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?

In times of crisis, it is essential for lawyers to deploy our argumentation skills, knowledge, and interpretation of the law with a conciliatory and negotiation spirit. We must act with a sense of urgency yet maintain a cool head to ensure objectivity and sensibility. As a chief legal officer, through a holistic and versatile approach, I foster constant and effective interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate legal considerations into critical business decisions. By leveraging a broad range of knowledge and experiences, I facilitate unified and effective responses that develop strategies addressing immediate legal challenges while aligning with the company’s long-term goals. This enhances my ability to collaborate and apply these skills during periods of instability or crisis.

In my role as a chief compliance officer, I focus on promoting a culture of integrity grounded in the belief that ethical behavior and respect for regulations are not only legal obligations but also essential elements for the company’s long-term success and sustainability. The experience and lessons learned during times of crisis and instability have been invaluable. They reinforce the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a multidisciplinary approach to navigating complex legal landscapes. These experiences have turned challenges into opportunities to strengthen our legal and compliance frameworks, ultimately improving the organisation’s resilience.

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?

AI has significantly impacted the practice of the profession. The ability to analyse and process large amounts of legal texts, automate repetitive and tedious tasks such as searching, gathering background information, and generating reports translates into considerable time and effort savings, resulting in greater precision and efficiency. AI is currently a tool that complements and supports the work of lawyers.

Personally, and to strengthen our Integrity and compliance system, I use AI to optimise the analysis and understanding of risks and controls, facilitating continuous, fluid, and effective communication of relevant information. This allows me to proactively address potential issues and ensure regulatory compliance.