GC Summit Argentina 2025

As our annual legal gathering, the GC Summit Argentina 2025, continues to grow, it now encompasses the most up-to-date legal challenges faced by in-house counsel. All the sessions offered a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of the country’s evolving business environment. From labour law to corporate deregulation and the evolving role of legal leadership, panellists delivered valuable insights that painted a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities facing professionals in Argentina today.

In the first session, sponsored by Deloitte, panellists delved into the complexities of Argentina’s labour law landscape, focusing on pressing challenges and strategic planning. The discussion began with a reflection on the country’s pending labour reforms, many of which are seen as crucial to modernising employment regulations and reducing the administrative burden on companies. One of the key themes was the high financial cost of employment in Argentina, driven by rigid regulation, social security contributions, and the influence of powerful trade unions. The panellists discussed how economic instability and high interest rates have further complicated labour litigation, leading to increased exposure for employers.

The conversation moved to dispute mitigation strategies, with practical examples of how companies are navigating contentious employment environments. The speakers also highlighted the significant implications of mergers and acquisitions, particularly the challenges of integrating workforces while maintaining compliance with complex regulatory frameworks. In an increasingly globalised economy, cross-border employment considerations—ranging from legal to cultural—were also explored. This included issues around remote work, tax obligations, and varying employment standards across jurisdictions. The panel concluded by urging companies to adopt more agile and preventative legal strategies to better manage risk and cost in this demanding environment.

Led by Gastón Miani and Leonel Zanotto, Tavarone’s session focused on the intricacies of Argentina’s tax system in the context of its volatile economic environment. A major point of discussion was the tax inflation adjustment mechanism, which has become essential for accurately reflecting economic realities and preventing distorted tax liabilities. The speakers examined the evolving legal interpretations surrounding loss carryforwards and updates, noting how these can significantly affect corporate tax planning and financial forecasting.

Another key issue was the growing concern around gross income tax credit balances, which many businesses are struggling to reconcile due to inconsistent administrative responses and a lack of clarity around refund procedures. The PAIS tax reimbursement process was also scrutinised, particularly in light of increased foreign exchange restrictions and the bureaucratic hurdles that companies must overcome to claim refunds.

The panel offered a comprehensive look at recent legislative developments and court rulings, highlighting the increasing importance of litigation in shaping tax policy. Overall, the session underscored the urgent need for clarity, consistency, and reform in the tax system to foster a more predictable environment for businesses.

Following a brief coffee break, PAGBAM’s panel discussed the impact of Argentina’s sweeping deregulatory reforms, particularly under Decree 70/2023. These reforms, which aim to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies and modernise economic governance, have significant implications for corporate lawyers.

The speakers noted that with the dismantling of cumbersome regulatory processes, legal departments are increasingly freed from routine compliance tasks and are able to focus on strategic matters. M&A activity, corporate structuring, and international expansion were highlighted as areas now demanding more attention and proactive legal guidance. The discussion also addressed how anticipated reductions in labour and consumer claims may reshape legal strategies, encouraging lawyers to shift from reactive to forward-looking roles.

General Counsel were encouraged to embrace a more business-oriented mindset, aligning legal work more closely with organisational goals. As regulation continues to evolve, adaptability and strategic foresight will be critical for legal teams navigating this new and less constrained operating environment.

In a compelling fireside chat, Héctor Ferreira of Hughes & Hughes spoke with Margherita Birri, editor of The Legal 500, about Uruguay’s emergence as a regional leader in business and legal stability. Ferreira outlined the country’s political and legal predictability as a major draw for investors, especially in contrast to the volatility in neighbouring countries. He emphasised Uruguay’s strong institutions, transparent legal system, and open economic policies as foundations for sustained growth.

The conversation touched on key sectors such as renewable energy, tech, and agribusiness, where Uruguay is actively fostering innovation and foreign participation. Ferreira also discussed the country’s push for sustainable development, highlighting initiatives that combine economic growth with environmental responsibility. Attendees were left with a strong impression of Uruguay as a safe and attractive jurisdiction for both corporate activity and long-term investment.

Elevating General Counsel as a Strategic Business Partner (5:20pm – 6:05pm)
The final panel of the day focused on the evolving role of the General Counsel. Rodrigo Hermida, Ivana Di Carlo, and Federico Martinez explored how legal leadership is becoming integral to corporate strategy. No longer limited to risk and compliance, GCs are now expected to influence decision-making, shape business direction, and proactively manage legal and reputational risks.

The speakers discussed how the use of data, performance metrics, and cross-departmental collaboration has become essential in elevating the GC’s role. They stressed the importance of effective reporting and communication with leadership, as well as the need to understand the company’s commercial objectives deeply. The panel also acknowledged the impact of digital transformation, which requires legal teams to be agile and tech-savvy. As the business landscape becomes more complex, the General Counsel is increasingly seen not just as a protector of the company, but as a vital contributor to its success.

As per usual, the day concluded with brief closing remarks, followed by a networking session with delicious local drinks and canapés, allowing attendees to reflect on the day’s discussions and connect with peers and experts in a more informal setting. The panels throughout the afternoon provided attendees with a rich and nuanced understanding of the legal and regulatory developments shaping Argentina and its regional neighbours, equipping legal professionals with actionable insights to navigate the path ahead.