It has been an immense honour to conduct the research for this edition of The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Argentina 2022, which is the first after an enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As lead researcher for this year’s Powerlist, I have had the privilege of speaking with many of the most outstanding in-house counsel in the country. I can undoubtedly affirm that Argentina is one of our most popular Powerlists yet, thanks to the region’s high level of engagement by in-house lawyers. Our extensive interviews have touched upon themes of diversity and inclusion, legal technology and practical advice for aspiring in-house lawyers wishing to begin a career in this industry. Among other revelations, this research reveals that Argentina, like the rest of the world, was not untouched by the pandemic. The uncertainty of the legal framework and regulations impacted the function and the world of work of in-house counsel and their respective organisations. However, they are unscathed and instead prepared for a future of driving innovation and efficiency while promoting the growth of their corporations and the country.  

Argentina stands out for its leadership position in matters related to gender equality, diversity and inclusion. Ivana Blumensohn, director and associate general counsel in Procter & Gamble, has given an idea of how general counsel can influence diversity and inclusion policies within their companies: “I have the privilege of working in a company that fosters diversity and inclusion; the Argentina leadership team has a majority of female executives. This is a result of years of deliberate choices that enabled women to have the opportunity to grow in their careers. It is within our culture to respect each other and value our differences. As a general counsel, I have the possibility to analyse and comment on policies, processes and projects. I always make sure that they are aligned to our values”. Her words are echoed by Florencia Antonacci, lead counsel at GE Healthcare, who spoke in favour of leadership as an essential element to promote diversity: “It is important to lead by example: when you get the chance to build a team, build a diverse one!” 

Argentina-based general counsel are increasingly growing with regards to the implementation of legal technology tools. Some have designed their own internal systems, while others have turned to more common software for contract management and e-signatures. What is certain is that general counsel in Argentina are slowly turning to technology to drive efficiencies. As Marina Codesal, Soco legal director at PepsiCo Argentina, suggests: “technology is an ally to our work, making our day-to-day a lot easier.”  

This year’s GC Powerlist Argentina highlights the role of general counsel in overcoming challenges, promoting equality and embracing change and innovation to favour the development and growth of their organisation and country.  

I want to extend the most profound gratitude to every in-house lawyer who participated in this edition of the GC Powerlist. I am incredibly proud to be able to introduce this list of Argentina’s most outstanding, agile and acclaimed in-house lawyers. 

Sara Maggi
Research Analyst

Baker McKenzie

We are delighted to join The Legal 500 in recognizing Argentina’s top general counsel. We are proud to present once again the GC Powerlist event in Buenos Aires to highlight and to celebrate the work that our colleagues at the leading national and multinational corporations do to navigate and manage the legal needs of their sectors and businesses.

Solutions for a connected world

Complex challenges require an integrated response

The global business community is more interconnected than ever before. Opportunities and risks spill across different markets, sectors and areas of law, so a connected perspective is essential in delivering business objectives while mitigating risk.

Our integrated client solutions provide seamless advice, underpinned by deep practice and sector expertise, as well as first-rate local market knowledge. Armed with Baker McKenzie insight and foresight, business leaders can feel confident in driving growth that is both sustainable – and inclusive.

Our client solutions

• Supply Chains

Supply chain vulnerabilities have been widely exposed in the face of the global pandemic and geopolitical volatility. In response, business leaders are seeking to diversify their networks while maintaining efficiency, embracing innovative technologies and staying abreast of new ESG standards. In the face of these challenging legal and operational interdependencies, a holistic approach is imperative to strengthen and transform supply chains for the future.

• Strategic Transactions

Strategic transactions capitalize on opportunity while minimizing risk. In an increasingly complex and quickly evolving landscape, success hinges on the right combination of global and local expertise, to allow dealmakers to tackle legal and commercial issues before they arise. The right knowhow and an innovative mind-set drives seamless and efficient cross-border transactions – and delivers value throughout the deal cycle and beyond.

• Digital Transformation

Ongoing digital transformation is key to success for organizations in all sectors. It can take many guises – from leveraging particular technologies, to improving a specific function or even overhauling entire business models. Successful transformation requires the right insight to identify legal risks and opportunities and cut through the tech hype. And it requires the right foresight – to anticipate and navigate changes to the complex regulatory environment.

• Workforce Redesign

Flexibility is currency in the new working world. Organizations and employees alike are eager to capitalize on the opportunities offered by technological advancement and the paradigm shifts in working culture. Embracing new ways of working means managing uncertainty – with questions arising in complex areas of employment, tax, data, compliance and IP law. Formulating the right answers to those questions can protect businesses from challenge by authorities, employees and other stakeholders – while allowing them to build a flexible future for their organization.

• Sustainability

Sustainability is a prominent consideration for investors, employees, customers and stakeholders.  Organizations are at different stages of their journeys, from identifying risks, to establishing and evolving sustainable practices, to making pivotal investments and complying with changing regulation.

• Energy Transition

The transition to a carbon-neutral economy will leave no sector untouched. The urgent strategic, operational and reputational challenges are considerable, but so are the opportunities for growth. With the right guidance, energy producers, investors and users can harness the power of transformation.

We have assembled a team of lawyers that is truly first class. They are experts in their industries, practice areas, and work tirelessly to provide you with the excellent legal advice that has characterized our firm for 40 years here in Buenos Aires.

We thank our clients for trusting us and it is a great honour to recognize the work that all of you perform as general counsel. Your commitment to excellence inspires us daily to continue going above-and-beyond for the people and communities we serve.

We look forward to continuing to develop great work together, tackling new challenges, and helping you navigate this complex business world.

Thank you,

Adolfo Durañona

Managing Partner