What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Among the most important cases that our legal team has recently handled is the termination of Medtronic’s contractual relationship with a distributor in Central America, which had a significant amount of money in accounts payable to Medtronic. The handling was complex, as local legislation protects the distributor, increasing the likelihood of receiving a claim for indemnification. The negotiation lasted almost a year and involved multiple meetings with the customer and Medtronic business units, as well as the drafting of several legal documents outlining the obligations and commitments of both parties. One of the legal team’s main roles was to manage the direct relationship with the distributor and act as a mediator to achieve the termination of the contractual relationship without impacting the distribution of Medtronic equipment in that country.

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved how your legal team works and did not come at a large expense?   

Currently, the legal team is quite innovative, featuring a portal where users can request the drafting and review of contracts and letters. Additionally, the portal includes a chatbot that addresses certain general legal queries, with responses formulated by other team members. A few years ago, a new module was launched, focusing on labor-related queries. This module includes templates and forms to collect inquiries, as well as a post-service survey to assess the satisfaction level of the business units and gather feedback on opportunities for improvement.

What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, that you care about, and why? 

I am one of the leaders of the Pride initiative in Panama, which promotes inclusion and equality in the workplace, with a particular focus on the LGBTQ+ community. This movement conducts internal activities to raise awareness of the rights and challenges faced by this community at both national and international levels. I also coordinate meetings and discussions with other law firms to share best practices and policies that ensure the inclusion and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community within companies. I have been leading this cause for over two years, as I believe that, as the leader of the legal team in my country, I have the opportunity to engage with all departments of the firm. This allows me to effectively communicate the message to a broader audience and ensure that our policies and procedures align with international regulations on equality and inclusion.