Europe: Latin America Specialists 2024
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior legal counsel, EU and LATAM | Eiffage EnergÃa Sistemas
Global head of legal and secretary general | Secuoya Content Group
Commercial attorney, EMEA and Latin America | Instructure
Senior regional legal manager, Brasil, HispAm and global projects | Telefónica
Senior director of legal department, Iberia and LATAM | Tenerity & Webloyalty Group
Executive director, legal, for Latin America and global retail | Johnson Controls
General counsel and secretary of the board of directors | Hispasat
Senior lega counsel and compliance manager, Spain and LATAM | YouHodler
International legal counsel, commodity trading and compliance officer, MENA and LATAM | Snetor
General counsel, EMEA and LATAM | Spencer Stuart
General counsel and company secretary, Europe and LATAM | Sanitas
Manager commercial legal, EMEA and LATAM | OutSystems
Head of legal SCIB - Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Nordic Countries | Banco Santander
Senior vice president, general counsel, EMEA and LATAM | American Tower
General counsel, Iberoamerica | Securitas Seguridad España
Vice president and deputy general counsel, international legal (EMEA, APJ, LATAM) | Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Senior legal director Europe, Turkey and Africa, CIS and LATAM | Oriflame Cosmetics
Vice president and general counsel international, EMEAI, APAC and LATAM | Olin
Legal director, Spain and LATAM | INTELCIA
Senior director, associate general counsel, head of legal EMEA and LATAM | Adobe
General counsel, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa | Mundipharma
General counsel, Iberia, Italy and LATAM | Securitas Direct by Verisure
Lead legal counsel, M&A and corporate | NTT Data Europe & LATAM
Vice president, chief counsel, EMEAR and LATAM | Element Solutions
Executive vice president, general counsel international markets | MasterCard
Senior legal counsel, data protection officer, EMEA and LATAM | Pure Storage
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural edition, The Legal 500 is proud to present the second edition of the GC Powerlist: Europe Latin America Specialists, a special issue of the series recognising and celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of Europe’s leading in-house lawyers who dedicate their efforts to the dynamic and challenging Latin American markets.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve and globalise, in-house lawyers play an increasingly crucial role in navigating the complexities of international business. This edition’s focus on Europe’s top legal professionals specialised in Latin American markets reflects the strategic importance of the region on the global stage. Latin America – with its diverse economies, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances – demands a nuanced skill set that only the most dedicated experts can provide. Each country within the region operates under its own set of economic conditions, legal systems, and regulatory standards, often requiring legal experts to be agile and well-versed in a variety of local laws and practices. The frequent shifts in regulatory landscapes, combined with rapid economic development and socio-political dynamics, mean that legal professionals must not only stay informed about ongoing changes but also anticipate potential shifts that could impact business operations.
This publication goes beyond listing professional accomplishments, as it offers a platform to acknowledge the unique expertise required to manage cross-border legal matters. From overseeing mergers and acquisitions to ensuring regulatory compliance and bridging cultural differences, these in-house lawyers are essential to successful business operations between Europe and Latin America.
As global business expands, the need for skilled legal professionals who can navigate diverse legal systems and business environments becomes indispensable. This special edition of the GC Powerlist celebrates those at the forefront of this legal frontier, adding to the wider dialogue on the intersections of European and Latin American legal practices.
We invite you to explore the GC Powerlist: Europe Latin America Specialists 2024 and discover the extraordinary stories of these outstanding individuals. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the in-house lawyers featured in this publication for their invaluable contributions and for sharing their journeys with us. It is my pleasure to present this distinguished list of Europe’s most dedicated, insightful, and celebrated in-house lawyers focused on Latin America markets.
Francisco Faria e Castro | Research Editor | GC Powerlist series
GC Summit Colombia 2026 brought together senior in-house counsel, private practice lawyers and legal industry professionals for an afternoon of discussion focused on the regulatory, commercial and practical challenges shaping the legal landscape across Latin America. Beginning with registration and a light lunch, the programme set a collaborative tone, allowing attendees to connect ahead of a series of substantive panel sessions.
Following opening remarks, the first panel, sponsored by Holland & Knight, examined antitrust compliance in Colombia and its growing importance for companies operating in an increasingly scrutinised and fast-moving environment. The discussion highlighted how competition law has evolved into a strategic business concern rather than a purely legal one. Panellists shared in-house perspectives on designing and updating effective compliance programmes, managing competition risks in dynamic markets, and responding to investigations and information requests from authorities. Particular attention was given to aligning legal strategy with business objectives and to the expanding role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in supporting compliance, risk management and decision-making. Drawing on practical experience, the session offered grounded insights into emerging trends and best practices for navigating antitrust compliance today.
The second panel, sponsored by Posse Herrera Ruiz, shifted the focus to labour and employment law and how organisations can prepare for 2026 without burnout. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, regulatory change and shifting workforce expectations, speakers explored how employers can balance legal risk with operational resilience. The discussion covered workforce restructuring, labour costs, flexibility, union relations and the increasing relevance of wellbeing and ESG considerations. Rather than abstract forecasts, the panel concentrated on realistic strategies to anticipate disruption, respond to change and make informed decisions, providing attendees with a pragmatic framework for facing the coming years with clarity and confidence.
After a short coffee break, attention turned to regional investment trends with a session sponsored by Pellerano & Herrera on the Dominican Republic. The discussion examined the regulatory developments, sector-specific opportunities, and legal considerations influencing both foreign and domestic investment. Speakers reflected on recent reforms and market dynamics, as well as the practical challenges faced by companies operating in or entering the jurisdiction. The panel offered a forward-looking view on why the Dominican Republic continues to attract international interest and what businesses should be mindful of as the legal landscape evolves.
This was followed by a fireside chat sponsored by ECIJA GPA focusing on Ecuador’s energy sector. The conversation addressed the ongoing crisis and its implications for investors and businesses, providing insight into the current legal and regulatory framework and the key risks involved. Alongside these challenges, the session also explored emerging opportunities within the sector, offering a balanced perspective on how stakeholders can protect investments while identifying areas for potential growth in a difficult environment.
The Congress continued with a panel sponsored by Gamboa, GarcÃa, Roldán & Co. on artificial intelligence in Colombia. The discussion explored the developing regulatory oversight of AI, including draft legislation in Congress and public policies introduced by the national government. Speakers examined the legal and practical risks associated with implementing AI tools, such as questions of liability, algorithmic transparency and accountability, as well as the broader implications for the future of legal practice. The session underscored the need for legal teams to stay engaged with technological change while maintaining robust governance frameworks.
The day concluded with an interactive session sponsored by Legal 500 on the day-to-day practice of an in-house lawyer. This final panel offered an honest look at the realities of working within a business, addressing both legal and non-legal challenges. Topics included the importance of soft skills, managing and developing talent, working with Gen Z, and the role of rising stars within legal teams. With questions encouraged throughout, the discussion resonated strongly with attendees, closing the event on a practical and reflective note that captured the evolving nature of the in-house role.
The event provided a comprehensive and regionally informed overview of the issues currently shaping legal practice, combining strategic insight with practical guidance across competition, labour, investment, energy, technology and in-house management.
It concluded with an excellent selection of canapés and drinks, enjoyed in a lively room filled with engaged and enthusiastic attendees.
