With great pride, The Legal 500 presents the second edition of the GC Powerlist Uruguay: 2023. In this unveiling, we embark on an illuminating journey through the unique and ever-evolving landscape of Uruguayan law, where legal innovation, dynamic regulatory changes, and a strong commitment to sustainability take centre stage.

Within the pages of this publication, we delve into the compelling narratives of Uruguay’s leading in-house legal professionals, shedding light on their journeys through the intricate world of legal complexities. Their stories unveil a profound strategic vision as they adeptly navigate the evolving challenges of today’s legal domain. From embracing innovative paradigms to skillfully manoeuvring through regulatory transitions, the highlighted general counsel generously share invaluable insights into their approaches and methodologies.

The emergence of legal technology and artificial intelligence has become a prominent subject of interest for in-house lawyers in Uruguay. Not only the implementation of digital transformation but also the anticipated developments and legal implications represent the primary challenges for the next five years in the country. As Nicolás Barizo Peyre, the head of the legal department at Greenock Trust, eloquently emphasises: ‘The rapid advancement of AI tools will, in my opinion, change how we work in the short term rather than in the long term. I think we, as counsel, will have an interesting time ahead in determining what tools we can use while remaining aware of essential concepts such as confidentiality, data protection and security. I think that we need to have that discussion, not only regarding AI, but also in more general terms regarding data protection and the human right to privacy in an overly connected world where information seems to flow uncontrollably’. 

The role of in-house legal leaders in Uruguay, once traditionally confined to advisory boundaries, has transformed into far-reaching stewardship across various domains, prominently guiding the implementation of sustainability and ESG practices. As Verónica Burgueño, general counsel at Tienda Inglesa – Henderson & Cía, eloquently states: ‘My role in the company is not just general counsel, I am also responsible for Institutional Communications and the ESG related practices are part of my role, which I find extremely motivating. As lawyers, we usually draft documents and negotiate clauses, so, for example, having the chance to contribute with training and labour opportunities to young people through the Tienda Inglesa Foundation is a tangible fact that I always value and makes my heart beat happily. We avoid pollution by the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere. We collaborate with the safeguarding of marine fauna. We are focused on reducing the volume of printed promotional mailings and promoting using QR codes to access our promotions digitally. We have been actively committed to people with fewer opportunities, training them and accompanying them in their development so that they can be properly employed’.

Throughout these pages, the wisdom of experienced in-house lawyers resonates like guiding lights for their peers, emphasising the significance of solid foundational legal skills and a deep understanding of industry intricacies.

With honour, we cast a well-deserved spotlight on the exceptional in-house legal professionals featured in The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Uruguay 2023. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding general counsel, who have left an indelible mark among the most esteemed legal experts in the country.

Sara Maggi | Deputy Editor – The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Series