Team size:   Nine     

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?   

The management of legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis is essential to ensure the stability of a public or private institution. In our case, we understand that an effective management of legal issues during periods of crisis must address: 1) implementation of new regulations to ensure effective regulation and mitigation of risks that arise; 2) it is imperative to manage risks, identify and proactively assess the risks associated with the crisis (potential litigation, and change in regulation); and finally; 3) a system of Regulatory Compliance Management to deal with any crisis.  For all of the above, effective management of legal issues during periods of instability or crisis requires a combination of constant legal vigilance, agile adaptation and strategic alignment with the institution’s objectives, mission and purpose.  

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?   

 As part of our duties, we have been involved in the production and review of draft laws, decrees, resolutions, and regulations. We ensure that the norms, regulations, and resolutions related to the services provided by the Ministry and its dependencies comply with current legal criteria and requirements. Some examples include: 1) The Fiscal Responsibility Bill; 2) Resolution No. 136-2024 regulating the authorisation to operate Online Gambling; 3) Resolution No. 202-2023 establishing the Administrative Sanctions Regime of the Directorate of Casinos and Gambling; 4) Decree No. 204-24 creating the Thematic Bonds Commission; 5) Participation from a legal perspective in the Dominican Republic’s inaugural issuance of Green Bonds, etc.  

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?   

As a team and institution, we have adopted several measures, including establishing clear commitments towards sustainability. These commitments include reducing emissions, efficiently using resources, and ensuring respect both internally and externally. As legal advisors, our role involves ensuring compliance with regulations and ensuring the proper management of best practices in sustainability.  

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?   

It’s important to indicate that the use of emerging technologies in law not only improves the efficiency, effectiveness and orientation of legal aspects for the benefit of the institution, but also allows lawyers to adapt and remain competitive in a legal environment. In that sense, among the technologies that we believe have or will have a significant impact on the legal profession we find the following: 1) Artificial Intelligence; 2) Blockchain; and 3) Virtual Reality Technology, among others.  

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?  

At the Ministry of Finance, we have begun creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment through internal policies that promote employment inclusion for individuals with disabilities and gender diversity. However, we believe that when discussing equity, we must foster team cohesion, enhance employee engagement, and contribute to the overall success of the department and the institution through promoting salary equity, equal opportunities, and providing training and development opportunities.