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?  

Managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises requires a proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach that balances the needs and interests of various stakeholders, while also complying with the relevant laws and regulations. Some of the steps that I would take to ensure a robust legal strategy are to identify the key legal risks and opportunities that the organisation faces in the current situation, such as contractual obligations, regulatory compliance, litigation, intellectual property, data protection, employment, and corporate governance. 

Prioritising things is key, making sure the most the most urgent and impactful legal issues are tackled first and allocated the necessary resources and expertise to address them. 

One should also communicate effectively and transparently with the internal and external stakeholders, such as the senior management, the board, the employees, the customers, the suppliers, the regulators, and the media, to provide clear and consistent legal guidance and advice. 

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws?  

One of the strategies that I employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with Mexico’s data protection laws is to conduct a thorough assessment of the current state of the legal operations, processes, and systems, and identify the areas that need improvement or innovation. I would then design and implement a roadmap for the digital transformation, taking into account the best practices and standards in the legal industry, as well as the specific needs and goals of the organisation. 

Another strategy that I use is to collaborate closely with the IT department and other relevant stakeholders, and leverage their expertise and resources to select and deploy the most suitable and secure digital tools and platforms for the legal department. These may include cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence, automation, analytics, and document management systems, among others. I would also ensure that the legal department staff receive adequate training and support to adopt and use the new technologies effectively and efficiently. 

A third strategy that I apply is to monitor and comply with the legal and regulatory framework regarding data protection in Mexico, as well as any international or cross-border obligations that may apply to the organisation. I would review and update the policies and procedures for data collection, processing, storage, transfer, and disposal, and ensure that they adhere to the principles and rights established by the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties (LFPDPPP) and its regulations. I would also implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to prevent and mitigate any data breaches or incidents, and report them to the relevant authorities and data subjects when required. Furthermore, I would educate and raise awareness among the legal department staff and the organisation as a whole about the importance and best practices of data protection and privacy. 

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?     

General counsel can foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance by setting an example and showing their commitment and accountability to the ESG goals and values of the organisation. They can also communicate and spread the ESG vision, strategy, and policies throughout the organisation and make sure they are consistent with the business objectives and stakeholder expectations. 

We can also help and enable the integration of ESG factors into the decision-making processes and operations of the organisation, and provide guidance and advice on how to identify, manage, and reduce the ESG risks and opportunities. They can also monitor and evaluate the ESG performance and impact of the organisation and report them truthfully and accurately to the relevant audiences. 

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?  

I prioritise diversity and inclusion within my legal department by ensuring that the recruitment, retention, development, and promotion of the legal staff are based on merit, skills, and potential, and that they reflect the diversity of the organisation and the society. I also strive to create a work environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered, and where different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated. 

How do you manage and motivate your legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth?  

I manage and motivate my legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth by setting clear and realistic expectations and objectives for each team member and providing them with regular feedback and coaching on their performance and development. I also delegate tasks and responsibilities according to the strengths, interests, and aspirations of each team member and empower them to make decisions and solve problems autonomously and creatively. 

Recognising and rewarding their achievements and contributions and celebrating their successes and milestones is also key.  

 In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?    

There are a few things I could mention here. Firstly, the increasing focus and demand for ESG compliance and sustainability, which has implications for the legal and regulatory framework and the corporate governance and social responsibility practices of the organisations. Secondly, the rapid digital transformation and innovation, which has enabled new business models and solutions and increased the need for data protection and cybersecurity. Finally, the constitutional reform initiatives, and its potential impact.