How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In times of instability or crisis, my approach is grounded in proactive risk assessment, clear communication, and strategic alignment with the company’s broader goals. At SOBOCE, I have led legal responses during regulatory shifts and operational challenges, ensuring that our legal strategy supports business continuity. I prioritize scenario planning and legal foresight, enabling the company to anticipate and mitigate risks before they escalate. My legal team works closely with other departments to ensure that our advice is not only legally sound but also aligned with operational realities and strategic objectives. This collaborative approach strengthens resilience and fosters trust across the organization.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I have overseen several complex corporate transactions, including mergers, spin-offs, and shareholder restructuring processes. At SOBOCE, I led the legal structuring of extraordinary shareholders’ meetings and board decisions, ensuring compliance with Bolivian corporate law and internal governance policies. Prior to this, at Wayar & Von Borries, I advised on international distribution agreements and regulatory matters across sectors such as mining, finance, and insurance.

One of the most significant cases I have been involved in is the legal defense of SOBOCE in the long-standing dispute with FANCESA (Fábrica Nacional de Cemento S.A.), which accused SOBOCE of unfair competition and sought damages amounting to over Bs 744 million.

This case, which originated in 2010, culminated in a Supreme Court ruling in early 2025 ordering SOBOCE to pay the full amount. However, our legal team filed a constitutional appeal that resulted in a major preliminary victory: the Constitutional Chamber of La Paz annulled the Supreme Court’s decision, citing procedural and legal inconsistencies, including the misuse of the concept of “damage to life project,” which is applicable to individuals, not corporations. The Chamber ordered a new review of the case, which is now pending final resolution by the Plurinational Constitutional Tribunal. This outcome not only suspended the payment obligation but also reaffirmed the strength and strategic depth of our legal defense.

These experiences have reinforced my ability to navigate multifaceted legal environments with precision and strategic insight.

What role does the legal department play in promoting and ensuring corporate social responsibility in your organisation?

The legal department plays a pivotal role in embedding corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the company’s DNA. At SOBOCE and previously at Empresa Minera Inti Raymi, I have actively contributed to CSR initiatives by ensuring legal compliance with environmental and labor standards, and by facilitating community engagement processes. For example, I led negotiations with local communities surrounding mining operations, promoting fair labor conditions and sustainable development. I also served on the board of Fundación Inti Raymi, where I supported programs aimed at empowering women through vocational training. These experiences reflect my belief that legal leadership must go beyond compliance to actively foster ethical and inclusive business practices.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Bolivia over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

Bolivia is entering a period of profound political and economic transformation. The 2025 general elections marked the end of two decades of dominance by the MAS party, ushering in a new government amid a severe economic crisis. Businesses now face unprecedented legal and operational challenges, including currency instability, fuel shortages, and legislative uncertainty. The dollar scarcity has led to a parallel exchange market and restrictions on foreign currency withdrawals, while fuel supply disruptions have caused logistical bottlenecks and social unrest.

These conditions have made day-to-day operations increasingly difficult. Companies must navigate not only inflation and supply chain disruptions but also anticipate regulatory reforms that may arise from the new administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy. Whether the next government pursues gradual reforms or aggressive liberalization, legal departments must be prepared to respond swiftly to changes in tax policy, subsidy structures, and foreign investment frameworks.

In this context, I am reinforcing our legal strategy at SOBOCE by focusing on regulatory foresight, preparing for potential reforms and reviewing and stress-testing our key agreements to ensure they remain enforceable and adaptable under volatile economic conditions.

The legal function must evolve from a reactive role to a strategic partner in navigating uncertainty. By anticipating risks and building institutional resilience, we can help ensure that our company not only survives but thrives in Bolivia’s changing landscape.