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

Last year I faced the major challenge of advancing the process of synergising the operational processes managed by the legal teams of two companies: one involved in product distribution and the other in retail. During this process, we analysed opportunities for improvement and synergy to achieve streamlined operational processes with a constant focus on both internal and external clients. For our internal customers, our aim was to understand the business and to meet their needs in an agile and straightforward manner. For our external clients, we strived to propose solutions that caused as little friction as possible, while keeping in mind the client’s needs and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

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

I do not see a specific technological advancement; however, what that I am convinced of is that there are technological tools that are helping us to work more efficiently with the different departments of the company. As legal teams, we must internalise the need to work with such technological tools that allow us to systematise operational processes and attend to requirements in an agile and timely manner. Furthermore, we must keep in mind that our advice must always have a special focus on the client, aiming to propose solutions that generate minimal friction for them. Undoubtedly, we must see technology as an ally in the development of the functions of legal teams, especially in a context in which companies operate in the omnichannel world to meet the needs of their clients.

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

The challenge for legal teams is increasingly to provide swift and timely advice to our internal clients while ensuring regulatory compliance. Operating with integrity and in adherence to the rules is no longer optional; it is an obligation. As a legal team, we must strive to find the best balance to offer optimal solutions to problems as they arise.