Team size:   10  

 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?   

As Head of the Legal Department, I am constantly navigating through a landscape of changes, challenges, and crises that require swift and effective solutions. During challenging periods, I rely heavily on the exceptional work of my team. Together, we have developed a robust strategy based on anticipating various scenarios, allowing us to be well-prepared for any outcome. This proactive approach has enabled us to engage in numerous strategic projects, going beyond merely handling routine tasks. Our legal department collaborates closely with various stakeholders, ensuring we stay updated on the technical needs that are crucial for securing the refinery’s business strategy. By staying informed and involved, we contribute to the organisation’s resilience, offering our advisory services not only during times of instability and uncertainty but also during more stable periods. This continuous involvement ensures that we provide comprehensive support to every aspect of the business, reinforcing our commitment to the company’s long-term success. 

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

The past year has been both rewarding and challenging for Refinería. We successfully concluded an international arbitration against the contractor responsible for the refinery’s expansion and modernisation. However, we faced additional challenges as we had to enforce the arbitral award across three jurisdictions—the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands—due to the counterparty’s attempts to declare bankruptcy. What began as a straightforward process of confirming and collecting the award evolved into a complex company restructuring case, requiring us to adapt quickly and learn on the go. 

Our defence strategy proved effective, leading a Dutch court to recognise that, based on the arbitral award, Refinería de Cartagena had the right to be included in the restructuring plan. This not only maximised the payment we could recover but also safeguarded the interests of both Refinería de Cartagena and the Republic of Colombia. 

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?   

I am acutely aware of the evolving nature of the legal profession, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence and technological advancements. To ensure that neither the company nor my team falls behind, I recognised the need for innovation and technological integration. 

Approximately two years ago, my team and I initiated a digital transformation plan aimed at modernising our entire legal department. We are now in the implementation phase of several technological tools designed to enhance our operations. These include a comprehensive case management platform that consolidates over 1,000 judicial and non-judicial processes, a system for managing legal requirements from various stakeholders, and tools for monitoring regulatory risks. Additionally, we have incorporated AI-driven tools to support legal research. 

These technologies have streamlined our administrative tasks, automated routine processes, and provided valuable data insights. As a result, we have improved our productivity and enhanced the quality of our service to clients.