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

The legal team is constantly involved in the formalisation and structuring of the company’s business relationships, taking care of all legal aspects of the operation.

During the last months we have worked on the development and implementation of corporate policies focused on ethics, corruption prevention, inclusion, and equality. We also took part in the structuring and implementation of a compliance program, that includes guidelines on the protection of personal data. The compliance program seeks to have an impact on the corporate culture of the organisation at a global level.

Currently, we are involved in the implementation of a business model that incorporates a new company and implies the growth of our operation.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

We are proud to be part of a group that promotes principles and regulations on ethics, corruption prevention, inclusion, sustainability, and equality, among other things, which are applicable to all our activities and to the relationship with customers and suppliers. It is also essential to us that our external lawyers are aligned with the same principles and values as us. Without a doubt, the company would reconsider maintaining relationships with a firm that is not aligned with our principles and values.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

During the past few years, the role of in-house lawyers has become more significant, assuming a fundamental role in the organisation. Overseeing the implementation of new solutions and helping to adapt the business to the different regulations is now a key part of the in-house counsel role. In-house counsel must also maintain a closeness to senior management and a presence in all business units, in order to act as an agent of change. Likewise, our role as administrators of the compliance program and corporate policies will make us responsible for setting the ethical tone, promoting a culture of responsibility and ensuring that the highest ethical standards are followed in every action of the organisation.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

Undeniably, the digital transformation has impacted and will continue to impact all businesses. In this context, it is essential that an in-house counsel looks for alternatives to innovate and optimise processes, leaving aside the “traditional”. It is essential to be able to visualise beyond the technical knowledge of traditional law; pragmatism, creativity, communication are some of the transversal skills that allow us to understand the business environment.

If existent, can you talk about you or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability or other environmentally friendly activities?

We have always considered education as the key tool to improve society. Our commitment to sustainability is constantly evolving, so with our sustainability master plan, we have assumed environmental, social and governance commitments, in addition to integrating new goals into our business.

Our pillars focus on promoting knowledge about environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development, ESG commitments, diversity and equality and reducing our environmental impact. We are committed to sustainability from the purchase of paper with guarantee of origin certification to the end of its life cycle, informing us how to responsibly dispose of materials that have ceased to be useful.

Currently our educational projects ratify the commitment to promote the 17 UN SDGs, promoting sustainable development with conceptual content, proposals for activities or stories that raise awareness, sensitise and inspire around problems and goals addressed by the 2030 Agenda.