Industry Insights

KorumLegal Consultant: Jeenath Mohideen sees a Bright Future for ALSPs.

This month our KorumLegal consultant is Jeenath Mohideen. She has more than 15 years' experience in delivering strategic legal solutions and has a proven track record in arranging challenging cross border transactions within APAC regions. Jeenath currently prowls the legal procurement strategies and boasts an impressive resumé spanning sustainable business practices and corporate governance frameworks, among other daunting portfolio management. She has worked across various industries, including most recently as the legal counsel for wide ranging APAC legal frameworks in 13 APAC jurisdictions and management of extensive, complicated, bilingual commercial contracts.

A multilingual professional with an LLB (Hons) and MBA, Jeenath possesses the unusual combination of legal acumen and business strategy that has stood her in good stead over the course of her consultancy work. Particularly, she has good insights on ESG compliance, employment law, intellectual property management and risk assessment with different cultural backgrounds. She is known for her innovative approach to legal solutions, having guided delivery of procurement compliance, sustainable business practice and digital transformation projects. Known for her problem-solving abilities, tech savvy and technological proficiency in modern legal tools, Jeenath is ideally suited for modern day application of legal aspects.

1. Hi Jeenath! Can you tell us a little about the work you are currently doing and have been doing?

Currently, I’m working as Legal Counsel in a leading FMCG multinational on a 6-month assignment, setting legal strategies across their various international supply chains. This is a very exciting role that merges my commodities trading, technical equipment, and logistics transaction knowledge with ESG type initiatives. Another element that makes working for this role enjoyable, is the chance to work closely with senior leadership teams across Switzerland, Panama and Barcelona, delivering legal excellence and promoting sustainable business practices. If there is one part of my current project, I am most passionate about, it is looking at Greenhouse Gas (GHG) regulations and environmental compliance frameworks.

2. What made you take the leap into working in NewLaw for ALSP's? And why is it a good fit for you?

There is a bright future for the ALSP space as the legal services evolution unfolds. Having spent 15+ years working in traditional legal roles across APAC I was captivated by the dynamic nature of NewLaw. This provides the ideal space to harness my cross-border knowledge and broaden my experience in varying sectors. It is also what appeals to me most, including having the opportunity to make impacts in different organisations while keeping the flexibility to focus on the areas such as ESG and sustainability that are emerging. With the ALSP model, I can be both a legal advisor and a strategic partner to clients, which is what I believe in as a professional.

3. What's the most rewarding assignment you've ever had and why?

My assignment with a global FMCG company has been transformational. Although I had prior experience working in FMCG, this role was a great step into unknown territories, more specifically, leading ESG initiatives and managing international complex cross border projects. I particularly enjoy having the chance to work with various stakeholders across different jurisdictions on collaboratively shaping sustainable business practices that are driving real change. So, this experience has not only built my confidence in assuming leadership roles but it has also given me an excellent ground to thrive in new areas of my environmental compliance area of expertise and sustainable procurement.

4. As an experienced NewLaw/ ALSP consultant, where do you see NewLaw/ ALSPs fitting into the matrix of the legal sector and how have you seen it evolve?

The legal sector is undergoing the most transformation ever, specifically, the technology and AI integration in the sector. NewLaw has a truly unique ability to bridge together traditional legal services and the modern needs of business. As someone who has worked on both sides of the fence, traditional and alternative legal spaces, I am well aware of the awesome power offered by ALSPs to deliver more agile, efficient and specialised solutions. It is especially evident when it comes to my multilingual capabilities and my cross-cultural experiences which help navigate complex international requirements while coming up with practical solutions to make the machine work.

5. What trends do you expect to see in the legal services industry in the next 5 years?

As AI is integrated into the legal landscape, we are seeing change happening in rapid form, and I view that as an opportunity that’s exciting, rather than a challenge. So, I think we're going to see more of a focus on specialised expertise and technological capabilities, especially in ESG compliance or in areas of sustainable business practice. The evolution of risk management will see ALSPs performing an important role in providing new solutions that blend human skill with digital efficiency. Keeping ahead of these changes and continuing to deliver the work you offer to the highest standard, will be key.

6. Your favourite tune? And why?

It isn't just a song, for me, at least 'Thunder' by Imagine Dragons. It’s a message about overcoming obstacles and coming out the other end a better private individual, which is exactly my attitude to professional and personal improvement. It’s got that perfect energy boost for tackling complex legal challenges,

Lily Evans and Jeenath Mohideen

Dec 13, 2024