Downstream legal manager | Chevron Petroleum
Javier Parada-González
Downstream legal manager | Chevron Petroleum
Team size: Four
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organization’s resilience?
In times of instability or crisis, I adopt a proactive and integrated legal strategy that balances risk mitigation with business continuity. My approach is grounded in three core principles: strategic alignment, stakeholder coordination, and operational adaptability.
At Chevron, I have led legal responses in highly sensitive and complex scenarios ranging from civil, constitutional, competition, and labour litigation cases in the region. In each instance, I ensured that legal actions were not only technically sound but also aligned with the company’s broader business objectives and reputational priorities. I prioritise early engagement with internal and external stakeholders to build consensus and clarity around legal risks and business transactional opportunities. For example, during local competition proceedings, I coordinated with external counsel to secure high-level meetings with regulators, ensuring Chevron’s contractual rights were clearly articulated and defended.
My legal strategies are designed to be resilient and responsive. I emphasise scenario planning, clear documentation, and timely communication with local and corporate law function and business unit leaders. This ensures that legal decisions support operational continuity and protect long-term value. I also advocate for the well-being and preparedness of legal teams, as reflected in our internal presentations on managing workload and stress during high-pressure periods.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that legal strategy is not a siloed function but a critical enabler of Chevron’s resilience and integrity in the face of uncertainty.
What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?
As Legal Manager in Colombia, I have seen sustainability become a strategic priority. Our company has embedded it into core operations by filing SASB-aligned ESG reports with the Colombian Superintendence of Finance, developed collaboratively by legal, environmental, and technical teams to ensure transparency and compliance.
The legal department plays a central role by aligning disclosures with legal standards, shaping report content for materiality and accuracy, and introducing disclaimers to manage risk. Beyond reporting, we monitor environmental regulations, advise on compliance, and engage with stakeholders on issues such as counterfeit enforcement and site closures.
As general counsel, I act as both legal advisor and strategic partner – mentoring legal talent, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring our legal strategies advance long-term sustainability goals. In short, legal is a key enabler of actionable, compliant sustainability practices.
What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?
As Colombia downstream legal manager, I recognise that emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, NLP, blockchain, and legal tech platforms are significantly transforming the legal profession. These tools enhance efficiency in research, contract analysis, compliance, and workflow automation. To stay informed, I engage with legal tech colleagues across the company, attend webinars, subscribe to industry updates, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to align legal strategies with technological and regulatory changes.
How do you prioritize diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?
As an in-house legal counsel at Chevron, I supported diversity and inclusion as core values that shape our legal department’s culture. I promote flexible work arrangements and support work-life balance, believing that an inclusive environment allows individuals to thrive both professionally and personally. Our initiatives include inclusive hiring, mentorship for underrepresented voices, and ongoing team dialogues to foster equity, learning, and accountability.