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?

We developed a comprehensive regulatory tracker that covers applicable regulations and consolidates details and requirements that are relevant to our business model, instead of relying solely on human resources. This tool streamlined the analysis and compliance of regulations, reducing the time and effort required, at no additional costs. It has proven to be a valuable tool, exemplifying our commitment to find cost-effective solutions to improve our operations and maintain regulatory compliance.

Can you foresee any key developments to the way general counsel work over the next five years?

Legal work is constantly evolving, adopting new technologies and management methodologies and frameworks that increase the impact and efficiency of legal departments. In coming years, it will be quite common to hear terms such as artificial intelligence (AI), legal tech, lean, and legal design, among others.

AI facilitates legal research, as well as the conception and drafting of documents and projects. Legal departments are also taking advantage of project management tools. Concepts such as consumer-centric, flexibility, and adaptability are common in our sphere, especially in dynamic and disruptive sectors.

We are starting to see easier-to-read legal documents, including visual elements to facilitate their understanding to non-lawyers. Documents aimed at broad audiences, such as terms and conditions, are evolving from legalese to a simpler language.

Finally, there will be increased internationalisation of the legal profession, heightened by the launch of global or regional services and products that leave little room for local customisation. While local expertise will remain crucial, there will be a growing need for legal departments to navigate cross-border transactions and implement services and products across different jurisdictions.

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

The implementation of technological tools can be influenced by the regulatory environment of a particular jurisdiction. Steps we take to ensure the successful integration and adoption of new technologies are: conduct specific research and analysis to understand the legal and regulatory landscape, identify potential barriers and how to navigate them; customise and localise if necessary, depending on the specific requirements and regulations to ensure compliance; socialise the relevant tool through training, if necessary; and set a continuous monitoring and adjust accordingly.

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?

As global co-chair of Women of CLO, an employee relations group within the company, we have worked on various initiatives to increase the visibility and empowerment of women in the legal profession within the company.

This year, we have been exploring innovative approaches to engage our audience and make a lasting impact. One such approach is the implementation of 21-Day Challenges that focus on fostering a growth mindset, prioritising self-care, and nurturing professional development. These alternative activities have been met with enthusiasm and have yielded positive results thus far.