Researching this year’s edition of The Legal 500: GC Powerlist Mexico has been an honour and a privilege. It has been incredible to converse and gain insights into the world of work of the exceptionally talented and impressive in-house counsel featured in this list. Within the pages of this publication, we embark on an extensive exploration, delving deeply into the complex dynamics of legal innovation, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and emerging trends and opportunities within the Mexican legal landscape. Together, these components shape the evolving roles and responsibilities of in-house legal practitioners in Mexico.

Given the constantly evolving legal environment and the increasing array of challenges encountered by in-house lawyers in Mexico, we have taken the initiative to ask insightful questions and invite shortlisted lawyers to offer their distinctive insights and expertise. In doing so, we aim to shed light on their key challenges, strengths, and promising prospects.

Mexico-based in-house lawyers with whom I have had the privilege of engaging have invariably played pivotal roles in navigating significant transactions, negotiations, and legal endeavours that have profoundly impacted Mexico’s growth and propelled their organisations onto the global stage. Their distinguishing attributes extend beyond mere legal prowess and extraordinary talent, encompassing qualities such as collaborative teamwork, pioneering innovation, business acumen, adept risk management, and a profound sense of empathy.

A recurring theme that has surfaced in our research is the proactive stance taken by Mexico’s in-house counsel. They are actively sowing the seeds for a brighter tomorrow, one anchored in the core tenets of sustainability, ESG considerations, diversity and inclusion, and the integration of technological advancements to bolster operational efficiency. Jose Lechuga, general counsel Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean at General Motors Mexico, said: ‘I firmly believe in the importance of recognising that diversity of thoughts and perspectives. It enriches us as human beings, strengthens our work environment and favours the success of the company. In this sense, and as part of our culture, in each staff meeting, a member of the legal team shares a moment of inclusion (it can be a video, article or anecdote) to increase the awareness of diversity and inclusion in each of the team members’. Jose’s words echoed Paola Patricia Valencia Hidalgo, legal director at Fibra Soma: ‘In the team, there is no distinction of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic capacity or any other, which may result in a disparity outside their professional capacity and skills. Each team member, from their knowledge and acquired experience, teaches the others, and every opinion is equally valuable; everyone complements each other’. 

Within the contents of this publication, the wise advice of in-house lawyers shines brightly, illuminating the path for their peers. Their perspectives underscore the fundamental value of possessing strong foundational legal competencies and an intimate grasp of industry-specific intricacies.

In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every in-house lawyer who has contributed to the making of the GC Powerlist: Mexico 2023. I take immense pride in presenting this list, which showcases Mexico’s most innovative, dedicated, and brilliant in-house counsel.

Sara Maggi| Deputy Editor The Legal 500 GC Powerlist Series

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez is honored to sponsor this edition of The Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Mexico.  We have sponsored this prestigious event for six years, and we are privileged to do so again.

Over the years we have witnessed first-hand the positive energy that is a generated in a room where the leading General Counsel in Mexico meet to exchange views, experiences and insight, and we are convinced the 2023 Edition will not be the exception. 

As appears to be the norm, we meet at a time of great challenges for Mexico.  The state of global geopolitics presents unique opportunities and risks for Mexico and the North American Region.  Despite the enormous positive effects of “Near or Ally Shoring”, which have undoubtedly fostered investment and industrial development around the country, the upcoming Presidential elections in Mexico and US will inevitably give rise to volatility that will challenge the ordinary course of business.  Without question, the outcome of the 2024 elections will greatly define the speed, scale and breadth of Mexico’s progress and developments for decades to come.

With this backdrop, our profession, both from the in-house and the law firm perspective continues to undergo profound changes, including the advent of Artificial Intelligence tools that are already having an impact on the provision of legal advice and solutions.  The need for the legal profession to accept and strategize around technology in the legal industry has never been more pressing.   At Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez we believe that when it comes to technology within our industry the future is now, and embracing innovative ways of providing legal advice and servicing clients are key.  The faster we acknowledge and adapt to this reality, the brighter the future.

Despite what we consider to be a positive moment in the legal marketplace, as we remarked in our message to the GC Powerlist in 2017, basic Rule of Law remains one of the greatest challenges confronting the legal profession in Mexico. For decades, deficient rule of law and corruption have plagued our country, severely burdening further development and shared prosperity for all in Mexico. Notwithstanding the many positive developments in Mexico´s substantive laws, despite the prevailing political discourse, as a country we continue to suffer from vast corruption and a deficient and ill-prepared justice system. On this issue, which is really our community’s “core issue,” we must double-down on our efforts.  With this in mind, we invite all of you to use this The Legal 500 GC Powerlist summit, as an opportunity to discuss how we can all work collaboratively towards the development of a better and more transparent and equitable justice system, and towards the eradication of corruption. By making the Rule of Law a shared and foremost goal of the legal profession, and a cornerstone of Mexico´s development, what is already a promising future for the country will improve exponentially.

Sincerely,

Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez