Team size: eight

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?  

As in-house counsel or senior counsel in a multinational security services environment, our role transcends traditional legal boundaries. By proactively addressing these key areas – regulatory compliance, risk management, jurisdictional issues, employment law, crisis response, and data privacy – we can better protect our companies while contributing to their strategic goals. In our complex industry, a proactive and informed legal approach is essential to address the many challenges we face.   

Our involvement in the above areas is key to identifying, preventing and mitigating risk. How do we engage in these key areas? 

First, we conduct a thorough assessment of potential legal risks associated with the instability or crisis, including regulatory changes, contract disputes, and liability exposures.  

Secondly, we develop strategies to mitigate identified risks, including revising contracts, ensuring compliance with new regulations, and preparing for potential disputes.  

Also, we ensure continuous monitoring of legal and regulatory changes that may affect the business, especially in crisis situations and provide ongoing training and clear guidance to internal teams on compliance matters, emphasising the importance of adhering to legal requirements.  

Furthermore, we work with management to establish a crisis response plan that includes clear legal protocols and communication strategies to address stakeholders, clients, and employees, as well as collaborate closely with other business units to ensure that the legal strategy supports overall business objectives, particularly in strategies aimed at maintaining resilience and continuity.  

At all times, we must be prepared to adapt legal strategies to align with changing business priorities and market conditions.  

Additionally, we work on renegotiating contracts where necessary to protect the corporation’s interests and ensure service delivery continuity and establish mechanisms for prompt dispute resolution to minimise operational disruptions during crises.  

Overall, the focus is on providing robust legal support that ensures the organisation remains resilient during challenges while aligning legal strategies with the broader business goals. 

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

Recently, I was asked to develop, at a regional level, in the Iberoamerican Division of Securitas, two key projects for our security services business: 1) the selection and implementation of a legal technology tool focused on contractual aspects and focused on the labour area; 2) a management and control plan for the use of firearms in the countries of the Securitas Iberoamerica Division where security services are provided with firearms. These two projects, which are perfectly in line with the company’s international strategy, will allow us to develop our strategic role for the company. The role of the legal department of an international organisation is no longer a support function, but a strategic function that accompanies the development of the corporate strategy and achieves healthy and sustainable outcomes. 

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?   

Securitas, as an international security services company, has taken several measures to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations. 

Securitas has established a clear sustainability strategy with specific goals and targets. This includes commitments to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices across their operations.  

Also, Securitas works with suppliers and partners who share their commitment to sustainability. They have guidelines and standards to ensure that their supply chain practices are environmentally responsible and ethically sound.  

Furthermore, our employees are trained on sustainability practices and are encouraged to contribute ideas for reducing the company’s environmental footprint. This includes initiatives for reducing paper use, conserving energy, and implementing recycling programs.  

The company regularly reports on its sustainability performance and progress toward its goals. This includes publishing sustainability reports that detail their environmental impact, achievements, and future targets.  

As legal counsel, we play a crucial role in driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company, aligned with the company´s targets. We ensure that Securitas complies with all relevant environmental regulations and standards. Our team oversee the development and implementation of policies that align with legal requirements and industry best practices. Also, we manage legal risks related to sustainability issues. This includes addressing potential legal liabilities associated with environmental impact, regulatory non-compliance, and contractual obligations with stakeholders.  

Regarding corporate policies, we help to shape and enforce sustainability policies and practices within the company, and we work closely with other departments to integrate sustainability considerations into corporate governance, operations, and strategic planning.   

Securitas has integrated sustainability into its core business through strategic initiatives, environmental management, and community engagement. We contribute by ensuring compliance, managing legal risks, developing policies, and advocating for sustainability practices within the company, being always close to the operation. 

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 Securitas, we make diversity and inclusion a priority. We embed these principles into our core values and daily practices. We provide unconscious bias and cultural competency training programs and implement targeted recruitment strategies to ensure diverse candidate pools. 

Our initiatives include mentoring programs that support underrepresented groups, and we review our policies and practices on a regular basis to ensure they promote equity. We also encourage open dialogue through workshops and forums to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. We strive to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve by continually evaluating and evolving our approach.