How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises requires a proactive and adaptable approach. This involves identifying and assessing risks, such as potential litigation, as well as regulatory and contractual contingencies. It also requires maintaining clear lines of communication not only within the legal group but also with senior management both in Peru and at the corporate office, as well as with relevant stakeholders, ensuring that legal advice is readily available when needed.

Furthermore, times of instability typically coincide with a changing regulatory landscape, heightening the importance of “legal compliance” to ensure that the company operates within the bounds of the applicable legal framework.

Lastly, continuously monitoring the effectiveness of legal processes and strategies is essential to identify areas of improvement and implement changes, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in response to a dynamic business and legal environment.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

In countries like Peru, where the risks of corruption and money laundering are elevated, it is imperative to implement a robust compliance system. This system must consider sufficient controls and measures to ensure that the company adheres to applicable regulations – for example, FCPA, CFPOA, OFAC, among others – and examines third parties to ensure alignment with core values and principles. Thus, conducting regular screenings of vendors and third parties against relevant exclusion and debarment lists and databases is paramount. In this endeavour, the use of compliance tools and search engines is essential for obtaining reliable reports promptly. This enables in-house counsel to adequately assess, identify red flags, and reach informed conclusions.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

We have implemented a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan that engages various teams across the company. This programme was designed and is led by the legal team. To date, we have already implemented 30 actions strategically designed to address crucial areas such as preventing workplace sexual harassment and violence, fostering a healthy balance between work and personal life, promoting diversity and inclusion in our hiring processes, and developing communities found within the area of influence of our mining unit.