What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

In the corporate legal field, the pandemic has undoubtedly brought a series of unique and complex challenges, particularly in countries like Peru where corruption levels are high. For example, the restrictions imposed by governments and health authorities have affected the way companies operate and have created new logistical and management challenges. Compliance with rules and regulations has become even more critical due to the risks associated with the pandemic. Additionally, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology and changed the way businesses operate. As a result, there has been a greater need to understand and manage risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy, which has affected the role of lawyers and compliance teams. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of corporate ethics and social responsibility. Corruption has long been a severe problem in Peru, affecting not only politics but also the economy and society as a whole. Working towards a compliance culture in a country like Peru is undoubtedly a significant challenge. As someone in a leadership position, I raise awareness and encourage understanding that compliance is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our company, and that ethics and integrity are fundamental for building strong and sustainable business relationships.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

In the legal context in Peru, I believe that technology will continue to transform the way in-house legal teams work, enabling us to work more efficiently and effectively, freeing up time to focus on higher value-added tasks. I see two technological advances that will undoubtedly have a significant impact: first, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyse large amounts of legal and contractual data. This will allow us to process vast amounts of information in a short period, identify patterns and trends, and make more precise predictions about the outcome of a case or transaction. Second, the automation of legal processes through smart contracts, which will automate repetitive and low-complexity tasks, enabling us to focus on more strategic and complex issues.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

My concern is related to corruption in Peru, as per the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Peru ranks 101 out of 180 evaluated countries, demonstrating the magnitude of the problem. In the industry sector to which I belong, we strive to lead by example through our best practices, promoting an ethical and integrity-driven culture in our company and throughout the supply chain. We focus on creating better professionals and, above all, better people. Additionally, we raise awareness of ethical and integrity issues to help change the culture of corruption that has taken root in the country. It is a constant challenge.