In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?
Given the growing need for foreign investment in Latin America and specifically in Ecuador, in-house lawyers are of vital importance to diversify the Ecuador’s economic market and to introduce new projects and changes in law. In the oil and gas sector of Ecuador, the role of in-house counsel is significant as they advise both internal as well as external stakeholders regarding the vision of the government of Ecuador as a strategic partner.
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
Having more than 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry as an in-house lawyer of multinational companies, I had the following great achievements: (i) closing share transactions between two companies of the same group operating fields in Ecuadorian Amazon region; (ii) closing the General Controller Audit; (iii) negotiating the oil contracts with adjustment of Tariff & Activities; (iv) implementing digital technology for document management.
Working in the oil and gas industry, how has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected the company and the team’s priorities?
Reducing excessive use of resources and minimising accelerated climate change are priorities for all oil companies. As an in-house lawyer, we are required to navigate our organisations to comply with the government’s environment regulations. Given that Ecuador is famous for its strict environment regulation, for instance, the legal representatives of the companies can be criminally responsible if they do not comply with environment law, our legal team tries our best to catch up with up-to-date legal requirements whilst ensuring Pluspetrol comply with all the necessary regulations. Remote working allowed our workers to replace business trips with few video calls, which reduced vehicle uses, maintenance costs, and energy use in water and electricity. Having partnered with a hydroelectric plant, Pluspetrol are leading an electricity generation project using renewable energy. This will reduce CO2 emissions while stopping burning oil energy.
How does the team effectively manage legal risks, and what do you think are the biggest risks facing your industry at the moment?
Having provided well-programmed training, our team had successfully implemented projects which required the ability to develop legal and business strategies. By encoring participation in each project from the beginning of each stage, our team member is well-informed about business operations as well as the necessary legal knowledge for our company’s function.
