Event Report

The Legal 500 successfully hosted the GC Summit Chile 2025 on 17 June at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental in Santiago. This premier event brought together a distinguished community of in-house counsel and legal professionals from across Chile and the wider LATAM region. Designed to foster dialogue, share strategic insights, and build lasting connections, the summit addressed the pressing legal challenges and innovations reshaping today’s business environment.

Through a curated series of panels, the Summit explored emerging regulatory frameworks, dispute resolution strategies, labour law reforms, and corporate crime implications. Each session balanced expert commentary with practical, real-world guidance for the benefit of the in-house legal audience. The day concluded with an engaging networking reception, enabling participants to strengthen ties and continue conversations in a relaxed setting.

The day commenced with welcome addresses from Margherita Birri on behalf of The Legal 500 and Daniel Álvarez Valenzuela, Director of Chile’s National Cybersecurity Agency, setting the tone for a day of forward-thinking legal discussions.

Sponsored by Magliona Abogados, the opening panel focused on the intersection of technology, data governance, and legal compliance. As Chile accelerates its digital transformation, this session explored the legal ramifications surrounding data privacy, cybersecurity frameworks, fintech development, and artificial intelligence. Speakers dissected current and proposed regulatory measures and shared best practices for corporate compliance. A key emphasis was placed on anticipating policy shifts and embedding digital resilience within legal departments.

Presented by Bofill Escobar Silva, this session tackled the increasingly multifaceted nature of legal disputes. From regulatory conflict to high-profile litigation, César Ramos provided a deep dive into dispute resolution tactics that go beyond the courtroom. Real-life case management experiences illuminated how organisations can approach complex legal threats holistically, blending legal, reputational, and strategic considerations. Attendees gained insight into structuring internal processes and external counsel relationships to manage high-impact litigation effectively.

With sweeping reforms reshaping Chile’s labour law landscape, Munita & Olavarría’s panel unpacked three transformative legislative shifts: the phased reduction of the working week, proposed pension reform, and the enactment of the “Karin Law”. Legal leaders examined how these reforms affect employment policies, workplace investigations, and long-term HR planning. Attendees received practical guidance on internal policy alignment, compliance risk mitigation, and engaging constructively with organisational change.

The final panel of the day, hosted by VCG Abogados, explored the profound impact of Chile’s new Economic Crimes Law on corporate environmental liability. The discussion centered on how environmental breaches are now reclassified as criminal offences, with heightened scrutiny and enforcement mechanisms. Panelists stressed the importance of cross-functional compliance, robust internal audits, and executive accountability. The audience left with actionable strategies to strengthen environmental governance and minimise exposure to criminal proceedings.

To close the summit, attendees enjoyed a vibrant networking reception. Set against the elegant backdrop of the Mandarin Oriental, guests connected over refreshments and informal conversation. The reception underscored the collaborative spirit of the event and provided a fitting conclusion to a day marked by knowledge exchange, strategic reflection, and community building within Chile’s in-house legal community.

GC Summit Chile 2025 proved to be a landmark event, reaffirming The Legal 500’s commitment to supporting in-house counsel with critical insights, peer engagement, and access to leading legal thought. Through its carefully structured programme and high-level discussions, the summit empowered attendees to confront challenges with confidence and contribute meaningfully to their organisations’ legal and strategic priorities.

Looking ahead, The Legal 500 remains dedicated to delivering timely, relevant content and fostering impactful conversations within the global legal community.

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