dangerous category. It is necessary to carefully review relationships with freelance contractors for risks of reclassification as employment relationships

Contract terms have also changed. Standard force majeure clauses no longer work. Courts increasingly recognize sanctions and logistical disruptions as business risks rather than force majeure circumstances. It makes sense to rewrite contracts, incorporating clauses on currency corridors, alternative supply chains, and detailed termination conditions without penalties. In 2026, a well-drafted contract is insurance against cash flow gaps or losses

In the current realities, a lawyer for a company is more of a proactive crisis manager than linear assistance with minor tasks