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

Grupo GP (Grupo Garza Ponze) is a holding company based in Monterrey with three lines of business: Constructora GP an EPC contractor, GP Bienes the real estate and industrial development arm, and GP Energia, which assists in the purchase and buy and sale of energy.

We are overseeing legal matters related to the construction of an A4-type highway, with two lanes of traffic that should be completed by the end of 2021. We are also involved in a construction contract for a LEGO warehouse, marking the first time the iconic children’s toy pieces will be manufactured in Latin America. This project will cost around $1.2b and is expected to be complete at the end of 2022.

On the real estate front, we supported the development of Built to suit industrial buildings for Brembo, Dana, Sumitomo, Barcel, Paulo, Xinquan among other big players. Grupo GP owns the land, built the facilities, and signed agreements to lease the space to the companies for 20 years.

Which recent political, economic, or regulatory changes have impacted the company and the team the most?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we changed how the legal department responds to matters and operates daily. Initially, focus was on the shifting regulations and restrictions related to construction in Mexico, but as the pandemic went on, we learnt how to utilise new tools, like virtual training, video conferencing, online negotiations, and information sessions to keep remote workers connected, improve efficiency, and ensure the business continued operation.

Of course, there were also some unintended consequences because nothing can replace the opportunity to read someone’s reactions and body language while negotiating in-person.

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?

I wanted to make sure the seven-person legal department had a role in providing governance and advice to the executive team. The department shall be a source for anyone in the company, and instead of assigning each lawyer to a unique line of business, the department is structured to be a pool of information.

Evolving as a department, sharing sources, and sharing information is what we want to offer to our internal customers or employees. The wall has come down between the legal department and the rest of the business. The notion that an in-house legal team should function like an internal law firm is giving way to the idea that the legal department is a commercial function that brings value to the business. The old rigid silos are being replaced by more fluid structures, and it is having a significant impact on the company.

A corporate lawyer is required to possess a good understanding of business disciplines along with legal principles, we live in a converging world where knowledge of a single subject or discipline is not enough.