In-house lawyer | Constructora Heisecke
Ana Elizabeth Garrido González
In-house lawyer | Constructora Heisecke
Legal team size: One
Major legal advisers/ external counsel: Estudio Codas.
What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, I have had the opportunity to work on several projects that have brought me great professional satisfaction. One of the most notable was the internal restructuring of legal processes within the company, which resulted in a significant improvement in efficiency and a reduction in response times. Additionally, I was also involved in resolving a major issue in one of our USD60m construction projects, where I assessed the situation and coordinated a unified legal and operational response. These issues not only challenged me to think strategically but also allowed me to collaborate closely with various departments across the company, as well as with government entities, to achieve shared objectives.
Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world, specific to Paraguay, that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?
In Paraguay, I have observed a growing focus on the adaptation of technology in legal and business processes, especially because of the pandemic. Companies are investing more in digitising their operations, and in-house lawyers need to stay updated on the evolution of technological tools, such as artificial intelligence applied to contract review, risk management, and legal document automation. These tools could be valuable in ensuring compliance and improving time management efficiency especially for in-house lawyers.
What are some key attributes every in-house lawyer should possess?
I believe what truly sets in-house lawyers apart is our deeper understanding of the business itself. We’re not just legal advisors—we’re part of the team, and we see the company’s economic and strategic success as the ultimate long-term goal. That perspective shapes everything we do. This understanding rides in the passenger seat of every decision, big or small. It’s what keeps us engaged through long calls, late meetings, and challenging conversations. Knowing the business inside and out is essential for assessing and taking smart risks. At the end of the day, what every company truly wants is someone with that level of commitment to its future—and that’s what makes in-house lawyers not just helpful, but a true asset to the company.