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 organisation’s resilience? 

The management of legal aspects in companies must always be aligned with the company’s strategy and projects. The legal support made in-house cannot be isolated from the operation of the company, that in my opinion is what makes the difference between in-house lawyers and external advisors. This becomes even more true in times of instability and crises; any legal issue must be tended with that in mind and in the understanding that action, sound action needs to be taken. 

In-house lawyers in times of crisis, more than ever need to provide assurance to the company that any measures being taken meet legal requirements and that even if there are risks involved, they can be managed. Additionally, if there is the need to include outside counsel in any discussions, the role of the in-house lawyer is to liaise with the operation of the company and to obtain from the former the quick and assertive answers that are normally required in times of crisis. 

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?   

At this point the most important transactions are subject to confidentiality because they have not been made public yet. 

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

Colombia is a country that currently poses many political challenges, since there are many essential bills of law that are envisaged to be filed before Congress by the government (tax reform, labour reform, health reform, amongst others). Additionally, the government has been replacing most of the ministers and that creates an unstable environment especially vis-à-vis the international observers, significantly impacting the country’s economic growth. However, Colombia is a resilient country, and I foresee that we will surmount the situation.