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?

Managing legal aspects during instability or crises requires a proactive, flexible approach as you need to be able to rapidly respond to the upcoming challenges while continuing managing the usual commitments of a legal team. By always focusing on the business strategy, maintaining fluid and close communication with my business partners, ensuring my involvement in the projects from the outset, and keeping an eye on current legal trends and their effects on the business, I can guarantee that my legal strategy is permanently aligned to the goals of the organisation.

Furthermore, I am keen on adapting my legal strategy when necessary to respond to new challenges that business brings, mainly during periods of instability, having permanently in mind potential risks and how to mitigate them in compliance with applicable laws. In sum, I would say that this way of working gives me peace of mind as the company has the strength to resist the usual difficulties that affect business during crisis.

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

In Peru, we have been supporting the business to collaborate with the government to raise awareness on dengue, as they have implemented an immunisation program for a certain age group. This project gave me the chance to confirm that the collaboration between public and private entities plays a pivotal role in the health of their communities and how the role of a general counsel goes beyond just being the typical gatekeeper, we are certainly the strategic partner that the organisation needs to better serve our purpose of bringing better health and brighter future to the world.

On the other hand, in Colombia due to current changes and constraints of our healthcare system, our business model has been in a process of constant evolution. This last year has shown us that it is always possible to do it better, to innovate, to think outside of the box, to the extent that we need to build the model that better serves the needs of our patients. Of course, this evolution does not come without risks and in some cases even with misconceptions and judgments. In that sense, I have played a very proactive role in this process, always anticipating those risks, evaluating the alternatives to mitigate them, and openly discussing with the team, so at the end, we can adopt the best option for our patients and ultimately for the broad healthcare system.

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?

Emerging technologies are poised to significantly impact the legal profession. If we talk about Artificial Intelligence, I must say that it can bring several benefits for the work of a general counsel. For instance, we have now access to various tools for automate contract review, flagging risks, suggesting edits, and speeding up contract cycles as well as tools to automate managing legal billing and tracking outside counsel spend, just to name a few.

To keep pace, I stay open to embrace these technologies, always ensuring responsible application through continuous education and training. Besides, I would recommend attending networking activities that allow me to share experiences and ultimately to keep learning from peers and experts.