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

Over the past year, my team and I have been involved in several significant projects. The most recent was a competition law initiative, where we conducted a Deep Dive Assessment in the LSP Cluster. This required reviewing three different regulations across three countries, involving diverse people, cultures, and authorities.

We presented this work to the Local Leadership Team as an assessment rather than an investigation, making our methodology and expected outcomes very clear from the outset. The final report was later shared with the Global Commercial Legal Team, highlighting both the experience and the lessons learned. One of the most valuable outcomes was the opportunity to lead a cross-functional team of both junior and senior professionals from Legal, Compliance, Commercial, and Regulatory, all united in learning about competition law and ensuring compliance.

As part of the assessment, the Legal department organised interactive workshops to clarify critical aspects of competition law. These sessions helped close knowledge gaps for colleagues in Commercial roles. A practical checklist for evaluating ongoing business practices against antitrust risks was co-created by junior analysts and senior managers working together. This hands-on approach not only deepened our understanding of legal requirements but also fostered a culture of transparency and collaboration across functions.

Another key project was the simplification of contract management. Historically, contract processes involved numerous approval steps, which often caused delays and inconsistencies. To address this, the Legal team launched a simplification initiative focused on standardising contract templates and integrating digital workflow systems. By adopting intuitive contract lifecycle management tools, we aimed to reduce redundant administrative tasks and improve transparency throughout the process. The project has been launched and is now in the implementation phase.

In this phase, we are defining explicit guidelines for contract review and approval thresholds. This will allow business units to independently manage routine agreements, while contracts with higher risk profiles continue to receive legal oversight. These improvements will accelerate contract execution, enhance accountability and consistency, and create a more agile and adaptive contract management system. Ultimately, this shift will enable the Legal function to focus more on strategic business support rather than routine contract review.

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

In my view, the best way to manage legal aspects during times of instability or crisis is through transparency and clear communication with the business.

Regulations rarely change during these periods, so we must work within the same legal framework as before. Legal should take the lead on risk analysis, bringing together cross-functional teams to gain a 360° view of the situation. Crisis management is never the responsibility of one function alone. Once risks are identified, we must develop a mitigation plan while also creating a business continuity plan to prevent disruptions in operations.

However, even the best analysis and planning will fail without effective communication. It is essential to be clear and transparent about risks, potential consequences, solutions, and timelines. This ensures that employees can understand and manage uncertainty.

Resilience, therefore, is not just about risk management—it is about cultivating a culture of adaptability, ethical conduct, and continuous learning. By empowering business units with clear communication, they gain the confidence to manage day-to-day risks independently, while high-stakes issues remain under legal scrutiny. This approach expedites processes and positions Legal as a strategic partner, guiding the business through uncertainty toward stability and growth.

In summary, my approach combines proactive risk management, cross-functional teamwork, transparent communication, and adaptability to ensure the organisation remains legally robust and resilient, even in times of crisis.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

One of my most memorable experiences took place at Codelco, where I managed the legal assessment for a major international joint venture that promised significant revenue for the company. The negotiations had been long and difficult, but we finally closed the deal.

Although all approvals had been secured, Codelco’s legal status required a Presidential Law Decree before finalising. With the President due to travel in two hours, I volunteered to secure the signature. At La Moneda Palace, I learned the President was already en route to the airport. I asked staff to contact the driver, and I intercepted the motorcade on the freeway. I obtained the President’s signature just before his departure and returned to the office with the signed decree—feeling like a superhero.

A few days later, Chile was struck by an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. Had I not secured the signature that day, the deal likely never would have closed. My colleagues congratulated me first for my persistence—and even more so afterward, recognising how crucial that timing was.

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

One cause I am deeply passionate about is pro bono work. I am currently an active member of my company’s Pro Bono Team.

Pro bono work is rewarding both professionally and personally. On the professional side, it pushes me to apply my knowledge in areas I may not always know in depth. It requires me to research, study, consult colleagues, and review similar cases to provide meaningful advice. This process helps me grow as a lawyer while delivering better guidance to those seeking help.

On the personal side, there is immense satisfaction in helping underserved people who often lack the knowledge or resources to navigate legal processes. The barriers they face are significant, and being able to assist them is invaluable.

Ensuring equitable access to legal representation is essential to protecting rights, promoting fairness, and sustaining trust in the legal system. Through pro bono work, legal aid programs, and public education, I strive to lower barriers, empower individuals with knowledge, and strengthen communities. This work not only encourages ethical conduct but also contributes to building a more resilient and equitable society.