Team size: 19

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?

Times of crisis are usually the ones in which the legal function becomes especially relevant, as the business needs to look for innovative ways to overcome the crisis, but being mindful of any new exposure that may be derived from the situation. In this sense, during periods of instability it is of the outmost importance that the legal and compliance functions get even closer to the business units to understand and advice on the structure and strategy to be implemented. Legal should always be involved in any crisis committee and or other governance bodies that are set by the organisation to address the situation. Also, Legal and compliance should be a referent for the business that provide a sense of stability during the difficult times, providing sound and grounded advice in a timely manner.

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

During my previous engagement at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co I participated in an investigation process to formally reply to a subpoena from the Department of Justice of the United States of America. This was a complex exercise that, without a doubt has been the more challenging experience in my career. As it was disclosed by AJG on Q1, 2023 the investigation was completed and the DOJ closed this procedure without further action.

I have also been involved in a number of portfolio acquisition within the insurance sector in Colombia in which we have a lot of very interesting and complex structures that required creative thinking and working on technical skills beyond the mere legal acumen such as finance knowledge and technology.

Currently I´m leading a transformation process for the legal & compliance function of WTW in Latam. This initiative is oriented to simplify processes while enhancing our capabilities, but always keeping a good control over legal expenses.

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?     

Artificial Intelligence will disrupt the way we practice our profession in the short term. Legal teams will heavily rely on AI for drafting all sorts of legal documents like contracts, minutes and even legal opinions; also, AI will be used as a “self-service” tool for the business units for obtaining real time legal and compliance advice for specific situations. Although legal teams will not disappear, they will reduce in size. A reduced number of lawyers supported by AI tools will be able to service the legal needs of large corporations with a high level of efficiency.

In view of the above, to keep up and stay updated, it is mandatory for us lawyers to constantly interact with the existing AI tools and test their capabilities without jeopardising ourselves and/or our organisations. Also, it is important to be updated of these developments with the help of the law firms that are working this trend and issue updates and documentation that help us navigate this new reality.