Team size: 12

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

I pride myself on building strong, trust-based relationships with both internal and external customers, as well as with our suppliers. This approach ensures that work flows efficiently and enables us to achieve our annual objectives. Over the past year, it has been crucial for our company to optimise operations while minimising the use of additional resources. I achieved this through the dedication and commitment of my team, a project of which I am extremely proud.

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

During periods of crisis, the benefits of proactive legal work become particularly evident. By consistently adhering to internal processes and complying with the applicable legal framework at all levels, we establish a solid foundation that acts as a protective shield in turbulent times. I am committed to developing a robust framework for risk assessment and contingency planning, which allows us to identify potential vulnerabilities early and craft clear, adaptable strategies to address them. Furthermore, I actively encourage cross-functional collaboration, leveraging the diverse expertise of my team to make informed and agile decisions. This comprehensive approach enables us to mitigate risks effectively, ensuring that the organisation remains resilient and capable of thriving – even in adverse conditions.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

I am deeply passionate about the legal profession. From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer, driven by a strong commitment to fairness and justice. While it may sound cliché, working in a field you are passionate about never feels like a job; it is an ongoing process of refining your skills and nurturing your expertise. This dedication not only enables me to advise my company with sound judgment and responsibility, but also sets me apart from other lawyers through a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to ethical practice

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?

Current trends in the legal field are increasingly driven by technology and data management. The implementation of artificial intelligence, the organisation and protection of data, and the development of digital law are key areas on which every legal professional should focus. As the modern world relies on these tools to optimise processes and resources, it is essential that we remain prepared and continuously update our skills to navigate this evolving landscape.

María Belén Freire Prado

Legal Counsel and Regulatory Affairs

Corporación El Rosado S.A.

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

Since my position in this company is related to the quality and permits of products and establishments, I identified the need to add a new responsibility to this role: defending the company against administrative claims issued by sanitary authorities. This allowed me to be responsible for creating the strategy to defend the company and its products, attend hearings, speak directly to the authorities involved in the claim, and communicate the steps to be taken within the company to avoid further mistakes or misinformation, consequently defending the company’s reputation.

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

I adhere to the law as long as it remains valid, ensuring that the daily operations of the business are minimally affected by any changes. In parallel, my role is to gather information on any changes that may impact operations, so that I can align our strategies and ensure we are prepared to adapt effectively, communicating to the departments involved what aspects of their operation may be impacted on and the steps to be taken and included in their procedures.

What do you think sets you apart from other in-house counsel?

I take pride in my ability to identify the internal needs of the department and develop strategies to address them. As an organised and efficient professional, I leverage existing tools within the company to implement these strategies while carefully managing resources to avoid exceeding the department’s budget. Additionally, I adapt to the leadership style of the company’s management and align the department’s internal policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the company’s values.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A lawyer must be adaptable, a good reader, innovative in problem-solving, and open-minded to technology, and be able to communicate complex legal concepts to those with no legal background.

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?

The use of artificial intelligence has significantly increased my productivity and efficiency. It supports me by automating drafting tasks and providing technical information in areas outside my expertise, offering multiple perspectives and options that one individual may not have considered in a certain situation.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about empowering women within the company, supporting their ability to make well-informed decisions and take action, backed by their teams and leaders. Additionally, I am convinced of the importance of supporting intrapreneurs — outstanding individuals who may not hold management positions but demonstrate leadership potential within the company. I see them as potential ambassadors of the company in the external world.