Team size: Three

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

I have had the exhilarating experience of working for a company that thrived in 2021, only to face an uphill battle in 2022. Our journey took a turn with a crisis scenario in Peru, where the landscape of politics and social governance posed unprecedented challenges. It was a crisis distinct from the pandemic, but equally demanding.

Consequently, the foremost challenge was to operate with impeccable efficiency as the internal legal team. We strove to remain at the forefront of current legal trends, diminishing our reliance on external counsel. This not only allowed us to curb costs but also ensured that our legal team played a pivotal role in driving the business forward.

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

The realm of technology has undergone a transformation in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, compelling us all to embrace remote work. This paradigm shift has revolutionised the way legal departments and companies operate. The advent of technology, use of videoconference platforms and digital document signing tools has accelerated legal procedures, making them not only swifter but also more efficient and dependable.

While artificial intelligence has not yet fully permeated the legal landscape in Peru, it is only a matter of time before it makes its grand entrance. We must brace ourselves for this inevitable next step. I firmly believe that AI will help, not replace, lawyers. It will expedite the completion of less intricate tasks, freeing up our time to concentrate on more complex legal matters.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

While the Covid-19 pandemic thrust us into the confines of our homes, its impact extended far beyond our professional lives—it took a toll on our mental well-being. In light of this, it is imperative for companies and legal teams to place greater emphasis on fostering a supportive working environment that prioritises mental health.

Countless individuals in Peru not only lost loved ones to the pandemic but also endured the agony of job loss, with enduring effects on their mental and physical health. Jobs may come and go, and companies may evolve, but the significance of mental health remains unwavering. It is a cause that demands our advocacy. At our companies, we should take the initiative to address this issue, striving to enhance awareness and support for mental health.