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?  

We implemented a software to manage properly contracts, contacts, case management, and permits, which can be applicable for all the entities that are part of the Group (aprox 70) and the team keeps it updated. One of the biggest challenges as an internal lawyer is to find new and organised ways to provide legal advice on a timely and efficient manner, so throughout an internet search I analysed different systems and chose ‘Quolaw’ because I found it practical. We are constantly growing as a group – incorporating new entities and businesses- so this tool has been useful to save all documents electronically and keep them organized and up to date. The software is very intuitive and easy to use.  

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years? Definitively the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) will impact all professions, including ours. As UNESCO states: ‘The rapid rise in artificial intelligence (AI) has created many opportunities globally, from facilitating healthcare diagnoses to enabling human connections through social media and creating labour efficiencies through automated tasks. However, these rapid changes also raise profound ethical (and legal) concerns. Some of the key legal issues related to AI are (a)Data privacy and protection and AI algorithms collect data to learn and make predictions; therefore, data privacy laws and policies shall be in place to ensure that personal data isprotected, and individuals’ rights are respected.  

(b) Bias and discrimination. AI systems have the potential to perpetuate or amplify bias and discrimination in decision-making. Businesses must implement mechanisms to prevent them both. Laws and regulations need to be enforced to prevent these issues and that in the event there is any individual affected by discrimination they have a legal and practical process in place to reset it. 

(c)Liability. Trying to hold an individual or an entity accountable for decisions made through AI systems might be a greater challenge, therefore clear regulations will be needed. Taking all these issues into account our main challenge as general counsel of businesses that may use AI is to ensure these tools are used in a responsible and ethical manner; that commercial activities are compliant with laws, and that all regulations and internal policies are in place to prevent further damage to individuals.  

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?  

My role in Tienda Inglesa is not just general counsel, I am also responsible for Institutional Communications (both external and internal) and the ESG related practices are part of my role, which I find extremely motivating. As lawyers we usually draft documents and negotiate clauses so, for example, having the chance to contribute with training and labor opportunities to young people through the Tienda Inglesa Foundation is tangible fact that I always value and makes my heart beat happily. On the commercial side on November 2021, we opened a New Store ‘Car One Store’ and since then we set the Uruguayan Supermarket Standard as it is the first Edge-certified retail store in Uruguay and Latin America, this means we have greater efficiency in the consumption of water and energy. Most of our Shopping carts are made from fishing nets recovered from the ocean, therefore, we give plastic a second life.  

We avoid pollution by the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere. We collaborate with the safeguarding of marine fauna. We are focused on reducing the volume of printed promotional mailings; we are promoting the use of QR codes to access our promotions digitally, for example we deliver magnets in the checkout line with a QR code so our clients can always access our promotions. I was personally involved in the incorporation of Fundación Tienda Inglesa and since 2018, we have been actively committed to people with fewer opportunities, training them and accompanying them in their development so that they can be properly employed. The Employability Programme – Aimed to develop skills and tools that facilitate formal employability. Since the beginning, 680 young people and their environments were impacted by the programme, and 80% of them received a job offer from Tienda Inglesa. Today, 5% of Tienda Inglesa’s total staff comes from this programme. Labour inclusion of people with disabilities – Since 2019, we work to develop and deepen the path of inclusion, implementing internal trainings, raising awareness among work teams, and making the necessary adaptations to be able to include new associates in Tienda Inglesa, with the support of organisations specialised in labor inclusion for people with disabilities. 50% of Tienda Inglesa’s stores are part of the programme, which already includes 14 employees.