Legal team size: 19

Major legal advisers/ external counsel: Carla Sosa (Berkemeyer)

What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

Over the past year, the corporate landscape at Corteva Agriscience presented significant challenges that demanded strategic legal oversight and cross-functional coordination. I played a central role in the rationalisation project for our Paraguayan and Brazilian entities, as well as in the implementation of a new ERP system across both jurisdictions. This complex, multi-phase initiative requires the active involvement of all corporate functions, with the Legal department providing critical guidance to ensure a timely and compliant go live.

In parallel, I ensured the seamless integration of our biologicals business—an essential pillar for the company’s long-term growth strategy—and led several internal reorganisations, including mergers and spin-offs within the Group. These transactions demanded a high level of legal and operational alignment to prevent disruptions and to safeguard the continuity of our business operations.

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 the agribusiness sector, the integration of technology – particularly artificial intelligence – is becoming increasingly indispensable, and legal departments must remain proactive in understanding and responding to this evolution. Legal counsel needs to stay ahead of regulatory and operational developments, especially as agricultural companies embrace digital tools to optimise supply chains, ensure compliance, and accelerate internal decision-making.

From my perspective, in-house lawyers in this sector must go beyond traditional legal advisory roles and position themselves as strategic business partners. As agriculture becomes more data-driven and globally interconnected, legal professionals will be expected to combine technical expertise with strong soft skills, contributing to innovation while safeguarding business integrity. There is no doubt that this transformation brings exciting opportunities—and considerable responsibilities—for legal teams in the years ahead.

What are some key attributes every in-house lawyer should possess?

In-house lawyers must possess strong communication skills, active listening skills, and the ability to think outside the box. These attributes are essential not only for understanding and translating legal risks into practical business terms, but also for building trust and alignment with internal stakeholders.

As legal teams increasingly serve as strategic partners within organisations, it becomes crucial to approach problems with creativity, agility, and a deep understanding of the company’s operational context. The most effective in-house counsels are those who combine legal expertise with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.