Senior legal manager of regulatory compliance and corporate affairs | Jaguar E&P
Elba Maria Arjona Ortíz
Senior legal manager of regulatory compliance and corporate affairs | Jaguar E&P
What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?
Our legal team has recently been deeply involved in several significant transactions within the oil and gas sector, particularly in navigating regulatory frameworks with key oil and gas regulators. These engagements have required close collaboration with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and facilitate smooth transactions for our clients.
In addition to our current work, in the past, I have personally worked in the design and structuring of oil and gas contracts and participating as a government official in the Ministry of Energy and CNH. My experience also includes guiding companies through the complexities of participating in oil and gas tenders, where strategic legal advice was essential to securing successful bids. This combination of regulatory expertise and contract design has positioned our team as a trusted advisor in the industry.
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?
One of the key innovations I introduced was the implementation of a streamlined communication protocol between our legal team and the technical areas. Recognising that miscommunication was a leading cause of errors and inefficiencies, I initiated regular cross-departmental meetings and created a shared digital workspace where legal and technical teams could collaborate in real-time.
This approach fostered better understanding of the technical nuances underlying our legal work, leading to more accurate and timely legal advice. Importantly, this innovation did not require significant financial investment—just a commitment to consistent, clear communication. The result has been a noticeable reduction in errors, faster turnaround times, and an overall improvement in the quality of our work.
What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?
A cause that I am particularly passionate about is ensuring strict compliance with legal frameworks in the industries we operate in, especially in oil and gas. Compliance is not just about following the rules; it’s about safeguarding lives, preventing accidents, and minimising environmental impact. By adhering to these regulations, we can significantly reduce the risk of incidents that could lead to fatalities or environmental harm. This commitment to compliance reflects a broader responsibility to the communities we serve and the planet we share, ensuring that our business activities are conducted safely and sustainably.