What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Presently, my current position does not involve cases or transactions. The focus of my position is on designing a tailor-made compliance risk management system for the multiple financial entities that are part of the Pichincha Group.

Why are in-house lawyers well-placed to drive change in their organisations?

In-house lawyers possess a unique combination of skills, enhanced by rigorous training and practical experience, making them catalysts for organisational change. Their expertise extends beyond legal knowledge to include risk identification, integrative thinking, and problem solving. When applied strategically, these skills enable lawyers to identify areas in need of change or improvement.

In addition, in-house lawyers play an invaluable role in guiding companies through the maze of legal regulations, but most importantly, they emphasise ethical considerations. By putting ethics at the forefront, they not only delineate the boundaries set by the law, but also promote a cultural shift towards responsible and conscientious business practices. In this way, they contribute to shaping the very character of their organisations.

As we live in a fast-paced world today, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the role of in-house counsel goes far beyond traditional legal expertise. To truly excel in the modern corporate environment, legal teams must cultivate a broad range of business-focused skills. This encompasses not only fundamental legal acumen, but also proficiency of operational dynamics, project management, and finance. In addition, as technology reshapes industries, it is imperative that in-house lawyers are proficient in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and technological fluency.

Agility, negotiation skills, effective communication and customer focus are equally crucial. Perhaps most transformative is the change in mindset required. In-house lawyers can no longer afford the luxury of static thinking anchored solely in tradition. Embracing change, fostering innovation, and committing to a lifelong learning process are now indispensable attributes. The modern in-house lawyer is not just a legal expert, but a dynamic change agent who drives the growth and adaptation of their organisation.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

I would provide in-house lawyers the same advice as external counsel when it comes to building strong relationships with their clients. Firstly, in-house lawyers need to master business linguistics – legal professionals should speak the language of business dialect, this will allow for greater clarity and allow them to reach tailored solutions. Second, it is important to cultivate authentic relationships, build trust over time with genuine engagement and demonstrate the value you add. Thirdly, it is important to acknowledge collaborative dynamics, meaning that in-house need to be humble and open to collaboration in decision-making. They should recognise that legal insight is just one of the several considerations within the business decision-making process. Penultimately, lawyers need to clarify, and not confound, ensure you are communicating legal nuances succinctly and remain focused on business implications. There is no need to overwhelm your business partners with extraneous details. Finally, anticipate needs, in-house lawyers must stay proactive and informed about industry trends to solidify their role as trusted advisors.