含羞草社区

From pandemic disruption to regional expansion, Arlene Lapuz-Ureta talks to Sheryl Ubana about uniting Asia-Pacific in-house counsel

When the world slowed during the pandemic, Arlene Lapuz-Ureta kept the Asia Pacific Corporate Counsel Alliance (APCCA) moving. While most networks struggled to stay connected, she rallied in-house counsel across the region, bridging cultural differences and a rapidly changing legal landscape.

Now completing her second term as secretary-general, Lapuz-Ureta looks back on a tenure defined by quiet persistence and bold vision. From championing cross-border dialogue to elevating the global voice of Asia-Pacific counsel through her work with In-House Counsel Worldwide (ICW), her leadership style is steady and grounded, yet globally attuned and forward-thinking.

Her achievements may appear formidable on paper, but those who work with her at the APCCA describe her as someone who leads with grace, genuine care and an unwavering sense of responsibility to the community she serves.

“Getting the APCCA conference finally hosted for the first time by the LMCP [Legal Management Council of the Philippines] was no small feat when we were still just recovering from the pandemic,” says Alicia Salita, president of the LMCP.

In 2023, as the Thai Corporate Counsel Association (Thai-CCA) moved to join the alliance, it was Lapuz-Ureta who guided the way from behind the scenes. “That’s who Arlene is – a leader who builds bridges quietly but powerfully. She leads not by position, but by presence,” Sahachai Wibuloutai, Thai-CCA president, tells ABLJ.

To Daniel Choo, president of the Singapore Corporate Counsel Association, Lapuz-Ureta’s impact is felt most in the strength of the bonds she built. “Under her leadership, APCCA grew stronger as a community,” he says.

As Lapuz-Ureta passes the torch to Seradesy Sumardi, president of the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association (ICCA), she leaves behind a legacy of connection, proving that even in times of uncertainty, purpose and persistence can turn an idea into a regional, or even global, force.

Asia Business Law Journal spoke with Lapuz-Ureta about the challenges of leading a cross-border alliance through uncertain times, the milestones that defined her leadership and her hopes as she hands over the reins.

Asia Business Law Journal: As you complete your second term as the APCCA’s secretary-general, what do you consider the most significant achievements of the alliance during your tenure?

Arlene Lapuz-Ureta: The growth and strength of the APCCA during my term is truly something I am most proud of. The pandemic has not prevented us from continuing forums for discussing legal and regulatory issues. In 2024, we successfully held the first APCCA conference in Manila, Philippines, hosted by my own organisation, the Legal Management Council of the Philippines. On 2 to 3 October 2025, another successful conference for the APCCA was held in Bali, Indonesia, hosted by the Indonesian Corporate Counsel Association.

That the APCCA is growing to be a formidable alliance is shown by the fact that two important in-house organisations have recently joined forces with us during my term: the Thai Corporate Counsel Association and the Japan In-House Lawyers Association, bringing to eight the number of associations that are part of this alliance, originally composed of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and India.

ABLJ: Before leading the LMCP and APCCA, what did your professional path look like? What inspired you to step into organisational leadership roles rather than stay solely within in-house practice?

Lapuz-Ureta: Before taking on leadership roles with the LMCP and APCCA, my professional journey was rooted in a broad and progressive in-house career. Having served as general counsel or head of legal of Metrobank, the second-biggest bank in the Philippines, and later, head of legal and compliance department of Nissan Philippines, I worked across corporate, commercial and regulatory matters, partnering closely with business units and helping these organisations navigate complex operational and compliance challenges.

Over time, my roles expanded beyond legal advisory work into areas such as governance, policy development, risk management and strategic planning. This allowed me to understand the full spectrum of what in-house counsel contribute, not just as legal advisers, but as business partners and organisational leaders.

What inspired me to move into organisational and community leadership was the realisation that many of the challenges we face as in-house lawyers are shared across industries and jurisdictions. I saw how much impact could come from building communities, sharing resources and creating platforms for professional growth.

Rather than remaining focused solely on my own practice, I felt motivated to help strengthen the in-house profession more broadly, advocating for its evolving role, fostering collaboration among in-house lawyers, and contributing to the development of standards and programmes that support counsel at every stage of their careers.

Stepping into these leadership roles became a natural extension of my commitment to elevate the in-house community, champion regional and global perspectives, and help shape the future of our profession.