Senior legal manager | Mercado Libre
Rodrigo Méndez Solís
Senior legal manager | Mercado Libre
Team size: Eight
Major legal advisers: BGBG, Sánchez Devanny, Hogan Lovells
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?
As an in-house lawyer of an e-commerce and fintech company, we understand the importance of time and strive to respond to our business units promptly. This includes efficiently drafting and negotiating agreements. Recognising a significant opportunity in this area, my Team and I proposed and proactively participated in a corporate team’s initiative to automate most commonly used agreements by utilising technology applications and software. In conjunction with this project, we conducted a deep analysis of our agreements to make them more user-friendly and accessible to third parties; we retained clauses that are essential for maintaining legal integrity while removing unnecessary sections or those that do not contribute value to the legal relationship. This effort has resulted in simplified and improved agreements for all parties involved.
How would you assess the impact of new technologies on the legal landscape in Mexico, and what measures would you propose to leverage these technologies while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations?
The impact of new technologies on the legal landscape in Mexico, particularly in the e-commerce sector, has been significant. These advancements have presented opportunities and challenges for businesses and in-house legal departments. New technologies have streamlined processes and improved efficiency. Seamless transactions, automated record-keeping, and enhanced customer experiences are some of the advantages. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms has facilitated data analysis for purposes such as fraud detection and personalised marketing strategies. However, it is crucial to ensure compliance with Mexican laws and regulations considering these advancements.
To leverage these technologies while maintaining compliance, businesses should adopt several measures: a) Stay informed about the evolving legal landscape and technological advancements by monitoring updates from regulatory bodies, industry associations, and legal professionals specialising in technology and e-commerce law; b) conduct comprehensive legal assessments to identify potential risks and areas where new technologies may impact compliance. This includes assessing privacy and data protection obligations, transparency, consumer protection laws, intellectual property rights, and information security and cybersecurity requirements; c) provide regular training programs to educate employees about legal obligations and best practices regarding the use of new technologies, fostering a culture of compliance within the organisation and minimising legal risks; d) engage with regulatory bodies and participate in relevant consultations and industry discussions to proactively shape legal and regulatory frameworks.
What is a cause, business-related or otherwise, you are passionate about, and why?
I firmly believe that protecting and preserving our environment is crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. The impact of human activities on the environment, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, has become increasingly evident and poses significant challenges to our ecosystems and societies.
As an in-house lawyer, I recognise the important role that companies and organisations play in contributing to environmental sustainability. Businesses have the power to make a positive changes and impact them by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprint, and promoting responsible resource management.
I believe that businesses have a moral and ethical responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. By prioritising sustainability, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also gain long-term economic benefits. Sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, improved brand reputation, increased customer loyalty, and access to new markets and opportunities.
Senior legal manager | Mercado Libre