In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving in your region over the next few years?

I believe that the practice of our profession will have the challenge of making our function compatible with the technological tools, rapidly accompanying the changes that are taking place worldwide in all areas of activity. Access to information is no longer a barrier or an added value since we have access to certain data on any subject with just one click. Adapting to this new reality is vital.

In addition, lawyers will have to be prepared to raise relevant issues that deserve attention, jointly with the respective solution, so the client is aware of our added value in any organisation. Of course, we will only be able to add value if we have the expertise or technical knowledge and an open communication channel with the client. Generating this atmosphere of trust between lawyer and client will be especially important in terms of detecting problems or contingencies to be solved. For this, it is imperative to be clear about the current legal system and the benefits and risks associated with any regulatory change, in order to communicate it in a timely and simple manner to our clients. In short, technical capacity, as well as a comprehensive view and quick responses will be the minimum to retain clients in an increasingly competitive world.

Last but not least, I think it will be critical and highly valued by our clients to have strong computer security systems that preserve confidentiality.

Have any new laws, regulations or judicial decisions greatly impacted your company’s business or your legal practice?

Since 2006, consistent with what has been happening in the region, Uruguay has passed many laws that impose compliance obligations on companies. The volume of rules, as well as the speed with which they are passed, pushes law firms to invest in constant training hours to allow the law team to effectively address regulatory challenges. Sometimes, especially in smaller firms, there is no alternative but to choose specific areas of expertise, as it is not realistic to have resources with expertise in all areas. In my opinion, when you do not have the technical capacity to address a matter, the most appropriate thing to do is to refer the client elsewhere or work collaboratively with a specialised referral. In an ethical and serious exercise of our profession, it is not recommendable to accept an engagement related to a regulation in which we do not have sufficient knowledge or experience. The client will always value our transparency and intellectual honesty. In such cases, in order not to lose market share, it will be a key issue for lawyers to manage outsourcing alternatives so as to not to leave the client without a solution.