Examining the shift of the legal manager from a reactive role to a clearly strategic position within the business

Market volatility, regulatory pressure and growing geopolitical complexity have accelerated a profound transformation in the role of legal managers within companies. This is the context analysed by Carlos Corredera, Legal Director at Haxx, in his article published in the In House España 2025 edition of The Legal Industry Reviews.

Far removed from a purely theoretical approach, Carlos describes an evolution that many legal professionals in the sector already recognise: the transition of the legal manager from a reactive role to a genuinely strategic position within the business.

Today, the head of legal not only has a firm grasp of the applicable regulatory framework, but also understands in depth how the company operates, how value is created and where the real risks lie. In a sector such as hydrocarbons, this perspective is essential when assessing investments, commercial operations, complex contracts or international expansion processes. A cross-cutting understanding of the business turns the legal manager into a key ally for senior management when it comes to making well-informed decisions.

This close involvement with the company’s economic activity does not happen by chance. As Corredera points out, legal managers are directly involved in contract negotiations, project monitoring, the execution of agreements and the management of potential disputes. All of this provides them with a solid foundation to identify weaknesses, anticipate risks and put forward solutions that go well beyond traditional legal analysis.

Alongside this shift in role comes a change in the professional background of legal leaders. It is increasingly common for legal managers in the energy sector to complement their legal expertise with executive education in economics, finance or management. This combination makes it easier to understand the real business impact of legal decisions and to engage with other executives on equal terms.

The article also highlights the value of professional exchange and collaboration. Connectivity between legal leaders, driven by technology and sector-specific forums, facilitates access to up-to-date knowledge and shared experiences that directly influence how legal challenges in the energy sector are approached.

Corredera does not shy away from the tensions that can arise when legal analysis clashes with commercial or financial strategy. However, he argues that this very friction enriches decision-making and brings greater transparency to the risks being taken. The key lies in the legal manager being seen as part of the business engine, rather than as a brake on progress.

This perspective fits squarely with Haxx’s model, where the legal function acts as a strategic partner, aligned with the company’s objectives and committed to responsible, sustainable growth. For legal professionals in the hydrocarbons sector, the message is clear: getting involved in the business is no longer a competitive advantage, it is an essential requirement to deliver real, lasting value.

You can now read the full article