In what ways do you see the in-house legal role in Mexico evolving over the next few years? 

Regarding tax matters, there are quite complex, complicated rules laid down by the Mexican tax authorities. We have to understand the rules and devise how to comply with them. I think that the evolution for 2022 and the following years in Mexico, would birth a focus on how a company complies with its tax obligations for the taxpayers. 

And as we enter the next decade, what skills will a corporate legal team need to succeed in the modern in-house industry? 

In my opinion, the automation of process is increasingly relevant to legal departments. For instance, having 15 lawyers doing shareholder meetings and legal documentation can be reduced with automated processes. Developing and improving processes will also lead to legal departments having less lawyers in companies.  

Does your team use any legal technology?  

We do use legal technology, especially with regard to some new requirements. In Mexico, it is required by tax authorities to confirm all activities we carry out. For example, if I transfer an asset from one entity to another, it is considered generally as a sale of goods. The tax authorities will try to confirm that the activity indeed occurred, so we usually have records of dates of activity confirmed by a notary public or someone of that nature who can effectively confirm.  

To help this process, we use technology where the signing or confirmation can be done in one click. This helps us with compliance with the tax authorities and promotes efficiency.