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

As part of the International Legal & Compliance department of Merck & Co.,  I collaborate cross nationally and cross functionally in the oversight of multiple legal topics and compliance programs across 23 countries in Central America, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. We are responsible for providing clear, effective, prompt and accurate advice on general commercial matters, regular contractual, litigation, anti-bribery/anticorruption, corporate matters, privacy, antitrust, strategic compliance issues, and complex contractual matters. 

Recently, the legal team was a key part of the efforts to navigate the changing regulatory government payor landscape in Puerto Rico. Across the rest of our markets, this year the legal team has been a core member of the team that expanded access to life saving medication in Guyana and the opening of a new legal entity in Guatemala that can effectively impact clinical trial operations in that country while impacting research worldwide.  

I also provide advice to leadership and executive teams in our markets as well as regionally and globally. 

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

Teamwork and collaboration through the several cross functional areas is key to provide effective, appropriate, and prompt legal advice.  

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

Currently, as a member of the International Legal & Compliance department of Merck I have provided comprehensive legal support to human health sales and marketing operations in CENCA cluster resulting in securing the first public sector Sales and Purchase Agreement for one of our company’s products in the LATAM region. 

I have also led legal efforts to coordinate administration of distribution contracts across Central America and the Caribbean.