Puerto Rico 2025
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior legal counsel, Puerto Rico, Central America and Caribbean | ABB
Associate counsel | Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
Legal manager | Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Chief compliance and legal officer, country manager | Gamma International Bank
General counsel | Puerto Rico Telephone company - Claro PR
Chief legal officer and corporate secretary | Aerostar Airport Holdings
Associate director, legal and compliance for Puerto Rico, Central America and Caribbean | Merck & Co.
Deputy director, contract administration CDBG-DR/MIT program | Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH)
Chief legal officer | GENCO General Contractors
Director of intergovernmental affairs and senior executive advisor | AAFAF
Director of legal affairs | T-Mobile Puerto Rico
Chief compliance officer and general counsel | Parliament Capital Management
In-house counsel and compliance manager | metropistas
Director of legal affairs | Comision de Juegos del Gobierno de Puerto Rico
General counsel and compliance officer | Universidad del Sagrado Corazón
General counsel and administrator | Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
Director, commercial legal | Liberty of Puerto Rico
Executive director | Oficina de Presupuesto de la Asamblea Legilativa - OPAL
Executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary | MAPFRE Puerto Rico
Senior associate general counsel and SIU director | First Medical Health Plan
Executive vice president and general counsel | Grupo Larrea
Associate counsel | Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust
Chief legal counsel | Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO)
Oversight manager for public corporations of the government of Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority
Executive vice president, and chief legal and administrative officer | Evertec
General counsel | Departamento de Desarrollo Economico y de Comercio
Restructuring director and acting chief legal officer | Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority
In-house counsel and risk management director | Ryder Memorial Hospital
Interim director of the legal affairs division | Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH)
Deputy general counsel | Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico
Vice president and general counsel | Northwestern Selecta
Acting director - Bureau of legal affairs | Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources
It is a true honour for me to present the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Puerto Rico 2025. This third edition of the GC Powerlist series puts the spotlight on the outstanding in-house legal professionals who are shaping the Puerto Rican legal market. Your profound commitment to governance, innovation, and public trust, are positioning Puerto Rico’s, as one of the most dynamic and resilient jurisdictions in the region.
A defining theme of this year’s Powerlist is resilience in the face of uncertainty. Whether managing post-crisis reconstruction, navigating fiscal reform under PROMESA, or leading large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, Puerto Rican in-house lawyers have shown extraordinary adaptability and foresight while ensuring that every decision aligns with fiscal responsibility, social progress, and the rule of law.
Equally prominent is the emphasis on technological transformation. Many of this year’s powerlisters, from banking to manufacturing and energy, are leading the digitalisation of their legal departments, integrating AI and LegalTech tools to enhance compliance, operational efficiency, and decision-making. Their approach combines innovation with ethical responsibility, reinforcing data protection, transparency, and trust. As Sara Álvarez Cabrero, general counsel at FirstBank Puerto Rico, observed, “digital transformation is most successful when grounded in robust privacy frameworks and human judgment”. This sentiment, I believe, captures the pragmatic approach of Puerto Rican legal leadership today
At the same time, purpose-driven leadership stands out as a hallmark of this year’s powerlisters. From Yanira Belén-Cruz of Metropistas, whose advocacy for children’s rights extends beyond her corporate role, to Kevin Futch of Genera PR, who emphasises service and community impact through initiatives such as Genera Contigo, Puerto Rico’s in-house community continues to demonstrate that legal excellence and social responsibility are inseparable.
Another key thread running through this edition is the deep integration of legal strategy within business transformation. Whether it’s shaping investment and governance structures in the financial sector, supporting the island’s energy transition, or reimagining procurement and regulatory frameworks in public administration, Puerto Rico’s in-house leaders are helping their institutions anticipate change rather than respond to it.
Finally, what shines through above all is the human dimension of leadership. Across interviews, general counsel spoke passionately about cultivating ethical cultures, mentoring new generations, and promoting inclusivity within their teams. They recognise that resilience, whether organisational or personal, begins with people. It is this blend of integrity, empathy, and professionalism that sets Puerto Rico’s in-house counsel apart on both a regional and global stage.
From the Legal 500 team, we extend our warmest congratulations to all those featured in the third edition of the GC Powerlist: Puerto Rico 2025. Your innovation, leadership, and dedication to public and corporate good represent the best of our profession. It has been a privilege to share your stories and to celebrate the enduring impact you make every day.
Carmen Godoy Martin, Lead Researcher: GC Powerlist Puerto Rico 2025
On July 1st, Legal 500 unveiled the fourth edition of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026, in partnership with PLMJ. Hosted once again on the rooftop terrace of the firm’s Lisbon office under a blazing summer sun, the event brought together many of Portugal’s most accomplished in-house lawyers to celebrate this distinguished community of legal leaders.
Returning to its individual-focused format, this year’s edition marked the reintroduction of the Rising Stars category, recognising some of the country’s most promising emerging in-house counsel. It also saw the world debut of the Transnational Leaders category, highlighting general counsel whose leadership and influence extend beyond national borders and whose responsibilities span multiple jurisdictions.
The evening commenced with a welcome address from Legal 500’s editorial lead Francisco Castro, who emphasised the importance of continuously evolving the publication to reflect the realities of Portugal’s in-house legal market. He highlighted the rigorous research and selection process behind the GC Powerlist series and congratulated the honourees for their outstanding contributions to the profession and the organisations they serve.
Following this introduction, Bruno Ferreira, Managing Partner of PLMJ, took to the stage to congratulate those recognised in this year’s edition. In his remarks, he underscored the increasingly strategic role of in-house counsel in supporting business growth, navigating complexity, and driving legal excellence. He also reflected on the transformative impact that AI is having on the legal function and the opportunities it presents for corporate legal teams.
Concluding the formal proceedings, Alexandra Reis, Senior Counsel at Tabaqueira and a recipient in the inaugural Transnational Leaders category, shared a few reflections on the significance of recognising in-house lawyers and the value of fostering a strong, connected legal community. Drawing on her own experiences, she spoke about the importance of networking, knowledge-sharing and celebrating a profession whose contributions often take place behind the scenes.
The launch of the GC Powerlist: Portugal 2026 proved to be a fitting celebration of the country’s leading in-house legal talent. The evening showcased the depth, expertise, and influence of Portugal’s corporate counsel community while reaffirming Legal 500’s commitment to recognising and championing its achievements. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who participated in this year’s research process, and to PLMJ for once again partnering with Legal 500 to provide a platform that honours these exceptional legal professionals.
