Member Voices: Beatriz Speiss

Briefly describe your role.

I co-head both the Real Estate and the Environmental Law teams at Guyer & Regules. Additionally, I serve as the firm's Pro Bono Coordinator and lead the Sustainability Committee. 

With more than 20 years at the firm, I have progressively taken on various roles in areas that resonate with me personally and where I believe I can contribute the most meaningfully.

What trends or regulatory developments are currently shaping Uruguay's sustainability landscape?

On the international stage, Uruguay has positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainable finance by issuing its first Sovereign Sustainability-Linked Bond (SSLB) four years ago. This instrument links our country's financing strategy to the achievement of two Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): (i) reducing the intensity of gross greenhouse gas emissions in the economy, and (ii) preserving the area of native forests. The Third Annual Report on the evolution of these KPIs was issued last May.

At the national level, the country has taken significant steps toward decarbonising the transportation sector, progressing in the implementation of the National Waste Management Plan, and expanding its installed renewable energy capacity.

With the approval of the Collective Benefit and Interest Companies Law five years ago, business entities—including corporations, limited liability companies, and even trusts—can now formally commit to generating positive social and environmental impact alongside their profit objectives. This framework provides legal recognition and structure for purpose-driven commercial entities

As Head of the Pro Bono Department, how do you approach pro bono work strategically within the firm?

Pro bono work has always been embedded in our firm's culture, and we have consistently taken decisive steps to expand the scale of our programme. Central to this effort has been monitoring all pro-bono work to measure both our impact and the number of team members involved. All pro-bono hours are recorded in the same time-tracking system as billable hours, and client satisfaction is regularly assessed.

We encourage all firm members to identify and bring forward potential pro-bono clients or projects. Undoubtedly, the level of commitment is unparalleled when the matter is close to the heart of the person leading it.

We firmly believe in the power of strong alliances. As founding members of the Uruguayan Pro Bono Foundation—the national pro bono clearinghouse—we work collaboratively with other local firms to promote and expand pro bono initiatives. We focus specifically on engaging younger generations within each firm and have created events and mechanisms for them to meet, exchange ideas, and brainstorm potential pro bono matters on which they can work jointly. We are already seeing excellent ideas and outcomes emerge from this approach.

Additionally, we have developed deep, long-standing commitments with several pro bono clients who have been permanent partners for years. These enduring relationships allow us to provide more comprehensive advice across multiple practice areas and to develop joint initiatives beyond legal work—including community activities where our team members voluntarily engage in their mission.

Environmental and sustainability matters often sit at the intersection of business, policy, and community impact. In your view, what role should law firms play in advancing responsible environmental practices at scale?

Law firms are strategically positioned to advance responsible environmental practices at scale in several key ways.

Most directly, through our advisory role: we help clients understand and comply with local environmental regulations, obtain proper permits, and navigate sustainable investment instruments.

Locally, we contribute by raising awareness of current regulations and emerging trends through publications and informative reports aimed at diverse audiences.

Collaboration is equally essential. Being active members of international alliances and practice groups dedicated to environmental and sustainability matters ensures that our teams remain current on regulatory developments worldwide and maintain connections with colleagues to share insights and experiences.

Finally, law firms can lead by example through promoting and adopting strong internal environmental practices. Waste management programmes, energy-efficient systems, paper reduction initiatives, and similar measures have a dual effect: they reduce the firm's environmental footprint while inspiring clients, team members, and suppliers to follow suit.

With International Women’s Day approaching, the "Give to Gain" theme resonates deeply with those who mentor and advocate for others. Looking back at your career, how has the act of "giving back"—whether through pro bono work or mentorship—ultimately helped you "gain" the insights or leadership skills you have today?

Giving back has helped me gain far more than I ever anticipated.

Through pro bono work, you are reminded of the needs of many and the power of collective support. To actually witness how a person's—or even a family's—destiny can be positively transformed by providing legal assistance has a profound effect. You acquire perspective, humility, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Mentoring, whether through formal programmes at your firm or simply by building strong daily relationships with colleagues, allows you to broaden your perspectives, develop empathy, and deepen your understanding of how much we depend on each other. 

Outside of your professional work, what interests or activities help you recharge and stay inspired?

My family is undoubtedly my primary source of energy and inspiration. Whether it is board games, cooking, or playing sports, the activities we share together are truly revitalizing.