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?  

Through the creation of interdisciplinary teams with internal and external personnel to:

Firstly, to have analysis reports that are as objective as possible regarding each situation, including risks and opportunities.

Secondly, to propose strategies and action plans that are concrete and as simple as possible, with their respective hierarchies of priority.

Finally, to propose actions for the execution and control of these plans with constant reviews that allow for necessary modifications to adapt to the ever-changing reality.

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?  

General de Electricidad (CGE) has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and an Integrated Management System (SIG), which apply to all the companies that make up CGE, regardless of the activity or region where they are established. The SIG encompasses the requirements related to the International Organization for Standardization 9001, 14001, 45001, and 22301 standards, about the transmission, distribution, commercialisation, and services of electric energy, including maintenance and construction services of its own and third-party electric systems. The business continuity management system supports the company’s essential processes, such as corrective maintenance in emergencies, management in zonal operations centres, and customer service channels for non-face-to-face customers.

Additionally, there are procedures in place that establish process flows to mitigate the impact of environmental incidents and accidents, as well as to ensure the proper management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The legal advisor is responsible for the formation, administration, custody, and updating of the company’s internal regulations. They participate in various internal committees and also serve as secretary of the boards of directors, contributing to the compliance with these practices and the updating of the criteria for their application and modification.

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? 

I believe the development of artificial intelligence could be highly relevant to the practice of law and the provision of legal services. Another aspect that is having an impact and should be further developed is technology that facilitates easier communication, especially in an international context with countries that have different languages, cultures, and work schedules. At CGE, we have experience with this through our controlling company, which is Chinese. Technology has been crucial in enabling us to work with them both in person and remotely. We stay updated on this through various market offers and the company’s technological development proposals or plans from its IT and Cybersecurity departments.

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?  

Within our team, we constantly promote gender equality, respect, and tolerance for diversity in thought, beliefs, origins, culture, language, and more. This has become very practical as we work with teams that include lawyers of Chinese origin and individuals of diverse ages and international experience in Asia, Europe, and the USA. Our team includes three management teams, two of which are led by female lawyers. We also promote participation in training focused on integration, diversity, and sustainability.