Team size: Three  

Could you share an example of a time when you came up with an innovation that improved the way your legal team works and didn’t come at a huge cost?  

Usually when talking about innovation, people immediately think about technology and AI, but the reality is that innovation touches multiple areas, including, the way we communicate.  

Considering this, we created the “GDPReady” campaign, aimed at communicating GDPR requirements to employees. This involved working with the public affairs and communication team to communicate technical topics in an impactful and attractive way and rouse the curiosity our target audience. The “GDPReady” campaign showed Innovative ideas did not necessarily require material costs, but a lot of creativity and a huge desire to create impact.  

Digitalisation and AI solutions are key priorities for the legal and compliance function. We are considering digitalising contract management projects; and developing and implementing AI solutions to optimise the legal department’s activities and processes.  

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

Alliance Healthcare is activating in a highly regulated and scrutinised industry, and different challenges are constant in the company’s life. The patient is at the centre of everything the company does every day, and this is a challenge in itself. Alliance Healthcare has a critical role to play in ensuring that the company continuously fulfils public service obligations to allow patients access to medicines.  

The challenges we come across are veritable lessons, and one of the best lessons I have been taught when dealing with such challenges, high-pressure, stressful situations, is that it is crucial to evolve our soft skills and empathy.  

Alliance Healthcare is a member of AmerisourceBergen, a leading global healthcare company, recently rebranded in Cencora. Cencora fosters a positive impact on the health of people and communities around the world by advancing the development and delivery of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.  

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

We have already seen a shift in the in-house legal role from a support role to a veritable contributor in the decision-making process of the business. I believe that such shift is natural, considering the evolution of the business environment, and in-house lawyers have the right qualities: education, expertise, and solid business knowledge.  

The solutions in-house lawyers offer are holistic, placing special attention to details without losing sight of the big picture. I see this role evolving even more as a business contributor and we will also witness more in-house lawyers stepping into other business roles (commercial, supply chain, public affairs and C-suites).  

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

Technology (digitalisation, AI, e-solutions) is a topic of great interest and priority on the agenda of the legal and compliance function. Third party due diligence, compliance reviews and resolutions, and contract management are some examples of the integrated technologies in the legal and compliance function. Such solutions are intended to make the activities of the legal department more efficient by complementing the team members’ work and free up time for professional development.