Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?  

In early 2022, we implemented electronic signatures for various contracts within the company. With this update, we have managed to sign hundreds of contracts annually, leading to a remarkable increase in productivity and a significant reduction in transportation costs and time for our suppliers.  

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years? 

The incorporation of artificial intelligence tools into the team’s tasks is something I believe will greatly enhance our daily work. I do not see this integration as a replacement for traditional study of matters, but rather as a source of inspiration and a way to amplify that knowledge.  

What are some of the main trends impacting the industry sector you work in in Uruguay? 

The main trends are focused on addressing issues of low labour productivity, labour union conflicts, dollar depreciation, implementation of artificial intelligence, and human resources management within the context of consolidated remote work.  

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?  

Sustainable practices encompass environmental, social, and corporate governance aspects. It is not merely an environmental concept but a comprehensive strategy to address complex challenges. Teyma has a robust management system, backed by international policies and standards, particularly ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, which enable us to ensure our operations are conducted sustainably.  

From an environmental perspective, we seek to minimise the impact of our operations by promoting the development of renewable energy, proper waste management, and water conservation. In this regard, we have had a specific business line since 2003.  

On a social level, we are committed to the safety and well-being of our personnel and actively promote the inclusion of vulnerable individuals, particularly reintegrating former inmates into society after their release from correctional facilities. Additionally, we work on projects that enhance the quality of life and align with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda.  

Economically, we strive for efficiency and continuous improvement to offer competitively priced products to our customers. Our business strategy focuses on projects aligned with our environmental and sustainability values.  

Regarding corporate governance, the company’s management actively leads sustainability-related aspects, explicitly incorporating them into the organization’s overall and specific objectives.  

Our goal is to develop our businesses while contributing to social development, acting as agents of change, and promoting a more sustainable and globally conscious world.  

What are some of the key developments (legal, geopolitical, or otherwise) that have affected your business over the past year?  

In environmental matters, the progress of regulation, previously non-existent in many aspects, has led to significant business opportunities.  

Furthermore, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and resulting supply chain disruptions and health matters – the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in safety and health protocols – have both posed significant challenges in contract execution.  

The advancement of technologies, along with widespread implementation of remote work, has led to efforts to capitalise on these opportunities and keep teams more motivated.  

Do you use any ‘legal tech’ products, and if so, for which areas of your work do you find them most useful? 

We have incorporated electronic signatures and contract management platforms. Additionally, as part of our integration within the company, we use multiple platforms to manage all information, accessible from any location in real-time. This enhancement allows us to closely monitor contract execution, anticipate potential issues, and provide insights for decision-making across various management levels.  

Aligned with the aforementioned key developments, we now face the challenge and, at the same time, a significant opportunity to implement software for legal document analysis and review, as well as utilising artificial intelligence in this domain. This will further enhance our efficiency and accuracy in contract review and understanding, as well as other legal documents.