<strong>Team size:</strong> 11

<strong>In an increasingly complex global environment, how are you helping your organization navigate risk while still supporting growth?</strong>

In today’s increasingly complex global landscape, my approach as in-house counsel is to balance robust protection of the company with the agility required to drive the business forward. In the shipping sector—particularly when operating along the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway—this involves navigating diverse regulatory frameworks, adapting to ongoing operational changes, and managing the inherent risks of a dynamic industry on a daily basis.

Rather than confining my role to risk identification, I strive to engage early in business decisions. This involvement allows me to understand the underlying objectives—whether a new operation, contract, or expansion—and offer legal solutions that are both practical and commercially viable. I am convinced that legal counsel delivers the greatest value when it empowers the business, rather than impeding its progress.

Maintaining close collaboration with operational and commercial teams is crucial in this context. Staying connected to those at the heart of day-to-day operations provides insight into real-world challenges and enables me to deliver advice closely aligned with business realities. In such a fast-changing environment, that proximity is invaluable.

Ultimately, my focus is on enabling the business to operate confidently in complex settings, while supporting its sustainable growth.

<strong>How has the role of General Counsel evolved in recent years, and where do you see GCs creating the most value today?</strong>

In recent years, the role of General Counsel has undergone a profound transformation. Traditionally regarded as a reactive function focused mainly on risk mitigation and compliance, today’s General Counsel are increasingly strategic partners, engaged early in business decisions and contributing a broader, more integrated perspective.

From my experience, this evolution has been driven by a business environment that is not only more complex and tightly regulated, but also faster paced than ever before. As a result, the legal function can no longer be limited to simply ‘saying no’. Instead, it must proactively help the business find safe, sustainable paths forward.

I believe General Counsel add the most value in three key areas. First, by supporting the business with practical, solution-oriented advice that enables well-informed decisions without stifling opportunities. Secondly, by anticipating and managing risks—especially in rapidly changing regulatory landscapes—rather than merely reacting to them. Thirdly, by serving as a bridge across diverse functions, fostering alignment and a deeper understanding of shared challenges throughout the organisation.

Ultimately, the true value of General Counsel lies in combining sound legal judgement with a deep understanding of the business, actively contributing to both growth and long-term organisational resilience.

<strong>How has AI changed the legal function recently (including in the past year), and how are you approaching it within your team?</strong>

In recent times, and especially over the past year, AI has begun to make a tangible impact on the legal function—most notably in terms of efficiency and information access. Rather than replacing legal work, AI is reshaping how we operate, allowing us to optimise our time and dedicate greater focus to analysis and strategic thinking instead of routine tasks.

Within our team, we have adopted AI as a support tool to streamline research, review background materials, and organise information more effectively. This enables us to approach each matter better prepared and allocate more time to what truly adds value: legal judgement, strategy, and decision-making.

At the same time, we are keenly aware of AI’s limitations. It cannot replace professional judgement or deep business understanding, especially in a sector like shipping, where every operation involves unique practical and regulatory nuances. For this reason, we use AI as a complement, not a substitute.

I believe the true shift lies not in the technology itself, but in how legal teams adapt to its integration. Our approach has been pragmatic—leveraging AI where it enhances efficiency, while always maintaining control and upholding the rigour of legal work. Ultimately, AI is a valuable ally in day-to-day activities, but the lawyer’s role remains central—particularly when it comes to analysis, judgement, and decision-making.

<strong>What regulatory or risk trends are having the greatest impact on your role at present?</strong>

Currently, the inland waterway sector faces a range of regulatory and risk trends that directly impact our operations and demand vigilant attention from the legal function. A primary challenge is navigating regulatory complexity and the interplay between multiple jurisdictions. Operating along the Paraguay–Paraná Waterway requires compliance with both local and international regulations, including customs, transport, and trade requirements. Frequent regulatory changes and divergent approaches among countries create considerable uncertainty, necessitating constant monitoring and adaptation.

Operational risk is another critical factor inherent in the logistics and shipping sector. Variables such as weather patterns, river levels, and potential supply chain disruptions can significantly affect our activities. This environment calls for more resilient contractual frameworks, scenario planning, and careful allocation of responsibilities.

Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on compliance with international standards, particularly regarding environmental regulation, transparency, and governance. Rising expectations to adopt best practice require us to strengthen internal processes and control mechanisms.

The broader economic and commercial environment is also becoming more volatile, compelling companies to operate with greater agility. In this context, the legal function plays a crucial role in supporting swift decision-making while proactively identifying risks and enabling business continuity.

Collectively, these factors are transforming the legal role into a more preventive and business-aligned function, focused not only on compliance but also on anticipating challenges and enhancing operational stability.