Team size: Five

How has your role as an in-house lawyer evolved in recent years, particularly in response to changing global or regional dynamics?

In recent years, my role as in-house counsel has evolved in two fundamental aspects. Firstly, there has been a substantial increase in responsibilities due to the necessity of overseeing regulatory compliance within globally dynamic context characterised by continuous regulatory changes (such as permits, exchange rates, and metal prices). The modern in-house counsel must place greater emphasis on regulatory matters, both domestic and international, that significantly impact the organisation’s operations.

Secondly, my role goes well beyond the traditional boundaries of legal and compliance management. I play an active part in shaping the company’s strategic direction, contributing legal insight to the development and achievement of business goals. This includes providing proactive advice to ensure that legal considerations are aligned with broader objectives, and anticipating both opportunities and challenges that may arise in the future.

A key aspect of my contribution lies in risk assessment—identifying potential legal risks early in the planning process and helping the organisation make informed, confident decisions. I also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to support innovation, ensuring that new products and services are developed within a sound legal framework.

Moreover, I work to embed compliance and social responsibility into the company’s core strategy, helping to ensure that operations are not only lawful but also ethical and sustainable. Finally, I support the company’s global expansion efforts by identifying legal barriers in new international markets and guiding the organisation through their mitigation.

In both scenarios, I emphasise the necessity of incorporating technological tools to enhance the efficiency of legal services: Specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms focused on legal and compliance matters, such as Juztina, represent a notable advancement in the regional legal landscape and are currently utilised by the legal department at Grupo Cintac.

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

In the legal department of Grupo Cintac, we adhere to three fundamental pillars that define our service to internal clients: constant communication, transparency, and the anticipation of legal issues and risks. Furthermore, I underscore the importance of appreciating the perspectives of internal clients and cultivating a relationship founded on trust and mutual respect, which facilitates collaboration during high-pressure situations.

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

One of the primary challenges facing in-house legal departments is keeping abreast of the constant changes in both local and international regulations. Indeed, new legislation, political reforms, and shifts in judicial interpretation necessitate that legal teams remain continuously informed and updated, which can be both time-consuming and resource-intensive.

To address this, the legal department at Grupo Cintac has implemented ongoing training as part of our strategic approach, realigning team members towards a technological culture that embraces adaptability and change. Additionally, we have adopted technologies to effectively manage these regulatory changes. In conclusion, we are developing a proactive and adaptable team capable of navigating efficiently within a perpetually evolving regulatory environment, thereby ensuring the success and sustainability of the organisation