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

Aguaytía signed with Perupetro the fourth addendum to the license agreement for the exploitation of hydrocarbons in Lot 31-C through which the extension of the contract for an additional period of 10 years was agreed. Furthermore, in 2022, we obtained a favourable result in an arbitration initiated against Aguaytía by a construction company. Additionally, we have successfully advised the operations and community relations area during the execution of an important project that will provide security to operations through technology.

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

In my opinion, lawyers are the professionals most reluctant to use new technologies. However, with the pandemic, the shift towards new ways of working and the use of new technologies became an indispensable necessity. An in-house lawyer must understand the needs of internal clients, which includes the ability to interface with all functional areas of the company. Through virtual platforms, in-house lawyers are much closer to their internal clients — despite the distance. On the other hand, new technologies will bring new regulations and unexpected problems, and it is our job to be properly informed and prepared to be able to identify and face them efficiently.

What are some of the key developments – legal, geopolitical or otherwise – that have affected your business over the past year?

In recent years, especially in the hydrocarbons sector in Peru, there have been regrettable events that have resulted in regulatory changes that directly impacted business. Therefore, all companies are obligated to work and operate with the highest standards of the industry and in compliance with the new rules. Likewise, the current political and social situation of the country reminds us of how important integrity and social responsibility are in business, which is one of the pillars that guide Aguaytia to be a quality company.

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

The use of new technologies such as AI will bring positive and impactful changes in the role of in-house lawyers. It is imperative that in-house lawyers are trained and committed to the use of new technologies. Every change requires trade-offs and effort to make the best of these opportunities. The key is to be open to new ways of working and know the needs of the company to be able to choose those that generate the greatest positive impact on the business.