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

In the dynamic context of Ecuador’s securities market, Decevale emerges as a distinct entity – the only private securities depository in the nation. Our exceptional position confers a vital role in which the market’s resilience and a substantial portion of the country’s economic activity pivot on our operations. I joined the organization during a period of considerable turbulence. Entrusted with the critical task of orchestrating a comprehensive legal restructuring, my youthful energy, combined with my relatively young age of 34, has afforded me a unique vantage point, serving as legal manager. This capacity allows me to bridge internal initiatives with external legal expertise, harmonizing these two realms to navigate Decevale’s ongoing success trajectory.

Leveraging my accumulated experiences, I reviewed internal policies and manuals exhaustively. Guided by an unwavering commitment to align with international benchmarks, these transformative adjustments ensure the seamless and secure management of obligations, shares, and bonds. Through this concerted effort, Decevale is positioned as a leader in investor confidence.

The view of internal politics to adapt them to contemporary regulatory frameworks constituted a significant facet of my role, so I tailored them to conform to prevailing standards. This transformative process underscores our commitment to transparent, ethical, and accountable practices, creating an environment where legal and ethical considerations merge seamlessly.

In a pivotal capacity, I guided labour proceedings that navigated the disentanglement of former corporate executives enmeshed in fraudulent negotiations concerning state bonds. Employing meticulous legal strategies underpinned by ethical convictions, we strive to preserve our institutional integrity and the principles of justice.

Beyond the responsibility of litigation, my role extended to the cultivation of an ethical and governance framework at Decevale. I introduced an all-encompassing Code of Ethics and robust Corporate Governance norms, strengthening a culture rooted in responsibility, transparency, and compliance. These measures testify to our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards, thereby nurturing trust in our market operations.

Decevale’s pivotal stature within the Ecuadorian securities market is fortified by a legacy of achievements and transformative endeavours. During my tenure, characterised by dynamic leadership during crises, painstaking process enhancements, and the establishment of ethical governance, I have contributed to strengthening our base of trust and excellence.

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?

Selecting external lawyers who resonate with our company’s values is paramount. I meticulously curate legal partnerships from a pool of esteemed professionals who share an unwavering ethical commitment to Decevale. The crisis mandated an alliance only with those who exemplify the highest standards. Upholding our ethical integrity is non-negotiable. I remain resolute – I will not engage with lawyers whose actions jeopardise Decevale’s hard-earned reputation post-crisis.

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

In-house lawyers are uniquely positioned to drive transformative change within their organizations. Beyond legal expertise, they possess an intricate understanding of the business landscape, including its commercial and economic difficulties. This perspective enables them to forge robust relationships with management, exerting a substantial influence over strategic decisions. Youthful legal professionals introduce new dimensions marked by inclusivity and diversity, often challenging conventional paradigms within an older managerial framework.

Moreover, lawyers permeate every facet of a firm’s operations, from the commercial to the financial sphere. This engagement creates direct interaction with key stakeholders, empowering them to coordinate and guide diverse functions. Having orchestrated numerous successes during the company’s crisis, I am uniquely positioned to drive further change and modernization. Therefore, armed with their multifaceted insight, in-house lawyers act as catalysts to smoothly create legal expertise with business insights to navigate innovation and organizational evolution.