Team size: Four

Major legal advisers: Baker & McKenzie; Sanchez de Vanny, BLP legal, Gala (Galindo Arias & Lopez)

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?

The “Smartsheet” platform has helped us internally develop several applications that allow the legal team to work more efficiently. For instance, through this platform our internal clients can upload all types of requests from contracts to certified copies, powers of attorney, and any other related legal matter. The platform has helped us keep track of all our backlog and provides clear data on our KPIs. All this work has been developed in-house at no expense other than the Smartsheet license.

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

Recent changes in labour law are affecting our company, especially our manufacturing facilities. The increase in employee benefits – minimum wage, vacations, freedom of association, number of days worked per week, and the prohibition of subcontracting employees – has undoubtedly had an economic impact for the company.

On the other hand, COFEPRIS has faced several problems internally that have generated a significant delay in the resolution of requests including requests for new health records, modifications, and extensions. This problem has affected the marketing of our products, considering that the lack of records is an impediment to the import and distribution process.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are a key driver of our legal department, we sponsor an initiative called “BETTER CALL US DIVERSITY” aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion in all law firms, the idea of the initiative is to ensure that law firms we work with are progressing towards a more diverse culture. We share with them examples of policies and procedures that they could implement in their own organisations as to promote equality, we also organise events in which lawyers can share best practices and ideas on this important matter. The initiative has been very well received and has been the subject of several recognitions.