What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

First, we have focused on adapting our activities to align with the company’s global strategy for building the digital future. This involved adjusting our work processes and tools to ensure we deliver what is needed to achieve that strategy and benefit both our internal clients and external customers. In connection with this, and from a broader perspective, we are also continuously undertaking various tasks to ensure our contracts and processes comply with local legislation. This is vital for maintaining our legal standing and operational integrity across all regions where we operate.

We have also continued to provide essential support to our businesses in Chile and across LATAM. This included leading complex negotiations and resolving intricate legal issues to protect our operations, always ensuring our global framework is applied effectively within the unique realities of each country. In addition, our team has been instrumental in supporting Equinix’s broader expansion throughout LATAM, which has involved working on the final phases of integrating our businesses in Chile and Peru.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

During periods of instability or crisis, our approach to legal management is proactive and strategically aligned. First and foremost, it is crucial to understand and clarify the company’s overall strategy. This ensures that all legal responses and initiatives during challenging times are consistent with the organisation’s overarching goals. Without this clarity, legal actions risk being misdirected or counterproductive.

Second, especially within multinational corporations with diverse teams across various countries, it is vital to identify and engage the right people who can provide support in difficult times. This involves knowing who the key stakeholders are, understanding their roles and leveraging their expertise efficiently.

Most importantly, and what we believe is different at Equinix, is that the legal department takes the initiative to act as a facilitator and enabler of precise and correct communication, rather than assume the role of a passive adviser. This proactive stance is essential to guide the organisation through uncertainty, identify potential risks, support the implementation of effective solutions, and demonstrate the legal department’s unique value to the business.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?  

One of the most significant, if not the most significant, trends that every in-house lawyer should be mindful of is the rapid advancement and integration of AI in both the legal and business worlds.

First, it is important for lawyers to develop a technical understanding of AI. This is not about becoming data scientists, but rather about comprehending the fundamental concepts, capabilities and limitations of AI. This knowledge allows us to challenge common myths, provide accurate and informed advice, and truly support our businesses and legal departments in leveraging this vital technology responsibly.

Second, keeping a close eye on AI regulations and their potential impact on businesses is crucial. The regulatory landscape around AI is evolving quickly. For instance, here in Chile, there is currently a proposed legislative bill that could have significant repercussions for various industries. It is advisable for legal professionals to monitor these developments both globally and locally to anticipate compliance challenges and advise their organisations effectively.

Finally, we must understand how AI will directly affect the work of lawyers and how we can harness it to our advantage. AI tools are increasingly capable of automating routine tasks, assisting with legal research and even drafting documents. There is no doubt that legal professionals who embrace AI will have a distinct advantage over those who do not. It is an opportunity to enhance efficiency, improve accuracy and focus on higher-value strategic work.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

One cause I am particularly passionate about is the work done by Equinix Employee Connection Networks (EECNs). Equinix has nine EECNs, and I am fortunate to be a Board Member of one of them, GenteConnect, which has over 1,000 members within the company. Its mission deeply resonates with me.

GenteConnect is dedicated to promoting Hispanic/Latin languages, culture and heritage through various activities and events. Our EECN also actively encourages, develops and advances outstanding Hispanic/Latin talent within the company, which is crucial for fostering a truly diverse and inclusive workplace. These goals are incredibly important, given Equinix’s significant presence and growth in the LATAM region and the substantial number of Hispanic/Latin people living across the globe. For me, it is about serving others and making our company better; I genuinely believe these efforts ultimately benefit our teams and, by extension, Equinix.