It is a true delight for me to present The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Uruguay, 2025: the outcome of an in-depth research project that celebrates the vision, expertise, and leadership of the country’s in-house counsel. This edition brings together an outstanding cohort of Uruguayan legal professionals who are shaping the corporate culture, governance, and strategic direction of the legal teams across the country.

From banking and infrastructure to retail, pharmaceuticals, and technology, this year’s list reflects the extraordinary breadth of sectors where legal leaders are making their mark in the evolving business landscape of Uruguay.  The general counsel and senior in-house lawyers featured in this publication are not only solving complex legal challenges but also driving innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth from and within their organisations. They have become indispensable partners to the businesses they serve and strategic leaders in times of rapid change.

A defining theme that emerged throughout our research in Uruguay was legal foresight amid regulatory change. General counsel across industries pointed to upcoming challenges in data protection, AI governance, sustainability, and financial regulation, noting that adaptability and anticipation are the keys to resilience. In parallel, legal teams in sectors such as real estate and investment are already preparing for potential reforms in tax and housing legislation in the country, ensuring that their companies remain attractive to investors despite shifting frameworks.

Equally outstanding this year was how Uruguayan in-house leaders are embedding compliance and governance as differentiators. They consistently framed compliance not as a burden but as a competitive advantage that opens the doors to strengthening reputation, building trust, and ensuring sustainable growth in markets where investor confidence is paramount. As Ginamaría Miglino, legal manager at Pilay Uruguay, explained: “Our goal is to ensure that every area of the organisation understands that compliance is not about restriction, but about operating in a manner that is transparent, traceable, and fully aligned with the commitments we make to our investors. In doing so, we not only meet regulatory requirements, but actively build a reputation for integrity and long-term sustainability”.

Another striking aspect of this year’s research was the integration of legal with business strategy. Many of the professionals underscored the importance of legal departments acting not as support, but as enablers of growth. On this regard, Vanessa Malcolm, head of legal at Megalabs, noted: “As in-house counsel, my role extends beyond providing legal services — I adopt a holistic approach that integrates legal strategy with business objectives”. This alignment, she explained, reinforces both organisational resilience and long-term sustainability.

Throughout our research, the human dimension of leadership also stood out. In a global and national business environment increasingly shaped by uncertainty, the in-house counsel interviewed emphasised the need for resilient, diverse, and inclusive teams. Florencia Mesa Dupuy, director of legal, compliance, and regulatory affairs at GDN UY, reflected: “Diversity and inclusion are not just principles – they are embedded in our DNA as one of the company’s nine core values… At GDN UY, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, free from discrimination – one where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential within the company.

Finally, sustainability has become an undeniable pillar of the legal agenda. In-house counsel across industries, from forestry to consumer goods, are embedding ESG considerations into contracts, governance frameworks, and long-term corporate strategy. As Mercedes Otegui, legal manager and compliance officer at Urufor put it: “Beyond mere compliance, my role involves contributing to the company’s broader strategic direction, particularly regarding sustainability. I strive to apply systemic awareness. This includes interest in the community: paying attention to the long-term impact of strategic decisions on society, balancing community well-being with short-term profitability, and emphasising the organisation’s role as a socially responsible company”.

In sum, Uruguayan in-house counsel is proving that corporate lawyers are not only interpreters of the law but also resilient and innovative leaders whose impact extends beyond their organisations to the wider society. They embody a blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and human leadership that sets a remarkable standard for the in-house community in Latin America and beyond.

On behalf of The Legal 500, we extend our warmest congratulations to all the outstanding in-house legal professionals featured in this 2025 edition of the GC Powerlist: Uruguay. Their adaptability, integrity, and vision will continue to shape both their organisations and the wider business landscape in the years ahead.

Carmen Godoy Martin, Lead Researcher: GC Powerlist Uruguay 2025