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

My team and I have different cases. As significant, we may point the implementation of new products, the negotiations of several IT contracts with business partners (as VWFS incorporated an IT Hub in Porto two years ago) and contracts respecting to insurance products intermediation.

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

I would say that the unique qualities should be the capacity to learn, develop, be open to innovation and create bridges with other stakeholders.

In my opinion, an in-house lawyer in my industry should be prepared on regulatory laws and requirements, understand how Supervisory Authorities act, be capable of identifying risks and mitigation measures and be able to deal with pressure and deadlines. Knowing and asking about the business is key. Act compliantly, transparently and with integrity. Know when to ask for an expert lawyer’s support. Establish and act with team spirit and cooperation.

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

I foster a closer collaboration between the legal department and business counterparts by having an open and collaborative dialogue where my team and I offer help and solutions instead of just saying no. Knowing the business and be interested to learn about the business, and commit with the results and objectives of the company, helps to deliver a good quality pieces of work and legal opinion and get the trust and respect from our counterparts.

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

I may say that my cause in the company is sustainability and diversity. I am working on these matters for the company.