First, can you please give us an idea of the sort of work your team has done recently?

Directing and supervising the Department of Legal Affairs of the Ministry, which currently has 31 lawyers on its staff, which included the following tasks: First, assess the risks from a legal perspective on all legal issues: law initiatives, agreements, resolutions, regulations, legal cases, project initiatives related to the institution and its agencies and branches. Second, issuing legal opinions on cases of claims, arbitration and application of regulations and contracts. Third, liaising between the legal counsel of the Executive Branch and the Ministry. Fourth, coordinating the national and international legal team appointed to work on issues and placements of external and internal debt. Fifth, coordinating the legal team in multiple international debt transactions.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The meetings are more productive with the use of technology. Nevertheless, nothing beats face-to-face teamwork, especially concerning brainstorming, as well as legal research and debate when searching for the best legal solution in any given situation.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

Ethical behavior above all, guaranteeing accountable decisions as well as permanent transparency. It is imperative to never forget that everything that is done will have direct and indirect consequences, not only for your institution but also for the entire Government.