General counsel México | Sizzling Platter de México
Odeth Zepeda Ramos
General counsel México | Sizzling Platter de México
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?
As a first step, I focus on identifying the situation at hand to conduct legal research and analysis, considering various scenarios and staying alert to communications or relevant legal reforms. This allows me to explore different strategies to protect the company from potential risks and repercussions.
With this information in hand, it is crucial to establish effective communication with all relevant departments within the company. This collaboration helps me to understand their viewpoints and gain a broader perspective, which in turn enables me to propose the most suitable legal solution. From there, I work to align objectives and implement a risk mitigation plan that supports the overall resilience of the organisation.
What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?
To enhance process optimisation within the legal department, we have considered leveraging legal technology, such as Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM). CLM supports virtual interactions with our internal clients, tracks the different stages of contracts, and improves response times. Additionally, legal technology aids in loss prevention by storing investigation details and various types of evidence, allowing us to generate reports promptly, which helps us take swift action.
Moreover, the use of legal technology enables us to generate precise reports that support the General Counsel in making informed decisions regarding potential changes or actions.
How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?
As General Counsel, it is essential to uphold Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to promote a sustainable business future and contribute positively to society and the environment. ESG compliance should be embedded as a core part of the legal framework, with a focus on proposing and championing sustainable initiatives, human rights, and corporate governance, while also devising the legal strategy for their successful implementation.
Once an ESG-related project is launched, it is crucial for the General Counsel to establish mechanisms that ensure its long-term sustainability within the organisation. This may involve developing training programmes, policies, or protocols to raise awareness about the importance and impact of the project on the company and its stakeholders.
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?
The key to prioritising diversity and inclusion is focusing on talent acquisition based purely on legal expertise and experience, ensuring that no bias affects a person’s ability to perform their role. At Sizzling Platter de México, we believe that anyone with the necessary skills should be free from discrimination.
To support this, we have implemented an initiative aligned with the Ministry of Labour’s Protocol for Preventing, Addressing, and Eradicating Workplace Violence. This protocol not only ensures compliance but also provides a clear framework for addressing cases of gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and sexual harassment, creating a work environment where all employees feel safe and supported.