An interview with Jorge Andrés Casillas Soto, General Counsel & Director of Corporate Affairs at GAYA in Mexico.
What has been the most defining moment of your career as an in-house lawyer so far?
Early in my career, in 2010, I had the opportunity to structure a capital-raising vehicle in the financial sector. Instead of following the traditional approach, I designed an SPV that combined two different legal frameworks (General Law of Business Corporations and Securities Market Law). Some highly respected lawyers supported the idea, while others doubted it. In the end, it worked. We raised the capital, proved the structure, and opened a path that was later replicated in other transactions. That experience shaped how I see the in-house role: thoughtful risk, grounded analysis, and the courage to innovate when the business needs it.
How do you foster innovation and agility within your legal team?
By removing noise and giving clarity. Clear priorities, context about the business, and direct communication go a long way. Innovation is less about slogans and more about judgment: knowing when to simplify, when to automate, and when to step in early. I encourage the team to focus on what truly matters and avoid chasing perfection where speed and pragmatism are more valuable. When people understand the goal and have room to think, agility comes naturally.
What qualities distinguish truly impactful GCs from good ones?
Good GCs solve problems well. Impactful GCs help the organiation avoid them and prepare for the ones that matter. They bring clarity to complex situations, stay grounded under pressure, and build trust through consistency, not titles. When leaders trust your judgment, you become part of the decision-making process, not the last stop in it.
How do you balance the pressures of your role with personal well-being and resilience?
Pressure is part of the job. I manage it by prioritising with intention and staying organised. Not everything deserves the same level of urgency or attention. I have learned to disconnect when needed, even briefly, because perspective matters. And I remind myself that you cannot support the business effectively if you do not maintain your own balance first. Clarity, discipline, and boundaries help more than adrenaline.
