Major legal advisers: Greenberg, Jones Day

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?

When I was general counsel, I encouraged my team to implement automation tools that could streamline the process of generating legal documents. By creating standardised templates and formats, we reduced the time spent on repetitive tasks, such as drafting contracts. These templates can be customised and filled with the relevant information, thus ensuring accuracy and consistency while saving time.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

I foresee three pertinent developments that will change the way general counsel work over the next five years. Firstly, there will be a greater emphasis on technological adoption, general counsel in Mexico may increasingly adopt technological solutions to streamline legal processes, improve efficiency and enhance collaboration. This may involve implementing cloud-based platforms for document management, using automation for contract review, and leveraging data analytics for legal research and risk assessment.

Secondly, there will be greater regulatory changes and compliance challenges that general counsel will have to handle. Mexico is undergoing significant regulatory changes across various sectors. General counsel will need to keep up to date on new laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, particularly in areas such as privacy, anti-corruption, and environmental standards.

Third, we will see an expansion of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives as these continue to gain importance globally, and this trend is likely to continue in Mexico. General counsel will be involved in guiding organisations on ESG compliance, reporting, and risk mitigation. They can also collaborate with other departments to develop sustainable practices and implement responsible corporate governance.

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Mexico?

Some main trends impacting the legal industry in Mexico are, firstly, the growing focus on data privacy and cybersecurity. Mexico’s data protection law has increased the importance of data privacy and cybersecurity. Law firms and legal departments must ensure compliance, implement robust data protection measures, and advise clients on privacy-related matters.

Second, there is increasing regulatory complexity, Mexico’s legal landscape is characterised by evolving regulations and increasing complexity in various sectors. This includes areas such as data privacy, anti-corruption, environmental compliance, labour laws and consumer protection. Legal professionals must stay abreast of regulatory changes, provide proactive guidance to clients, and assist with compliance efforts.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote working and virtual collaboration tools within the Mexican legal industry. More law firms and legal departments are adopting digital platforms for client communication, virtual hearings, and online collaboration. Flexible working arrangements and remote accessibility are becoming more prevalent within the workforce.