Team size: Two

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?

My legal strategy is closely aligned with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience. I work in collaboration with senior management to ensure that our legal actions support the company’s strategic objectives. This includes protecting our assets, mitigating risks, and leveraging legal opportunities to strengthen our market position. During periods of instability or crises, my approach to managing legal aspects is based on three fundamental pillars: anticipation, adaptation, and communication:

I strive to identify potential legal risks before they become issues. This involves constant monitoring of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as close collaboration with other departments to understand emerging challenges.

Also, in times of crisis, the ability to adapt quickly is crucial. I implement flexible legal strategies that can adjust to changing circumstances. This includes continuous review and updating of policies and procedures to ensure they are aligned with new realities. Lastly, maintaining clear and open communication with all stakeholders is essential. This not only helps manage expectations but also ensures that everyone is informed and aligned with the legal decisions made.

How have you integrated technology into your legal processes, and what impact has this had on efficiency and compliance?

We have successfully integrated several legal tech tools into our daily work. These include contract management tools, whistleblowing systems, know your counterparty process tools, digital signature solutions, corporate governance management tools, and translation tools. These tools have streamlined various legal processes, making them more efficient and reducing the time spent on manual tasks.

I have also been involved in initiatives that leverage AI to enhance legal processes. For instance, the use of Agiloft’s AI trainer functionality to find and tag clauses in contracts, and the implementation of AI negotiation tools like Luminance, which automate contract generation, negotiation, and post-execution analysis. These AI solutions have significantly improved the accuracy and speed of legal document processing.

The integration of technology has also strengthened compliance and data protection measures. For example, the implementation of the HCP tool for data protection management and the use of video surveillance billboards to comply with legal requirements. These measures ensure that all legal processes adhere to the highest standards of compliance and data protection.

The adoption of these technologies has led to notable efficiency gains. Tasks that previously required extensive manual effort are now automated, allowing us to focus on more strategic aspects of our role. This has not only increased productivity but also improved the overall quality of legal services provided.

Technology has facilitated better collaboration and knowledge sharing within the legal department and across other departments. Tools like Microsoft Teams and AI-driven chatbots have enabled seamless communication and quick access to relevant legal information, enhancing teamwork and decision-making.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Spain over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

One of the significant challenges is the evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with the complexity that we have in Spain where the competences in the field of tourism, among others, are transferred to the autonomous communities, not to mention the applicable national and European regulations like the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). This regulation aims to ensure fair competition in digital markets, which will impact businesses operating online platforms. Preparing for this involves staying updated with the latest regulatory changes, participating in seminars and discussions, and ensuring compliance with the new rules

Another challenge is data protection and privacy. With the increasing importance of data in business operations, complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data protection laws will be crucial. This includes regularly updating data protection policies, conducting training sessions on GDPR matters, and negotiating data processing agreements with external consultants.

Additionally, businesses will face challenges related to sustainability and environmental regulations. As the focus on sustainability grows, companies will need to comply with new environmental laws and regulations. This involves integrating environmental practices into business operations, such as recycling and reusing materials, and employing advanced energy management systems to reduce emissions.

To address these challenges, I take proactive steps such as: regularly attending industry seminars and workshops, to stay updated on the latest legal developments; implementing robust compliance programs that include regular audits, training sessions, and updates to policies and procedures to ensure adherence to new regulations; utilising legal tech tools to streamline compliance processes, manage data protection, and monitor environmental impact.

By focusing on these areas, we can effectively navigate the legal challenges and ensure that our business remains compliant and competitive in the evolving legal landscape.