Can you please give us an idea of the work your team has done recently?

After five years of work, we reopened the iconic restaurant ‘Polanco,’ which was initially opened 26 years ago. The reopening of this restaurant was successful because of an asset monetisation in 2016, where our legal team independently facilitated the sale of over $200m to prepay some regional debt and capitalize iconic lands in the Mexican market. This year, I have been invited to be part of the National Board of Directors of the Mexican Chamber of Restaurants (CANIRAC). Through this channel, we have helped the restaurant industry create COVID protocols which have been recognised by the Mexican government, to continue the operation of our restaurants nationwide.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

The pandemic has required a lot of leadership, specifically being present with the limitation of distance and being supportive without being physically present. It has also shown the soft skills that are necessary to survive in this new way of working.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry?

It is important to go the extra mile, to be honest, accountable, and loyal. Being a lawyer requires respect for all people and processes. A lawyer must endeavour to always give their best while being resourceful and helpful.