What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

My current role is focused on the strategic management of the legal department, with an emphasis on legal operations. In this capacity, I have been working diligently to identify opportunities to make the department more efficient. This involves mapping out processes that can be automated and evaluating the application of artificial intelligence in our operations, all without compromising the quality of our deliverables.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

In my opinion, an in-house lawyer needs to have a thorough understanding of the business they are in, recognising its peculiarities not only from a legal perspective but also from an operational point of view. They must be able to translate complex legal issues into terms that the company’s leadership can understand, which is why clear and effective communication is so important. Additionally, having strategic thinking, with the ability to consider the long-term impact of their decisions and identify and mitigate potential future risks for the company, is essential. Finally, having financial and accounting knowledge is important, as they need to be able to financially measure the impact of their decisions on the business.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

Throughout my career in the legal department, I have observed that the business partner model works excellently. This is because the business area has a focal point within the legal department who understands its needs, assesses various legal aspects, and generates solutions tailored to specific situations. The internal client does not have to worry about going to the contracts or labour functions to deal with specific issues because the business partner consolidates and provides the necessary information internally.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

Currently, I have been at the forefront of debates related to Legal Operations as a way of promoting this culture in Brazil. With the exponential growth of technology in the legal field, I understand that having a well-structured Legal Operations area is essential for legal departments to be more efficient. This allows lawyers to focus more on the essence of legal work by freeing up their time.