Legal, sustainability and corporate affairs officer | Softys Uruguay
Lucía Estrada
Legal, sustainability and corporate affairs officer | Softys Uruguay
Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?
In some point, I realised that I was being asked the same information or query by different colleagues. To streamline my work and empower the employees, I created a centralised information database accessible to all staff members. This database contains essential information, deadlines, and templates.
The implementation of this information database has had a very positive impact in many ways. For example, it has accelerated processes, facilitating the work of employees. Moreover, the interaction between different coworkers with the information has contributed to enriching the templates. The best part is that this new way of working has not compromised the quality of the outcome; it has been a win-win.
Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?
More and more, in-house lawyers are taking on roles that support the company’s business. In this sense, I understand that we are facilitators between different sectors of the company and promoters of good practices in corporate governance.
The priorities of companies are changing. Many of the most important companies in Uruguay are focusing on ESG issues. Therefore, general counsel might be increasingly involved in integrating ESG principles into the company’s operations and decision-making processes.
Moreover, with the increasing importance of data privacy and cybersecurity, implementing robust data protection policies and response plans for potential breaches is one of the most important concerns of general counsel.
What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Uruguay?
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices, circular economy initiatives and e-commerce.
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?
With our corporate purpose in mind, “developing brands that deliver the best care people need in their day-to-day lives and at every stage of their lives,” we included sustainability as a cornerstone of the brand and one of the five pillars of our business plan. This allowed us to take decisive and profound action regarding our material ESG issues.
As an attorney for a company so committed to sustainability, I work with the rest of the departments to achieve the objectives we have set, seeking opportunities, building alliances, and monitoring compliance.
Head of legal, sustainability and corporate affairs | Softys Uruguay
Corporate lawyers | Softys