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 uncertainty, it is essential that the Legal Department goes beyond its traditional role as a risk mitigator and acts as a true business partner. The role of the legal department is evolving. It is no longer sufficient to merely identify potential avenues for advancement; rather, it must work in partnership with business areas to achieve a balance between legal certainty, agility and competitiveness. In times of crisis, it is vital to proactively analyse contracts, regulatory scenarios and potential liabilities, anticipating and mitigating impacts and proposing legally sound solutions that preserve the integrity of the operation and the company’s reputation.

My legal strategy is always closely connected to JCB’s commercial strategy, ensuring that legal decisions support the objectives of continuity, innovation and sustainable growth. Furthermore, I invest in corporate governance, training and a culture of compliance, thereby strengthening institutional resilience and preparing the organisation to respond in a coordinated and ethical manner to any adverse scenario.

My mission is to transform the legal department into a vector of stability and trust, promoting decisions that guarantee not only the survival but also the strategic strengthening of JCB in any scenario.

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

I recently had the opportunity to structure JCB’s Legal C Compliance Department for Latin America + Mexico. A key challenge was to align different legal and operational cultures, while ensuring compliance and maintaining the agility and competitiveness of the business. JCB’s deep- rooted British heritage, characterised by values such as resilience, innovation and responsibility, has directly influenced the development of the department.

The department has been shaped by these values, with a focus on governance, preventive action and strategic partnerships with commercial areas.

The new structure supports safer commercial decisions, strengthens JCB’s governance in the region and ensures compliance and ethics are ingrained at all levels. Our legal department is more than just a service provider. We have established a strategic support unit that actively contributes to JCB’s expansion in Latin America. Our unit is known for its solidity, credibility and respect for the values that have made the company a global icon.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

Undoubtedly, the most significant impact on legal careers and legal departments will be the use of artificial intelligence. This amazing resource is going to take things to a whole new level, making sure that every single repetitive and operational task is covered. The great news is that professionals will be able to devote their time to strategic analyses and contribute to what will bring profit, investment and new clients to their companies. This will help to ensure the sustainability of the business.