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

We have been able to navigate the pandemic without ceasing our operations or commercial activities even with some dry laws enacted affecting various parts of the country. We were able to classify ourselves as an essential activity and that allowed us to keep our business running as usual. Additionally, we have supported the business across different projects to secure profitability for our products and ensure that we have enough agave for our tequila plant.

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?

We are focused on each of our different channels to be able to react as quickly as possible and ensure that our products can reach our consumers in a timely fashion. Just like many other industries, we have been hit by supply chain constraints and delays.

This means that we pay close attention to all mandates directed by local and federal authorities, so we remain compliant with any changes. We also regularly engage authorities to make sure that our products get treated in the right way. Unfortunately, when there are dry laws enacted, there is an enhanced incentive for illicit alcohol to reach consumers, and that poses an extremely high public health risk.

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

I always suggest reaching out to all internal clients and business stakeholders to listen to them directly. An effective in-house counsel understands that they play a facilitative role in the business, by helping to identify and assess risks while being driven by the business needs.

A simple trick with insightful results is to engage internal clients about their legal needs. Regardless of if they are in the legal profession, they can offer some insight. From this data, you will be able to assess what they may find useful or what you can do better. I suggest carrying out this exercise periodically and with people across all levels.