Team size: Five 

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

Our legal department is regularly engaged in a diverse range of cases, each presenting unique challenges. Among recent endeavours, our focus has been on advocating before regulatory bodies to secure full deductions for Research and Development (R&D) expenses. This involves meticulous preparation of allegations by our legal team. Additionally, since 2023, we have been diligently preparing our case for court against a new tax interpretation by the Tax Authority that has adversely impacted most of the pharmaceutical industry. This pertains specifically to the credit notes owed from the agreement between Apifarma and the Portuguese government.

Moreover, I would like to underscore the extensive work our legal team has undertaken in establishing and developing a shared services centre in Portugal. This endeavour encompasses comprehensive documentation preparation across various legal domains, including tax, employment law, and real estate, among others. Notably, the shared services centre was successfully implemented in February of this year and is now being further developed.

Furthermore, our team has been instrumental in addressing market access challenges and safeguarding our intellectual property rights. We have also been actively pursuing projects aimed at enhancing product promotion, particularly through partnership agreements with local entities.

What would you say are the unique qualities required to be successful as an in-house lawyer in your industry? 

To thrive as an in-house lawyer in our industry, one must possess a unique blend of qualities tailored to our dynamic and heavily regulated environment. Flexibility and agility are paramount, as the landscape is fast-paced and constantly evolving, presenting new challenges annually. Success requires the ability to seamlessly collaborate with diverse teams, swiftly adapting to their needs. Additionally, one must be adept at navigating both strategic and operational realms, capable of delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines. Clarity and simplicity in communication are essential, as is the willingness to be hands-on when necessary.

In addition, a thirst for knowledge and rapid learning is crucial, given the ever-changing nature of our sector. A curious mindset, coupled with a can-do attitude, is invaluable. Furthermore, possessing the courage to take calculated risks and make tough decisions is essential for driving progress. Finally, strong interpersonal and communication skills are indispensable for fostering effective relationships and navigating complex scenarios. In essence, a successful in-house lawyer in our industry embodies adaptability, efficiency, curiosity, and decisive leadership.

How have you fostered a closer collaboration between the legal department and your business counterparts?

Building a strong foundation of trust is paramount to fostering closer collaboration between the legal department and our business counterparts. We strive to be genuine business partners, working hand in hand with all teams, serving as allies and problem solvers. Our commitment to providing solutions and being readily available fosters a sense of reliability and trust. From the outset, the legal team actively engages with all departments, offering support and seeking opportunities to help and find solutions. This proactive approach has been instrumental in earning the trust of our colleagues across various departments and fostering a culture of collaboration.

By consistently demonstrating our dedication to helping the business operate compliantly and effectively, we have cultivated stronger relationships and closer collaboration with our business counterparts. This collaborative mindset enables us to better understand their needs and challenges, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes for the organisation.

Do you have a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you are passionate about? 

I am deeply passionate about creating a positive impact and fostering environments where everyone, regardless of their background, social status, gender, education, or any other factor, can thrive. This passion extends beyond my role as legal director; it also drives my commitment as the human resources director and champion for inclusion and diversity.

As legal director, I focus on creating the necessary conditions for our business to flourish. Simultaneously, as the HR director and inclusion and diversity champion, I prioritise fostering an environment where individuals can excel and bring their best selves to work. My goal is to cultivate a workplace that is not only productive but also happy and healthy, where every employee feels valued and proud to contribute. By intertwining these roles, I aim to create a holistic approach to organisational success – one that prioritises both business growth and the well-being of our people.