General Counsel, the new influencer
Clara Cerdán, Solarig General Counsel, is committed to compliance and responsible leadership
by mercedes galán
Solarig, with more than 19 years, develops infrastructures necessary for the energy transition and builds, operates and financially structures large-scale renewable projects. It currently manages more than 10 GW of PV assets and has a portfolio of more than 20 GW in 12 countries. The company drives global decarbonisation where it operates through renewable energy and green gas solutions. Clara Cerdán, the General Counsel of its legal department, always knew that her future lay in studying law, given her firm belief in truth and in defending what is right. She is also one of the founders of Women in a Legal World (WLW), where she is vice-president and treasurer. At Iberian Lawyer, we talked to her about the role of general counsel and her transition from private practice to an in-house role. For Cerdán, this step was a natural progression given her academic background in law and business administration. Starting her career at a prestigious law firm such as Garrigues provided her with valuable experience, but she was eventually drawn to in-house roles, motivated by the opportunity to immerse herself in corporate strategy. Her career path led her to become the head of International Affairs at Sacyr Vallehermoso, where she led projects such as the expansion of the Panama Canal.
The evolution of the role of an in-house lawyer in a global company like Solarig implies several challenges. Which ones would you highlight?
Firstly, being able to create a cohesive team that understands that the legal department is at the service of the business while also being its conscience by setting limits to ensure its sustainability. Secondly, being able to add value to the business so that it involves us and understands that we are necessary collaborators, a team.
The in-house lawyer faces the challenge of adding value to the advice provided by an external lawyer. How is that value achieved?
The in-house and external lawyer have two distinct yet complementary roles. The in-house lawyer is part of the day-to-day business and directly influences its strategy. The external lawyer is fundamental as they offer technical and specific advice that helps us continue with the daily management of the business. Both figures must be a team, with the in-house lawyer facilitating the know-how that the external lawyer needs to understand the business needs.
How does one become an effective change leader within an organisation?
I believe that any leader is effective if they are exemplary and consistent. The moment what you say and what you do aligns, you achieve authority because you are credible.
Do you consider a general counsel in a strategic position can influence decision-making and corporate culture? How do you approach this responsibility?
The general counsel should influence corporate culture, and they should be one of the main influencers of a compliance culture in a company. This responsibility is approached by believing in it and evangelizing to ensure that everyone believes that there is no other way to work than through compliance with regulations, responsible and humanistic leadership.
Advancements in AI present new legal horizons and challenges. How do you address these challenges from the internal legal advisory given that regulation often lags behind technology?
