ICAM and ICAB advocate for In-House Lawyers’ Rights

The inaugural Corporate Legal Meeting, organized by the Madrid Bar Association (ICAM) and the Barcelona Bar Association (ICAB), concluded in Madrid with a joint declaration advocating for the legal right to professional secrecy for in-house lawyers. Over 200 legal professionals attended the two-day event, which highlighted the evolving role of corporate lawyers as key drivers in organizational transformation.

The joint declaration emphasized that professional secrecy is essential for maintaining independence and trust in legal work, even within corporate environments. Both associations called for this right to be clearly protected by law, ensuring that it applies across all corporate settings to safeguard lawyers who defend their companies’ interests. The declaration will be presented to the government and parliamentary groups by ICAM and ICAB.

Held under the theme “Legal Leadership, Strategic Engine: Corporate Law as a Key to Economic and Social Development,” the meeting emphasized the critical role of in-house legal counsel in guiding companies toward more sustainable and socially responsible business practices. The declaration highlighted the impact of corporate lawyers on strategic decision-making, as well as their growing influence on legal, economic, and social landscapes.

Representatives from ICAM and ICAB, including Ana Buitrago and Mercedes Carmona Mariscal from ICAM, and Joaquim Mustaros Gel and Mireia Castro Román from ICAB, underscored the commitment to advocating for the recognition of corporate lawyers’ contributions.

Continuous Learning, Well-Being, and Conflict Resolution

The joint declaration also promoted continuous legal education to keep pace with the rapidly changing business and legal environments. It called for initiatives to support the emotional well-being of corporate lawyers and encouraged the adoption of mediation and arbitration as alternative dispute resolution methods to facilitate faster conflict management.

The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of the Bar Associations to providing tools that enable corporate lawyers to operate with independence and legal certainty. It also addressed essential issues such as liability coverage and protection from external pressures. The closing speech by ICAB’s dean, Jesús Sánchez, announced that the next edition will take place in Barcelona.

Highlights of the First Corporate Legal Meeting

The event featured 10 sessions across two days at ICAM’s headquarters and Banco Santander’s auditorium. Discussions centered on the main challenges and opportunities facing in-house lawyers, including the importance of professional secrecy as a guarantee of independence.

Other topics included sustainability and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in business strategies, the role of legal professionals in digital transformation, and the need for ongoing professional development.