Team size: Eight

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

As a corporate legal counsel for a public infrastructure development company, the cases in which we get involved in range from the day-to-day affairs of the projects, the contractual relationship with clients, the resolution of disputes of all kinds, the negotiation of complex contracts, and corporate matters. There are no matters that are more significant or important than others, because, as Sacyr is one of the main players in the concessions and public infrastructure industry in Chile, the responsibility to do things right is a constant responsibility, because behind every decision is not only the interest of the company but also that of thousands of people who will benefit from our works. For this reason, the work of the lawyers in my team is very intense but also tremendously rewarding.

How important is choosing to work with external lawyers who align with your company’s values? Are you likely to reconsider what firms you work with based on this?

For us it is extremely important, first of all because our external lawyers must be aligned with our ethical culture. Secondly, this is because they must understand what we do, how complex our projects are and how delicate it is to build public works. That is why we not only choose the best external counsel, but also those who believe in our principles and values.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

The in-house lawyer’s job is to be an advisor to the decisions made by the business managers. In this sense, understanding that the in-house lawyer shapes the ethical culture of the company. It is not about being an obstacle for the business, but on the contrary, a partner who brings value to the decision-making process. Thus, as companies adapt to sustainability and new forms of governance, the legal team must take the organisation by the hand and accompany it on this path.