Team size: 40

How has your role as in-house counsel evolved over the past few years, particularly in response to shifting global or regional dynamics?

As in-house counsel at a Latin American multilateral development bank, my role has significantly evolved in response to shifting global and regional dynamics. Traditionally centred on transactional support and regulatory compliance, my responsibilities have expanded to include strategic advisory functions, particularly as geopolitical tensions, environmental imperatives, and social equity concerns have intensified across the region.

The increasing emphasis on sustainable development and ESG principles has required a deeper integration of legal risk assessment into project planning and execution. I now work more collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure that financing structures and operations align with both international standards and evolving local regulations.

Finally, in light of heightened scrutiny from stakeholders and international watchdogs, transparency and accountability have become central themes in legal operations. My role now entails not only protecting the institution’s legal interests but also actively shaping governance policies to foster integrity, resilience, and regional trust in our development mandate.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, especially in high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios?

As in-house counsel at a Latin American multilateral development bank, building strong relationships with internal stakeholders hinges on trust, communication, and a deep understanding of institutional goals. I prioritise being accessible and responsive, especially during high-pressure or fast-moving scenarios, ensuring legal guidance is timely, pragmatic, and aligned with operational realities.

Proactively engaging with teams, finance, operations, risk, and compliance allows me to anticipate legal needs and offer tailored solutions. I strive to demystify legal complexities, framing advice in clear, actionable terms that support decision-making. During intense negotiations or urgent project timelines, I focus on being a steady, solutions-oriented partner, emphasizing collaboration over gatekeeping.

What do you consider the biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today, and how are you addressing it within your own team?

The biggest challenge for in-house legal teams today is balancing agility with compliance amid rapidly evolving regulatory, technological, and geopolitical landscapes. At our development bank, we address this by fostering a proactive, cross-functional legal culture, prioritising early involvement in projects, continuous legal education, and close collaboration with risk and compliance units. We emphasise adaptability, encouraging innovative legal solutions that uphold integrity while supporting strategic goals, especially in complex, high-stakes regional initiatives.

How do you cultivate legal talent internally, and what skills do you see as most essential for the next generation of in-house lawyers?

We cultivate legal talent through mentorship, interdisciplinary training, and active involvement in strategic projects. I emphasise developing not only legal expertise but also business acumen, adaptability, and collaborative skills. For the next generation of in-house lawyers, proficiency in emerging technologies, especially AI, is essential. Understanding how AI impacts regulatory frameworks, risk management, and legal workflows will be critical. We encourage continuous learning and tech literacy to ensure our team remains agile, future-ready, and aligned with the institution’s evolving needs.