Team size: two

What are the most significant cases or transactions you and your team have been involved in?

The attorneys at the 3M office of general counsel in Central America and Caribbean have been involved in resolving a broad set of diverse and complex cases ranging from trade compliance, tax to business models implementation, labor matters and anti-counterfeiting. Most significantly, over the last two years we have counseled on and implemented changes to our internal legal services based on 3M´s new operating model. Last year we were pivotal in smoothly executing major structural changes to our manufacturing operations in the region.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic has affected our work and how we work in-house. The general counsel role is an indispensable member in leadership teams not only for corporate and business decision making but also to operations, business continuity, EHS and ESG (Environmental and Social Governance), as well as to end-to-end sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of products. Covid-19 has affected each one of these areas and processes. In this sense, precise and timely legal counsel in an evolving and challenging environment has been key to successfully overcoming these challenging times and continuing to serve internal clients with distinction.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

In-house lawyers should serve as partners and guardians in any business structure. It is therefore quite paramount to learn about the business models, services, and products, and to always have a seat at the decision-making table. By being part of the strategic planning, modelling, and the execution of any project, legal intersections can be addressed early and effectively which makes lawyers a trusted business partner. As guardians, in-house lawyers must also go beyond legal counsel and the compliance environment and consider reputational risks, market reactions, public scrutiny, for example, among many other factors, to calibrate his or her leadership role. This holistic view and exercise of the in-house legal function is great added value to any organisation.