About

‘Acciona is a global group that develops and operates sustainable infrastructure, from renewable energy to complex construction projects, water treatment and services. Acciona aims to lead the transition to a low-carbon economy by placing its technical excellence and innovation at the service of all projects aimed at designing a better planet. With 38,500 employees in more than 40 countries, and sales totalling €7.51bn in 2018, Acciona’s legal department supports the group’s diverse business activities and its efforts to forge a new business model based on sustainable, low carbon growth. The legal department accompanies the commercial and strategic development of the group, in the daily activity of all its business, namely, energy, infrastructure, water, services, real estate and the asset management company, Bestinver, and also supports innovative business initiatives, such as the recent launch of an urban electric bike sharing service and other initiatives in the field of sustainable mobility. They also advise in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and applications that are relevant to the world of infrastructure, such as the use of AI for the prevention of occupational health hazards and the technical inspection of projects. The legal department is present in the countries where Acciona has significant business interests, including Spain, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, India, UAE and Poland. Of the 120 staff in the legal department, 56% are women and more than 65% are under 40 years of age. Acciona’s group legal department aims to achieve maximum efficiency in the development of its functions, and coherence and consistency in the management of legal issues of common interest. It provides legal advisory services to Acciona’s various businesses, in addition to being a key centre for decision-making and the development of common corporate policies. It gives priority to preventive rather than reactive advice; establishes action protocols to minimise risks; and maintains business activities in compliance with current legislation. The legal team attaches special importance to attracting, evaluating and retaining talent; and teamwork; and to horizontal working groups with active consultation between countries. Digitalisation is one of the current priorities of the legal department, as it is else wherein Acciona. The legal team is adopting new technologies and systems to unify management and share knowledge and best practices. Training is another priority, and Acciona has reached agreements with teaching institutions and large law firms that allow Acciona’s lawyers to keep their expertise up-to-date.’