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, the project I am most proud of, and which I believe had a truly transformative impact on AstraZeneca in Portugal, was my involvement in the legal and operational support for the relocation of the company to its new headquarters in Parque das Nações. This was a complex, multifaceted project requiring close coordination across multiple teams.

My role included reviewing and negotiating key contractual structures, as well as advising on risk allocation in the context of a large-scale office transition. In parallel, I was actively involved in managing sensitive commercial disputes that arose during the process, including advising on supplier liability and contractual breaches. Taking a pragmatic and solutions-oriented approach was essential to safeguarding AstraZeneca’s interests throughout.

The significance of this project lies in its direct impact on the organisation’s transformation. The new headquarters, bringing together both AstraZeneca Portugal and the global hub, represents a critical strategic platform not only locally but also internationally. Ensuring a legally robust and operationally seamless transition was therefore of paramount importance. The project required a careful balance between legal risk, business objectives and continuity, all within tight timelines and in a constantly evolving environment. It reinforced the role of Legal as an enabler of major strategic initiatives.

What skills or experiences have been most important in your development as an in-house lawyer so far?

My development as an in-house lawyer has been shaped by a combination of interlinked skills and experiences. A key aspect has been the ability to act as a true business partner and enabler. Leading and supporting large-scale projects—such as the Lisbon Hub relocation—has strengthened my view that Legal should drive solutions rather than simply manage risk, which requires a deep understanding of business operations and objectives.

Equally important has been my focus on areas at the intersection of law, technology and data. My experience with GDPR implementation, as well as my more recent involvement in AI-related initiatives—including governance frameworks, internal guidelines and the rollout of tools such as Copilot—has positioned me at the forefront of emerging legal challenges linked to digital transformation. This has reinforced the need for in-house lawyers to remain proactive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Finally, exposure to high-impact disputes and multi-jurisdictional environments has been critical. My involvement in litigation matters, including patent disputes, and my coordination with external counsel and global teams have strengthened both my risk management capabilities and my strategic outlook in complex scenarios. This international dimension is essential in a global organisation such as AstraZeneca.

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 the growing convergence between law, technology and business strategy. Legal functions are increasingly positioned not just as support units, but as key contributors to innovation and digital transformation within organisations.

My experience across a broad range of areas—from litigation and regulatory matters to data privacy, AI governance and large-scale operational projects—has highlighted the unique position of in-house lawyers to both manage risk and actively shape business outcomes. In particular, the rise of artificial intelligence presents a compelling opportunity. My involvement in AI-related initiatives has deepened my interest in helping organisations adopt innovation responsibly, ensuring compliance while driving efficiency and new ways of working.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue developing at this intersection, combining strong legal expertise with a strategic, technology-driven and business-oriented mindset. I am particularly interested in roles with greater international exposure, where I can contribute to complex, multi-jurisdictional challenges and support organisations navigating an increasingly digital and regulated environment. Ultimately, I aspire to act as a trusted strategic adviser, bringing clarity and direction in an evolving and opportunity-rich landscape.