Team size: 12

What are the key projects you have been involved in over the past twelve months?

One of the most significant projects I have worked on is Proyecto Domus. This initiative aims to secure and structure the financing, over $165m, for the redevelopment of the El Campín stadium in Bogotá. The project goes far beyond a traditional infrastructure upgrade: it envisages the creation of a world-class, multi-purpose entertainment and urban regeneration complex. This includes the stadium’s full modernisation, the development of a hospitality complex and the integration of mixed-use facilities, all of which are designed to transform the area into a destination for sports, cultural and entertainment activities.

The impact of this project is substantial. Proyecto Domus is a transformative initiative for Colombia: it modernises one of the country’s most emblematic sports venues and acts as a catalyst for economic growth, urban renewal and investment. By establishing Bogotá as a competitive destination for major events and tourism, the project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, attract foreign investment and boost the city’s global profile.

I played a leading role in this project as legal counsel to one of the main financing institutions involved in the transaction. In this capacity, I was responsible for advising on the structuring and negotiation of the financing arrangements, ensuring the lender’s interests were protected while maintaining the project’s overall bankability and feasibility.

Can you describe an instance where your legal advice directly influenced business strategy or commercial objectives?

One example of how my legal advice has directly influenced business strategy is Proyecto Puertos de Santander, one of Colombia’s most significant renewable energy projects. At an early stage, several financial institutions were reluctant to participate due to concerns about the adequacy of the initial collateral package, which did not offer sufficient reassurance from a risk mitigation perspective.

I conducted a detailed assessment of the project’s structure and proposed redesigning the guarantee framework to incorporate stronger, more robust security mechanisms that aligned with lender expectations. This intervention had a direct and measurable impact on the project’s outcome, enabling the participation of financial institutions that had initially been reluctant and helping to unlock the project’s broader financing strategy.

How has the role of general counsel evolved, and what are the most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer?

The role of the general counsel has evolved significantly, shifting from that of a traditional legal advisor to that of a key participant in business decision-making. Today, general counsel are not just responsible for mitigating legal risk after strategic decisions have been made; they are also involved in shaping those decisions from the outset. This change has been prompted by growing regulatory complexity, greater scrutiny from stakeholders and the requirement for businesses to be agile in highly dynamic and globalised markets. Consequently, the modern in-house lawyer plays a pivotal role in balancing legal risk with commercial opportunity, ensuring compliance and long-term value creation.

In this context, the most important attributes for the modern in-house lawyer extend beyond technical legal expertise. Firstly, strategic thinking and business acumen are essential, as legal advice must be aligned with commercial objectives and contribute to their achievement. Secondly, the ability to translate complex legal concepts into practical, actionable insights is crucial for supporting senior-level decision-making. Thirdly, strong communication and stakeholder management skills are indispensable, particularly in multi-party, cross-functional environments. Finally, adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset are essential: the modern general counsel must identify risks and design innovative, legally sound structures that facilitate transactions and unlock opportunities.

How do you manage situations where legal advice and commercial objectives conflict?

Managing situations where legal advice and commercial objectives conflict requires a strong focus on enabling the business while maintaining disciplined risk management. In practice, I begin by gaining a thorough understanding of the commercial objective and its strategic importance. I then assess the associated legal risks as variables to be managed, rather than as barriers. Instead of taking a restrictive approach, I aim to clearly define the risk boundaries and articulate the potential impact, enabling the business to make informed decisions within an acceptable risk framework.

At the same time, I prioritise finding ways to legally progress transactions. This often involves restructuring the deal, reallocating risk or strengthening contractual and security mechanisms to align with the organisation’s risk appetite. By approaching legal challenges with a pragmatic, solutions-driven mindset, I ensure that legal advice facilitates business execution, allowing the organisation to pursue opportunities with confidence while maintaining robust protection against downside risks.