How do you manage legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis, and how does your legal strategy align with the overall business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience? 

It is essential for those in charge of a company’s or institution’s legal department to stay continuously updated on both national legal regulations and international legal trends and strategies.  

While having a specialisation in law is important, it is equally crucial to understand the workings of various units within the organisational structure. Law is transversal and can impact virtually any institutional aspect, from marketing strategies to budget analysis and execution; from worker health and safety to the manner in which staff sell services. In this regard, the Legal Advisor or Manager must be versatile and capable of effectively supporting the entire organisation with their knowledge of the regulations. 

Additionally, the legal head must possess a range of soft skills to navigate periods of instability or crisis with resilience. Teamwork, leadership, decision-making ability, time management, and stress management are key for a legal professional to be an integral part of the executive decisions that shape the institution’s future. 

Finally, the Legal Manager should continuously study, analyse, and evaluate all external factors leading to periods of instability or crisis. It is crucial to be aware of both the macro and microeconomic situations of our city and country. Moreover, consideration must be given to international market conditions, global political dynamics, and international relations. 

In your opinion, what are the main trends currently relevant in your country (legal, political, economic, or business)? 

In the legal field, there is no doubt that the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping professionals achieve levels of efficiency unimaginable just a few years ago. The use and application of AI is a revolution for much of the business sector, comparable to the industrial revolution or the advent of the internet. We have yet to fully understand the scope, benefits, and risks of AI, but it is remarkable to see how many of the most demanding tasks in professional and legal management can now be completed in a fraction of the time. Furthermore, AI in the legal realm can closely and effectively relate to various administrative processes (such as budget preparation and execution control, to give just one example), economic processes (global risk analysis), and commercial processes (market segmentation and analysis). 

Another significant trend in the business sphere in Bolivia is the implementation of corporate compliance. In an over-regulated economy with a government that believes a successful economic model is one that exerts constant fiscal pressure and control over private initiatives, one way to protect oneself is by having procedures and best practices that act preventively and mitigate operational and legal risks. The best legal manager is not necessarily the one who wins the most lawsuits but the one who avoids the most.