This week’s Legal Innovators California Profile is with Indira Cortes, Senior Manager – Legal Operations at Marqeta, the card issuer and payment processing company.
Indira will be speaking at the landmark legal innovation conference in San Francisco on June 7 and 8. For more information and tickets, please see here.
—
– When did you first hear the term ‘legal innovation’ and what did you think at the time?
I am relatively new to the world of legal operations; therefore, it wasn’t long ago that I heard this concept for the first time, probably about a year ago. Coming from a background in continuous improvement and change management, the word ‘innovation’ always excites me. When I heard the concept, I immediately thought about improving processes and efficiency, and modernizing the way things are done.
– Why did you move into this field?
It was one of those unexpected things that happen in life, or by chance. I was working as a Process Engineer in my company, and one of my projects was to complete an assessment and gap analysis of the contract negotiation process. At the same time, the company was going through a re-org, and due to my background and the work I did in the contract negotiation project, I landed in the legal operations role.
– What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Making someone else’s work easier
– If you looked into a crystal ball, how much do you think the everyday practice of law would change in the next five to ten years, especially given changes in AI?
A lot! There is a general need to do more and do it faster, without compromising quality. We live in a fast-paced world, and we are at a moment in time where we can’t do things the same way we have always done, or else we will remain behind and unable to compete. Technology continues to evolve, and we must either get on board or get out.
– What are the biggest challenges legal innovation now faces in the current climate?
Adoption! The legal field heavily relies, still, on human intervention. Given the presence of diverse personalities among individuals, navigating through change becomes a complex endeavor. In the face of perpetual change, the legal profession encounters a formidable challenge in effectively managing and implementing change strategies.
– And what are the greatest opportunities now for change across the legal sector?
Standardization! Much of the legal work can be repetitive, or at least some aspects of it. Identifying those areas and establishing standard processes, templates, and tools that facilitate efficiency has a direct impact on overall productivity.
– And finally, what advice would you give to anyone wanting to get into the field of legal innovation and legal tech?
To not forget the human aspect of change and innovation. We can implement the ultimate and most innovative technology, but it is useless if no one uses it.
—
Thanks Indira! Looking forward to hearing you speak at Legal Innovators California, June 7 and 8 in San Francisco.
If you would like more information about the two-day event, please see here. Day One will focus on law firms and ALSPs, and Day Two will focus on inhouse and legal ops.
To get your tickets and book your place at the landmark legal innovation conference this June 7 and 8, please see here.
And to see some of the other awesome speakers on both days, please see here.
See you all there!
Richard Tromans, Founder of Artificial Lawyer and conference Chair
