What are the projects that you are most proud of working on over the past 12 months?

At Patterson-UTI International Colombia and Ecuador, the legal team faces multiple challenges every day. However, over the past 12 months, the company successfully began operations in Ecuador, an important milestone that came with its own legal and operational difficulties. Despite the political, social, and economic challenges, I have played a key role as Legal Manager in ensuring compliance, reducing risks, and managing all conflicts involving our employees in an effective and strategic way.

One of the biggest challenges we faced in 2024 was responding to demands from local communities. Through both legal and non-legal actions, they tried to influence how activities were carried out and how decisions were made regarding human resource management. These situations required strong legal expertise, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the social and cultural dynamics of Amazonian communities. Their demands often put operational continuity at risk, making it essential for our legal team to act quickly and effectively.

Through strategic planning, open communication, and proactive legal strategies, I led the development and implementation of containment measures that helped us manage these challenges while keeping operations running smoothly. Thanks to these efforts, we ensured not only the protection of the company’s interests but also the stability of our activities in the region.

This achievement makes me especially proud, given the complexity of working in areas where legal regulations interact with deeply rooted community traditions. The past year has demonstrated the resilience and expertise of our legal team under my leadership, and I am confident that we will continue to overcome future challenges with the same commitment and professionalism.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During times of instability or crisis, I believe the best approach a company can take is to adhere to the most protective legal criteria in favor of its interests. This is particularly important given that labor regulations are generally designed to be highly protective of workers’ rights. Ensuring strict compliance with these regulations not only mitigates legal risks but also provides a solid foundation for decision-making in uncertain circumstances.

At the same time, these challenging moments can serve as valuable opportunities to rethink and innovate in human resource management. By closely analyzing the legal framework, companies can develop new strategies that not only comply with existing regulations but also enhance organisational efficiency and sustainability. Finding creative and legally sound ways to address workforce challenges allows businesses to continue growing while fostering a work environment that is both secure and respectful of employees’ rights.

Ultimately, crises can drive companies to become more adaptable and forward-thinking. By balancing strong legal protections with innovative human resource strategies, organizations can emerge from difficult situations stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for long-term success.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

One of the main challenges of implementing ESG principles in Latin America is that, culturally, these regulations are often seen as merely theoretical and are not given the practical importance they deserve. There is a tendency to view ESG compliance as a formal requirement rather than a fundamental part of business strategy.

In my role as Legal Manager of the organisation, we have worked to embed ESG principles into the corporate culture, starting with senior executives. Our approach has been to emphasise the importance of integrating ESG considerations into daily business activities, ensuring that decision-makers understand that these principles are not just about regulatory compliance but about long-term sustainability and ethical business practices.

By instilling this mindset at the leadership level, we aim to create a ripple effect throughout the organisation. Leading by example is crucial in shaping corporate behavior, and when executives prioritise ESG in their strategic decisions, it gradually influences the entire workforce. Over time, this approach helps solidify ESG principles as an integral part of the company’s operational framework rather than an abstract concept.

The key to long-term success lies in shifting perspectives and demonstrating that ESG is not just a regulatory burden but a value-driven approach that benefits both the company and society.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

Over the past year, one of the key trends I have been closely monitoring is the increasing complexity of labor regulations and their impact on corporate operations, particularly in Latin America. Governments are strengthening protections for workers, and compliance with evolving labor laws has become more challenging for companies. This is especially relevant in industries that operate in remote areas or interact with local communities, where legal frameworks often intersect with social and cultural dynamics.

Another important trend is the growing emphasis on ESG compliance. While ESG principles have been widely discussed, many companies in the region still struggle with their practical implementation. Regulators and investors are paying closer attention to corporate sustainability practices, making it essential for in-house counsel to take a proactive role in integrating ESG considerations into business strategies.

Additionally, the digital transformation of legal departments continues to accelerate. The use of technology to streamline compliance, contract management, and dispute resolution is no longer optional but a necessity. In-house counsel should embrace legal tech solutions to improve efficiency and risk management.

As legal professionals, we must remain adaptable and anticipate these shifts, ensuring that our organisations stay compliant while also leveraging these changes as opportunities for growth and innovation.