Catarina Pinto Santos – GC Powerlist
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Portugal 2026

Energy and utilities

Catarina Pinto Santos

Legal specialist | Start Campus

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Portugal 2026

legal500.com/gc-powerlist/

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Catarina Pinto Santos

Legal specialist | Start Campus

What piece of work or project over the past year are you most proud of, and why was it particularly significant for the business? 

Over the past year, I have been particularly proud of my involvement in supporting the development of a large-scale data centre project, where I played a key role from the early stages of construction through to ongoing regulatory and operational structuring. 

I was closely involved in the development of the first building, particularly in relation to its energy structure, which required navigating complex regulatory and contractual frameworks. In parallel, I supported the environmental licensing of the broader project, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements while enabling the project to progress within expected timelines. I also contributed to the financing process, supporting the legal workstreams required to secure the necessary funding. 

A key area of focus has been the structuring of the project’s energy model and its security framework, both of which are critical to the long-term resilience and operation of the infrastructure. These are areas that remain under active development, and where the legal function continues to play a strategic role in aligning technical, regulatory, and commercial considerations. 

This work has been particularly significant as it directly supports the company’s growth and positioning in a highly competitive and capital-intensive sector, while reinforcing the role of legal as a strategic partner in complex, multidisciplinary projects. 

 

Have you been involved in any initiatives to improve legal processes, introduce new ways of working or make the legal function more efficient? 

Yes, over the past year I have been actively involved in improving internal legal processes and promoting more efficient and structured ways of working. 

One of the key initiatives I led was the creation of a compliance workflow covering processes such as NDAs and KYC procedures, with the aim of increasing efficiency, consistency, and risk control across the organisation. This has helped streamline onboarding processes and reduce bottlenecks in day-to-day operations. 

In addition, I contributed to the development and standardisation of key contractual templates, allowing for faster negotiation cycles and greater alignment across business units. 

Looking ahead, we are also exploring the implementation of AI-driven tools to support the legal function, particularly in areas such as contract management and document review. This reflects a broader objective of leveraging technology to enhance efficiency while allowing the legal team to focus on higher-value, strategic work. 

 

What excites you most about the future of the in-house legal profession, and where do you hope to continue developing your career? 

What excites me most about the future of the in-house legal profession is its continued evolution towards a more strategic and multidisciplinary role. In-house lawyers are increasingly expected to combine legal expertise with commercial awareness, adaptability, and a strong understanding of the industries in which they operate. 

I am particularly interested in the intersection between law, sustainability, and technological innovation, especially within sectors such as energy and digital infrastructure. These areas are undergoing rapid transformation, and legal professionals have a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping responsible and forward-looking business practices. 

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing my career by deepening my expertise in complex regulatory environments and large-scale projects, while also strengthening my ability to contribute at a strategic level. I am motivated by roles that challenge me to think beyond traditional legal frameworks and to actively support business growth in a meaningful and impactful way. 

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