Monica Polanco – GC Powerlist
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Central America 2024

Information technology

Monica Polanco

Head of the nearshore legal team | Cognizant

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Central America 2024

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Monica Polanco

Head of the nearshore legal team | Cognizant

Team size: 40

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

The implementation of permanent work-from-home policies proved to be an innovative and cost-effective solution that positively transformed the way our legal team performs its tasks. The costs linked to this innovation were minimal compared to the benefits obtained. Not only was the objective of maintaining and improving productivity, work-life balance, and collaboration achieved, but savings associated with the operating costs involved in a physical office were also achieved.

What are some of the key developments (legal, geopolitical or otherwise) that have affected your business over the last year?

Among the many key developments, I would highlight the following: 1) political and economic instability, which in the context of Guatemala has negatively impacted the development of our legal team, as companies reduce their local investments, which represents a pause in the team’s growth; 2) the growing threat of cyber-attacks has been a constant challenge for technology companies since they must be at the forefront of security measures to protect their clients’ confidential data; 3) data protection regulations have affected the way companies manage and protect personal information. Complying with these regulations may involve significant changes to business operations and policies; and 4) the acceleration of digital transformation which has led to increased demand for digital services. Companies in the technology sector have been forced to continually adapt to meet changing market expectations and the needs of their customers.

How do you think the in-house legal role will evolve in the coming years?

The role of the in-house lawyer must be adjusted to various changes in the future derived from technological advances and market evolution. Internal legal departments must know the scope and consequences of the implementation of automation and artificial intelligence technologies to streamline tasks, in a way that allows lawyers to focus on more strategic and decision-making matters.

Do you use any legal technology products and, if so, what areas of your work do you find it most useful for?

Yes, we use a contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform, and it has proven to be important, especially for the legal-commercial department and has collaborated to optimise contract management, improving efficiency, reducing legal risks, improving response and delivery times. allocation, ensuring regulatory compliance and providing data and information for analytical purposes. This streamlines processes, allowing the legal department to focus on strategic tasks and contribute significantly to the company’s success.

Monica Polanco - Central America 2022

Senior corporate counsel | Cognizant

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