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?

I was entrusted with the responsibility of setting up the legal department for the Latin American region. The team was beginning to take shape, and work was being done on all fronts. The coordination and follow-up of tasks became a priority; therefore, I needed an effective solution. After exploring homemade solutions, we turned to specialized tools. For a very affordable annual subscription price, we found an AI-powered cloud-based collaboration and project management tool which has recently been implemented across our team. It has significantly improved the way we communicate among team members, helped assign and follow up on tasks, and made it possible to track and measure the workload and efficiency of the team. It also provides reporting features so we can keep our internal stakeholders up to date.

What steps do you take to ensure the successful integration and adoption of new technologies among your team members?

The first thing to do is to identify the needs that need to be addressed, whether those be of the team or of the legal department’s own operation. This is key to understanding the type of new technology to adopt. Next, you need to thoroughly research the available technologies to understand the new technology, how it works, the benefits it offers and, most importantly, its lasting impact. This will make you believe in the positive effects this change will bring, which in turn will help to generate internal conviction and commitment from the people who will be directly affected by it. Training team members will increase their knowledge, improve their skills, and strengthen their attitude towards change, thus contributing to superior organisational performance. It is also key to monitor change for its proper execution, in order to further develop ownership and solidify the right working culture.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

When recruiting for my legal team, prioritising women and people from different regions has proven to be a winning combination; their diverse backgrounds, personal experiences and points of view contribute to enriching the spirit of the group. Broadening the team without prejudice has certainly helped my teams to grow stronger together, to respect each other’s position and to value their own personal values. This paves the way for the team to focus on providing high quality legal work for the organisation. In addition, providing everyone with equal access to resources and opportunities makes inclusion real.