What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Colombia?

I believe that the regulatory market for electricity in Colombia has been stable, and all governments have sought to expand access to electricity and increase generation capacity. Now the trend is to reduce end-user tariffs and expand renewable energy sources, but the high costs for the development of these projects and long-term profitability, long lead times for permit approvals, and regulatory gaps impede their progress, and therefore their implementation. In addition to the above, high global demand for electrical equipment and shortages of electrical components caused by events such as the war between Ukraine and Russia affect project delivery and implementation times.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

One innovation that we have implemented was the establishment of standard forms that include all the company’s contracting policies, and users include the specific information required for specific issues. It has also proved useful to employ a checklist or list of questions that users validate when reviewing a contract or commercial offer. This allows relevant points to be considered and analysed by users appropriately, quickly, accurately, and efficiently.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

Usually, in-house lawyers are under constant pressure to deliver more results with fewer resources and in less time. Artificial intelligence is a development that allows lawyers to meet the needs and expectations of the business in this regard. The use of software that reviews and drafts contracts based on company policies and regulations, resolves queries in different areas of law, and provides historical information among others, will optimise the results of in-house lawyers. With the rise of technological tools in the legal field, in-house lawyers will also have an important challenge which is to ensure that these tools become allies of the legal function and reach the required level of precision, however, it also means knowing and understanding the limitations and to what extent it is feasible or convenient to make use of these tools. I believe the use of technological tools will be an essential and natural part of the legal function, as long as they and the information stored in them are used appropriately.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?

I am passionate about working for sustainable energy development that allows society to meet its needs today without sacrificing future generations. This means innovating and contributing to progress and development, but also to the protection of our planet by reducing carbon emissions and using renewable sources.