Andrés Parker – GC Powerlist
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Chile 2024

Consumer products

Andrés Parker

Legal director, Chile | Walmart

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Chile 2024

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Andrés Parker

Legal director, Chile | Walmart

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 organization’s resilience?  

It is essential to start with a risk assessment to manage legal aspects during periods of instability or crises. This involves identifying potential legal threats by evaluating contracts, compliance obligations, and regulatory changes. In addition, cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring coordination with various departments to ensure comprehensive solutions. Another important aspect is establishing clear communication channels for rapid internal and external information sharing, keeping all parties informed and aligned. Finally, maintaining agility and flexibility allows the legal team to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and priorities.

Aligning the legal strategy with the broader business strategy is crucial for ensuring organisational resilience. This begins with integrated strategic planning, where legal goals are aligned with business objectives to support the organization’s mission. Focusing on risk mitigation through robust contracts and compliance programs is essential. Ensuring that business continuity plans are legally sound and executable during crises is another key aspect and regular training ensures that everyone knows their roles during a crisis. Finally, monitoring and reporting on the effectiveness of legal strategies allows for continuous improvement and updating of plans based on lessons learned.

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?  

Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced data analytics, and legal tech platforms are revolutionizing the legal profession by significantly enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and strategic capabilities. AI-powered tools can quickly analyse legal documents, case law, and statutes, outperforming traditional research methods. They also automate contract review and management, identifying key terms, assessing potential risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, it can predict case outcomes using historical data, aiding in strategic planning.

Advanced data analytics tools are essential for e-discovery, efficiently sifting through large volumes of electronic data to uncover relevant litigation information. They also help identify trends and patterns in case law and judicial decisions, refining litigation strategies.

Legal tech platforms, such as case management systems, streamline all aspects of a legal case—from document storage to client communication—thereby enhancing efficiency and collaboration. Secure online client portals further improve client satisfaction and engagement by allowing clients to access case information, communicate with their legal team, and make payments. Staying updated on technological developments is crucial for legal professionals.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?  

We are currently navigating a dynamic legal environment in Chile, driven by socio-political changes, environmental sustainability, financial market evolution, and technological advancements. Despite this rapidly evolving landscape, marked by the introduction of new laws and projects aimed at strengthening corporate governance and regulating critical areas such as digital transformation and data protection, what stands out to me at the cultural level within companies is the growing emphasis on leadership and corporate culture to create a more inclusive and efficient workplace.

There is a pronounced focus on multicultural and inclusive leadership, aimed at enhancing diversity within organizations. This includes training leaders in socio-emotional skills and implementing inclusive policies that ensure a respectful and supportive environment for all employees. Additionally, digital transformation is playing a significant role in shaping team management strategies. Companies are prioritising workforce training in technological tools and optimising processes to increase overall efficiency. These changes are essential for Chilean companies to stay competitive and adapt to the evolving global business landscape.

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