Jurisdictions your role covers: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The legal team has been significantly involved in corporate restructuring of companies in Mercosur. This process entailed navigating complex challenges related to capacity building. Other activities are related to the adjustment of internal documentation due to changes in regulations, such as NR1, which introduced the assessment of psychosocial risks in labor relations. Moreover, the team undertook internal contract modifications in response to Brazil’s tax reform, ensuring compliance with the evolving legal landscape.

Additionally, the team addressed issues pertaining to personal data protection within the Mercosur framework, focusing on the implementation of new rules in place. These endeavors highlight the team’s commitment to facilitating compliance and enhancing operational efficiency amidst a dynamic regulatory environment.

What new pressures are you facing from the business as expectations for legal to act as a strategic partner continue to grow?

As expectations for the legal department to function as a strategic partner continue to rise, we are encountering new pressures to add value to the business. This involves adopting a proactive approach, which necessitates a deep understanding of our operations and the evaluation of various scenarios and options to address challenges effectively.

Furthermore, it is imperative to meticulously map potential risks and communicate these insights to senior management promptly. In line with this, we are also expected to drive innovation by introducing new projects that optimise resources, particularly through the application of artificial intelligence. Additionally, efficient management of the legal area is crucial, focusing on cost reduction while simultaneously identifying new tax opportunities, such as potential credits that could benefit the company. This multifaceted approach not only aligns with the growing expectations of our business partners but also enhances our overall strategic contribution.

What strategies has your legal team adopted to manage disputes and mitigate risks in Brazil’s dynamic business environment? 

To effectively manage disputes and mitigate risks in Brazil’s dynamic business environment, our legal team has adopted several strategic measures. We focus on a preventive approach by establishing a robust foundational governance framework. This involves the development and dissemination of internal policies, procedures, and guidelines across various critical areas, including data privacy, harassment prevention, discrimination, intellectual property, and anti-corruption legislation.

Additionally, our team actively participates in legal groups to stay informed about ongoing discussions surrounding new legislation and regulatory changes. This engagement ensures that we remain adept at navigating the evolving legal landscape. Furthermore, we have created standardised contract templates utilizing visual law methods and legal design principles. By adapting legal language we ensure effectiveness for better understanding applying product design principles to legal drafting.

We also prioritise risk mapping and management in collaboration with law firms specialising in litigation. This partnership enables us to identify potential risks proactively and implement effective strategies to address them, ensuring that we maintain a resilient legal posture in a complex business environment.