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

In labour matters, we have implemented a number of projects successfully. For instance, we completed a complex outsourcing reform across the organisation in the very short period of six months. Some other highlights include the drafting of a new specialised services supplier agreement and intercompany back office agreement, the wide analysis of suppliers to define their specialisation or not, internal awareness and trainings and labour reform regarding the home office.

We are in charge of all product liability cases, including Class Actions, and have been developing a very solid and specialised privacy department to implement very high standards and controls to protect our clients information. Finally, we are in charge of all dealer network legal counseling in Mexico and Latin America.

What do you think are the biggest risks facing your industry now and how are you preparing your company and team to face these risks?

The lack of support for renewable energies because of increased external investment in the country. This is the reason for the lack of infrastructure for electric cars.

Even in the best-case scenario, Covid is likely to have far-reaching ramifications. How are you safeguarding the long-term health of the business?

At Nissan we have successfully implemented a home office scheme with surprising, but positive, effects in goals achievement, productivity, employee satisfaction and life balance. I strongly believe that the home office scheme is the right way to tackle this pandemic.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Knowing the business is the most important skill for us as in-house lawyers and is what distinguishes us when compared to someone from private practice. We are the “magicians” in the organisation, providing solutions to the business that are always in strict compliance with the law. In my experience, one of the main things for an in-house lawyer to keep track of is maintaining constant communication with stakeholders in the business departments to know the core of the projects or needs via one-to-one meetings. Through this, you will build their confidence in you, and be able to implement a “counseling by design” approach so that you can be part of a project from its conception. This skill gives us the information needed to provide a correct, on time and 360-degree-view to our internal clients, mitigating legal contingencies and ensuring compliance with the law.