General counsel | Industrias Peñoles
Álvaro Soto González
General counsel | Industrias Peñoles
Team size: 70
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
To manage legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, my approach focuses on anticipation and preparation. My legal strategy aligns with the broader business strategy to ensure organisational resilience by integration of objectives, sustainability and continuity, asset protection and regulatory compliance. By adopting this comprehensive and aligned approach, the organisation can not only successfully navigate through periods of crisis but also emerge stronger and better prepared for future challenges.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
We handled a rapid response mechanism in labour matters, in accordance with the provisions of the USMCA, following a complaint of alleged violations of union freedom rights filed by a union with the Embassy of the United States of America. The complaint was processed through the department of labor, reaching an agreement with the union whereby all alleged intervention claims were addressed. This effort avoided the formation of an international panel under the treaty and significant sanctions for the company. I was also involved in filing of amparo lawsuits against various legal reforms, particularly the mining law, which substantially affects the rights of companies and the projects in which they participate. I was then also involved in administrative and contentious procedures for the defense of company-derived rights, particularly related to mining law, in response to systematic violations by the authorities of the rights contained in the company’s mining concessions.
Lastly, the review of various legal reform initiatives, as well as negotiation and lobbying with political actors to ensure that these reforms result in more appropriate laws that reflect the realities of the industry, particularly in the areas of indigenous consultation, mining law, judicial reform, among others.
What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws?
To ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws, I employ some strategies such as comprehensive data protection assessment, development of a data protection framework, integration of compliance measures, employee training and awareness, vendor management and ongoing monitoring and adaptation, and staying informed with legal and regulatory updates. By employing strategies in these areas, I aim to achieve a seamless digital transformation for the legal department while upholding the highest standards of data protection and regulatory compliance.