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?

It is important to have a comprehensive approach that aligns with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience. In this sense, some steps usually taken are:

Risk assessment: to identify legal issues or risks that may arise. Depending on the situation, it may involve evaluating the impact on contracts, regulatory compliance, employment matters, potential litigation, business continuity and many others

Legal compliance: ensure the organisation complies with all relevant laws and regulation. Under instability or crisis, people under time or result pressure may have difficult to decide for the right thing to do (not the easy way most of the times).

Communication and transparency: open communication and well managed expectations mitigate rumours and noises. This always avoids unnecessary distraction.

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

The combination of Novozymes and Chr Hansen was successfully completed in January 2024, creating Novonesis, a leading global biosolutions company. As with any merger operation, the legal department, at headquarter and local level, played a necessary and active role in ensuring that not only the operation itself was completed (regulatory approvals and registrations), but also that all the necessary harmonisations and synergies were achieved, supporting the various business and support areas.

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?

Several emerging technologies are expected to have a significant impact on the legal profession. These include:

Artificial intelligence (AI): AI-powered tools can streamline document review, contract analysis, legal research, and predictive analytics, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings for law firms and legal departments.

Legal analytics and data visualisation: advanced data analytics and visualisation tools enable legal professionals to gain insights from large volumes of legal data, leading to better decision-making and case strategy.

Cybersecurity technologies: as data privacy and security concerns continue to grow, legal professionals will need to leverage advanced cybersecurity technologies to protect sensitive information and comply with evolving regulations.

Online dispute resolution platforms: the rise of online platforms for dispute resolution and mediation is changing the way legal disputes are handled, offering more efficient and accessible alternatives to traditional litigation.

To stay updated on these developments, legal professionals can engage in the following activities:

Continuing education and training: participate in seminars, webinars, and conferences focused on emerging legal technologies to learn about the latest trends and best practices.

Professional associations and networks: join legal professional organizations and networks that provide access to resources, discussions, and events related to technology and innovation in the legal industry.

Industry publications and journals: regularly read industry publications, legal journals, and technology-focused magazines to stay informed about the latest advancements in legal tech.

Legal tech startups and incubators: monitor the activities of legal tech startups and incubators, as they often introduce disruptive technologies that could impact the legal profession.

Collaboration with IT and tech professionals: foster collaboration with IT and tech professionals to gain insights into how emerging technologies can be applied to legal practices.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

In Brazil, several salient trends are currently shaping the legal, political, economic, and business landscape:

Legal Trends:

Environmental regulations: increased focus on environmental protection and sustainable practices, leading to stricter regulations and enforcement.

Anti-corruption measures: continued emphasis on anti-corruption efforts, including ongoing investigations and compliance requirements for businesses.

Political Trends:

Government reforms: ongoing discussions and implementation of reforms related to pension systems, taxation, and public administration.

Economic Trends:

Inflation and monetary policy: management of inflationary pressures and the implementation of monetary policies to stabilise the economy.

Foreign investment: continued focus on attracting foreign investment through trade agreements and infrastructure projects.

Business Trends:

Digital transformation: embracing digital technologies and e-commerce as businesses adapt to changing consumer behaviours and preferences.

Sustainability initiatives: increasing adoption of sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility efforts in response to consumer and regulatory demands.

These trends have significant implications for various stakeholders in Brazil, including businesses, investors, legal professionals, and policymakers, and staying informed about these developments is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape effectively.