What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

ETNA has more than six hundred workers. It is crucial that labour matters are clear and well-managed so as to avoid union protests and legal claims from workers. Although I only joined the company last November, I am very proud to say that during my experience as legal chief, no labour lawsuits have been brought forward. This has been possible thanks to the legal team’s advice and sensible attitude, especially in terms of labour regulations as well as its direct coordination with workers that may potentially disagree with the company’s approach.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

I feel that the pandemic had, surprisingly enough, a positive impact in the role of the general counsel because it made it possible to advise and legally represent companies in judicial matters from a virtual perspective. It also gave us more digital skills, which allowed us to access information immediately and to advise more promptly and more comprehensive way. What are some of the key developments – legal, geopolitical or otherwise – that have affected your business over the past year? The political situation in Peru had, overall, a negative impact on our business. It is difficult to manage a business with poor regulations in sensitive areas such as labour law. Also, regulations in relation to work and Covid-19 did not take into account the on-the-ground reality of factories. I believe that due to our poor health system the government approved very restrictive regulations and was not creative and open to include alternative routes that would help factories to operate in a more productive way. Moreover, the war between Ukraine and Russia had an impact in the cost of minerals and gas, among other goods, increasing our production costs and negatively impacting our sales. This has been, I believe, an issue in most companies. For this purpose, it is crucial that the general counsel is aware and fully involved in the operative aspects of the business so to find fast and creative solutions.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

The possibility to litigate virtually is definitively a major change that will allow legal teams to operate more effectively.