Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role?   

Fortunately, due to my role, and the lines of business to which I provide legal advice, I am able to work in strategic areas of MetLife and provide them with end-to-end counsel. Over the last year, I have executed new business alliances and contracts related to digital transformation. I have also provided legal opinions about regulatory and legislative developments and other related matters that could affect the company’s operation in public affairs.  

I consider that adapting the knowledge and skills acquired in my experience in private practice to my in-house role has helped me bring a broader perspective to the assigned tasks. In this regard, I try to consider the contentious implications of each contract I draft or review and achieve the best possible outcome in the negotiation. In addition, I can communicate with the law firms to which our lawsuits are assigned more competently so that I can actively participate in the strategy of these and promote the best possible follow-up to the benefit of the company.  

In your opinion, what are the qualities and skills needed to form a strong legal team?  

It is essential to remember that specialisation is key in the legal function; however, when it comes to in-house lawyers, it is also important to develop a business-oriented perspective, therefore promoting business developments so far they are carried out in accordance with the legal analysis. In that sense, it is essential to possess leadership skills and either accompany the business developments or promptly stop its execution when the legal implications and risks require it.  

Furthermore, the ability to work as part of a team and to adapt to multidisciplinary environments is necessary for all team members. In that sense, also the development of communication skills to be able to communicate effectively at a business level, depending on the situation in which they find themselves, and to avoid the technicalities that lawyers sometimes use to communicate, thus favouring the optimal running of the business.  

What is the biggest risk to your industry, and how are you contributing to prepare your organisation for this?  

In the understanding that all insurance companies in Mexico are regulated companies, legal departments must carry out a continuous study of the applicable legal framework, considering the advancements in the protection of fundamental rights and the consequent and constant regulation in matters of healthcare, privacy and confidentiality, discrimination and consumer rights. The latter is to ensure every product or service that is offered works in compliance with the law.  

Furthermore, one of the constant problems insurance companies face is fraud in collecting indemnity payments. In this regard, it is essential to carry out preventive work concerning the structure of the products and to develop contingency plans in the event of misconduct, either in litigation or in relation to governmental institutions, or lobbying on regulatory issues, but always with a constant state of adaptation and resilience.