Junior Corporate Lawyer | Grupo Hoeckle
Patricia Raquel Figueroa Noguera
Junior Corporate Lawyer | Grupo Hoeckle
What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?
Over the past year, I had the opportunity to be actively involved in the process of reviewing and standardising commercial and supply contracts, strengthening internal control mechanisms and ensuring regulatory compliance in key operations for the company. This project allowed me to collaborate with various departments and gain a deeper understanding of the business from a legal-preventive perspective. I also participated in the implementation of document audit procedures, aimed at optimising contract and corporate record traceability, which contributed to greater efficiency and transparency in the company’s legal records.
Another highlight was my involvement in the legal adaptation of public procurement processes, ensuring the correct interpretation of legal requirements and supporting the submission of bids in accordance with Paraguayan legislation. These projects have been essential for my professional development and have allowed me to consolidate my role as a strategic support within the corporate legal team.
Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world, specific to Paraguay, that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?
Throughout the past year, I have observed a growing focus on digitalisation of corporate and legal processes, particularly in multinational companies operating in Paraguay. This shift has increased the need to strengthen regulatory compliance regarding digital signatures, electronic document storage, data protection, and cybersecurity.
Additionally, there has been an intensified application of sustainability and environmental responsibility criteria, aligned with international standards and local environmental licensing requirements. This demands that in-house lawyers have an interdisciplinary vision that merges legal knowledge with technical understanding of the business.
Another relevant trend is the heightened oversight by regulatory bodies, requiring in-house legal teams to implement more robust compliance controls and promote a more agile, transparent, and preventive contract management, particularly in the areas of public procurement and intercompany relationships. I believe these trends are not only shaping the present but also defining the profile of the future corporate lawyer in Paraguay: more digital, more strategic, and deeply aligned with business ethics and sustainability.
What are some key attributes every in-house lawyer should possess?
I believe an in-house lawyer must have a strategic business vision, the ability to prevent legal risks rather than simply react to them, and a mindset of continuous proactivity. Effective communication skills are also essential — both with legal teams and other departments — to translate legal language into practical solutions. Adaptability to change, particularly in the face of digital and regulatory transformation, along with professional ethics and a commitment to transparency, are fundamental pillars in building trust inside and outside the organisation. Finally, a collaborative mindset and the willingness to work across disciplines are key to generating real value from the legal department.