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

In 2021 IBM split its managed infrastructure services unit into a new publicly traded company named Kyndryl, it was a worldwide operation, and Colombia and our global delivery centre in Costa Rica were no exception to this transaction. Our operations in the Caribbean required additional efforts since, being an entity located in a free trade zone, its regime was quite particular and different from a regular commercial entity. Since January 2021, my focus has been on the creation and registration of new companies, the transfer of employees — with emphasis on their labour rights — the transfer of assets and contracts with clients for the value of over $300m. It has required long hours of negotiations and conference calls to ensure no disruptions to our business and customers. We have successfully complied with the deadlines and handed Kyndryl two fully operational entities to continue doing business independently.

How have you harnessed technology to improve output or drive efficiencies?

Technology has been a turning point regarding teleconference and communication platforms and other tools that have simplified contract review, asset control and validation of terms and conditions, which became essential for the IBM services unit division. We have used various tools to manage our cases, which were new to me, but have enabled us to enhance our skillset. I have come to realise that technology is key to realise multi-professional projects, and legal practitioners are no longer strangers to technology.

As we enter the next decade, what skills will an in-house lawyer need to succeed in the modern in-house industry?

Based on my personal experience and the demands I have been receiving from my clients, I would say that there are two main skills among many: project management skills — essential to lead and undertake big and complex projects that require many professionals with knowledge of different areas to be involved. Lastly, it is crucial to be open-minded and willing to embrace change daily when faced with tasks, deals or projects that the job requires.