Could you share your journey towards becoming an in-house counsel and what motivated you to pursue this career path?  

After a decade of working as counsel in international law firms, I transitioned to the role of in-house counsel for global organisations. Becoming an in-house counsel offers numerous rewards. It enables engagement with a wide spectrum of legal matters, fostering a deep comprehension of both law and the pertinent industry. The role involves direct participation in the company’s daily operations, providing ethical and integral legal advice to drive impactful business decisions and influence the organisation’s strategy. As a strategic partner to the leadership, collaboration across departments and levels is immensely fulfilling, fostering a trusted advisory role that advances shared goals. In-house counsel roles also offer more predictable work hours compared to law firms or private practices, which aids in maintaining clarity and avoiding undue fatigue or stress.  

Within your capacity as an in-house counsel, what are your primary responsibilities and daily tasks?  

Serving as an in-house counsel for a global entity, overseeing the Latin America region, my daily tasks and responsibilities can vary based on the organisation’s strategy and specific requirements. My role entails furnishing legal guidance and counsel to diverse departments and stakeholders. Key responsibilities encompass devising and executing legal strategies for regional initiatives, overseeing contract review and negotiation across business verticals and service areas, ensuring adherence to laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, conducting compliance training in the region, formulating risk management strategies, and supervising external counsel. Upholding sound corporate governance practices and safeguarding the organisation’s reputation and intellectual property rights are also integral facets of my role. 

What notable challenges have you encountered as an emerging star in-house counsel, and how have you surmounted them? 

Navigating my role as an in-house counsel responsible for the Latin America region has presented several challenges. Striking a harmonious equilibrium between legal prerequisites and organisational business objectives while upholding rigorous compliance with laws and regulations, guided by ethics and integrity, has been a pivotal challenge. Another significant hurdle is managing an extensive workload and task prioritisation, especially in the face of concurrent deadlines and pressing issues. Addressing intricate legal concerns necessitating comprehensive research and analysis of evolving laws and regulations in diverse regional countries has also been a defining challenge. Effective management of relationships with executives, employees, external counsel, and regulatory authorities, all while communicating legal advice and mandates amid differing perspectives and priorities, constitutes another vital challenge. Overall, excelling as an in-house counsel within a global corporation necessitates adaptability, robust legal expertise, adept communication skills, and adeptly navigating simultaneous challenges.  

What proactive measures have you adopted to elevate your professional growth and broaden your legal skill set? 

Sustaining professional development is paramount for in-house counsel. Remaining attuned to legal advancements through continuous learning is indispensable. Annually, I participate in legal seminars, webinars, workshops, and conferences to augment my legal acumen and remain abreast of pertinent laws, regulations, and legal trends pertinent to the organisation. Cultivating a robust professional network by participating in legal events and industry associations is instrumental in fortifying professional growth. Additionally, conducting research and independent study on diverse legal subjects beyond my immediate scope enhances my legal skill set, positioning me to anticipate emerging legal issues with potential impacts on the organisation. Professional development is an ongoing journey, necessitating the ability to step outside one’s comfort zone, evolve, and stand out through strategic thinking and personal advancement.