Bolivia 2025
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Deputy legal manager – compliance coordinator | Grupo Minero Sinchi Wayra
Assistant general counsel | Phoenix Tower International
Legal affairs director | Cámara de Industria, Comercio, Servicios y Turismo
Head of the legal counsel unit | Universidad Catolica Boliviana - Sede Santa Cruz
General counsel – associate legal & tax | Ruizmier Group
Legal manager Mexico+ cluster | Japan Tobacco International ( JTI)
Manager of legal affairs for the Eastern region | Banco Nacional de Bolivia
General counsel | Importadora y Exportadora Monterrey
National legal manager | Embotelladoras Bolivianas Unidas (EMBOL)
Gerente de asuntos legales | Cámara de Industria, Comercio y Servicios de Cochabamba - ICAM
Legal and compliance manager | Pan American Silver Bolivia
Corporate lawyer | CAMSA INDUSTRIA Y COMERCIO
Executive director of the conciliation and arbitration centre | Cámara de Industria, Comercio y Servicios de Cochabamba-ICAM
Corporate affairs vice president | Nuevatel - VIVA
General counsel officer and LATAM counsel | EY
Legal manager -Argentina & Bolivia | Phoenix Tower International
Coordinator of legal affairs and labour relations | Nestlé Bolivia
Corporate affairs and compliance director | Telecel S.A. (Tigo)
National deputy general counsel for corporate and operational affairs | Banco Unión
Gerente nacional legal | Sociedad Boliviana de cemento SOBOCE
Gerente legal y legal compliance manager | Grupo Linde (Praxair)
Legal affairs director | Compañía industrial comercial hermanos Vicente
Head of corporate affairs and internationalisation | Grupo Mamut
Institutional affairs manager | Fexpocruz
Gerente nacional del area legal | Inmobiliaria Kantutani
Legal counsel | La Boliviana Ciacruz de seguros y reaseguros
Head of legal | Compañía de alimentos
Corporate national manager | Alianza Compañía de Seguros y Reaseguros
National legal counsel | Importadora y Exportadora Monterrey
Legal counsel | Sociedad Controladora Mercantil Santa Cruz
It is a true privilege to have worked on and now present The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Bolivia, 2025: a reflection on the unique realities of a jurisdiction where political volatility, economic uncertainty, and regulatory shifts are part of the day-to-day context for in-house counsel. This research highlights how Bolivia’s legal leaders are not only navigating instability but also transforming it into an opportunity to build resilience and sustainable growth.
A recurring theme across our conversations with the leading in-house lawyers in the country was the urgent need for adaptability in a business environment marked by currency shortages, shifting political priorities, and regulatory uncertainty. “Currently, my country is experiencing a severe currency crisis, which also affects other sectors. As the legal function, I consider it essential to take an active role in company operations, not merely as a filter for risks”, explained Jhessmy Camacho, general counsel at Importadora y Exportadora Monterrey. Camacho’s reflection illustrates how in-house counsel in Bolivia are taking ownership of crisis management and ensuring operational continuity while protecting corporate assets and credibility in the market.
Other in-house legal leaders emphasised that proactive and preventive approaches are critical. As Claudia García Paz, legal and executive director at Grupo Empresarial Nieme Inversiones, described it: “During periods of instability or crisis, our main focus is on building a strong foundation of anticipation and adaptability. We continuously update and strengthen our legal risk matrices to ensure they remain flexible and responsive to changing economic, political and regulatory conditions”.
Beyond crisis response, general counsel in Bolivia are also embedding sustainability into the heart of their corporate strategies. Ariane Milenka Augsten Roldan, in-house counsel at Itacamba Cemento, observed: “We leave a positive legacy in our environment by controlling and mitigating our impact, caring for biodiversity, and working on innovative solutions in our country”.
At the same time, the human dimension of leadership, a growing trend across Latin American legal teams, is not being overlooked by Bolivian in-house professionals. David Chavez Gonzales, legal counsel at Clínica Metropolitana de las Américas, shared how inclusivity and resilience go hand in hand: “Our legal team prioritises inclusivity, including gender equity, and highly values a proactive attitude when selecting staff… This collaborative approach fosters a continuous learning environment, reinforcing the team’s commitment to holistic development and diversity.”
Looking ahead, Bolivia’s legal leaders were candid about the challenges still to come. Many cited political transitions, gaps in data protection and cybersecurity law, and the pressures of adapting to ESG and digital transformation. As Marcelo Hassenteufel Loayza, corporate affairs VP at Nuevatel – VIVA, warned: “The major legal challenges for businesses in Bolivia over the next five years are concentrated in three areas: political constitution and regulations, judicial and bureaucratic systems, and investment security.”
Taken together, these testimonies showcase a Bolivian in-house counsel landscape in which corporate lawyers are operating at the crossroads of law, business, and society. They are not only interpreters of regulation but also strategic partners, risk managers, and innovators ensuring that companies remain competitive and compliant while contributing to sustainable development.
On behalf of The Legal 500, I would like to congratulate all the exceptional professionals featured in this 2025 edition of the GC Powerlist: Bolivia. Their voices reflect the legal challenges of today’s Bolivia and offer a clear vision for how in-house legal leadership can shape resilience, governance, and responsible growth in the years ahead.
Carmen Godoy Martin, Lead Researcher: GC Powerlist Bolivia 2025
On July 1st, Legal 500 unveiled the fourth edition of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026, in partnership with PLMJ. Hosted once again on the rooftop terrace of the firm’s Lisbon office under a blazing summer sun, the event brought together many of Portugal’s most accomplished in-house lawyers to celebrate this distinguished community of legal leaders.
Returning to its individual-focused format, this year’s edition marked the reintroduction of the Rising Stars category, recognising some of the country’s most promising emerging in-house counsel. It also saw the world debut of the Transnational Leaders category, highlighting general counsel whose leadership and influence extend beyond national borders and whose responsibilities span multiple jurisdictions.
The evening commenced with a welcome address from Legal 500’s editorial lead Francisco Castro, who emphasised the importance of continuously evolving the publication to reflect the realities of Portugal’s in-house legal market. He highlighted the rigorous research and selection process behind the GC Powerlist series and congratulated the honourees for their outstanding contributions to the profession and the organisations they serve.
Following this introduction, Bruno Ferreira, Managing Partner of PLMJ, took to the stage to congratulate those recognised in this year’s edition. In his remarks, he underscored the increasingly strategic role of in-house counsel in supporting business growth, navigating complexity, and driving legal excellence. He also reflected on the transformative impact that AI is having on the legal function and the opportunities it presents for corporate legal teams.
Concluding the formal proceedings, Alexandra Reis, Senior Counsel at Tabaqueira and a recipient in the inaugural Transnational Leaders category, shared a few reflections on the significance of recognising in-house lawyers and the value of fostering a strong, connected legal community. Drawing on her own experiences, she spoke about the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing and celebrating a profession whose contributions often take place behind the scenes.
The launch of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026 proved to be a fitting celebration of the country’s leading in-house legal talent. The evening showcased the depth, expertise, and influence of Portugal’s corporate counsel community while reaffirming Legal 500’s commitment to recognising and championing its achievements. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated in this year’s research process, and to PLMJ for once again partnering with Legal 500 to provide a platform that honours these exceptional legal professionals.
