KorumLegal Consultant: Lissa Montisano-Koen reflects on how ALSPs are enabling greater flexibility and innovation in the legal profession.

This month, our KorumLegal Consultant is Lissa Montisano-Koen, an accomplished In-House Corporate Counsel with over 15 years of experience advising Fortune 500 multinational corporations. Lissa brings strategic multi-country legal expertise across a broad spectrum of areas including financial services, remittances, anti-money laundering compliance, consumer protection, corporate governance, legal marketing compliance, non-profit and corporate social responsibility.

A trusted advisor to senior leadership, Lissa is known for her ability to shape pragmatic, business-oriented solutions that align with strategic objectives while effectively mitigating risk. She has a strong track record in regulatory outreach, contract negotiation, and risk remediation while ensuring brand integrity and operational efficiency across FinTech, InsurTech, and international transactions.

Lissa is proficient in leveraging content management systems and workflow tools to enhance compliance with advertising, marketing, and financial regulatory frameworks. Her bilingual capabilities and global perspective position her as a dynamic, results-driven leader who thrives on building strong relationships and delivering best-in-class legal support tailored to business growth and innovation.

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

I have been working with KorumLegal for nearly 5 years as a Senior Consultant dedicated to the US / LATAM markets. KorumLegal has now established itself as a leader in the NewLaw space. As a Consultant with KorumLegal my role involves providing innovative legal solutions to clients through flexible and cost-effective models. My work with KorumLegal allows me to engage with a diverse range of clients, helping them navigate the complex legal landscapes of the US and LATAM, respectively with tailored strategies and a focus on efficiency.

More recently, I have been involved with a global financial technology company, where I contribute to ensuring compliance with US data privacy and retention requirements and legal governance as they expand their services in the US market. This role has been particularly rewarding as it combines my expertise in legal frameworks with the dynamic and fast-paced nature of fintech, offering new challenges and learning opportunities daily.

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

The decision to venture into the NewLaw space with ALSPs was fueled by my desire for a more flexible, innovative approach to legal practice .while continuing my full-time career This Consultant role allows me to align closely with the rapid growth of the fintech sector, where my skills in regulatory and marketing compliance are constantly honed. Embracing the NewLaw model means I can adapt swiftly to the evolving needs of clients, particularly in the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of financial technology. It’s a perfect fit for me, as it combines my passion for legal innovation with my commitment to delivering practical, client-focused solutions.

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

Another significant role I have undertaken was with a pioneering digital payment platform, as it ventured into and successfully entered the US market. My involvement was instrumental in navigating the intricate regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with US financial regulations, and setting up robust legal frameworks to support their operations. This project was particularly challenging yet rewarding, as it required a deep understanding of both the fintech industry and the specific legal requirements of the US market. The successful launch in the US stands as a testament to the collaborative effort and strategic planning that went into penetrating this competitive market, highlighting my ability to drive legal innovation and compliance in the fintech sector.

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 NewLaw/ ALSP model will continue to play a transformative role in the legal sector, particularly in the US and Latin America markets. In the US, the demand for flexible, cost-efficient legal services that offer specialised expertise without the traditional overhead costs of large law firms will drive the growth of NewLaw providers. Companies, especially in the fast-evolving technology and fintech industries, will increasingly turn to ALSPs for bespoke legal solutions that can adapt to their rapid pace of innovation and regulatory changes.

Meanwhile, in Latin America, the complexity of the legal landscape and the burgeoning economic sectors like fintech, telecommunications, and energy will create a fertile ground for the expansion of NewLaw. ALSPs will provide the much-needed agility and local expertise, that international businesses require to navigate the diverse regulatory environments across different countries in the region. The ability to offer tailored, scalable solutions will cement NewLaw's position as a pivotal player in both markets, driving legal innovation and offering strategic advantages to clients.

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

The legal services industry is poised for substantial growth in the next five years, particularly as new businesses navigate entry into diverse jurisdictions. This expansion will be driven by the increasing complexity of global markets and the demand for scalable legal solutions that can adapt to the unique regulatory environments of various regions.

In the United States, we will see a heightened emphasis on flexible, cost-efficient legal services that cater to the specialised needs of burgeoning industries such as fintech and technology. The rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) will be pivotal, offering sophisticated, bespoke solutions that bypass the traditional overheads associated with large law firms. Their ability to provide specialised expertise at a fraction of the cost will make them an indispensable resource for new businesses seeking to establish a foothold in a competitive market.

In Latin America, the landscape is equally promising. As economic sectors like telecommunications, energy, and fintech flourish, the need for agile legal services will become increasingly pronounced. ALSPs will play a crucial role here, leveraging their local expertise to help international businesses navigate the intricate regulatory frameworks of different countries in the region. Their ability to offer tailored, scalable solutions will be instrumental in easing market entry and ensuring compliance with diverse local laws.

The complexity of the European Union's regulatory environment, coupled with the individual legal nuances of its member states, will continue to necessitate innovative legal services capable of providing harmonised solutions across borders. ALSPs, with their adaptability and specialised knowledge, will be at the forefront of this evolution, facilitating seamless market entry and operational efficiency for new businesses.

In Asia, the rapid economic growth and technological advancements will continue to spur steady demand for legal services that can keep pace with the dynamic business environment. ALSPs, with their scalable and flexible models, will be well positioned to meet these needs, driving legal innovation and offering strategic advantages to their clients.

Overall, the next five years will be marked by a paradigm shift in the legal services industry. The emphasis will be on delivering value-driven, client-focused solutions that can adapt to the evolving needs of businesses across diverse jurisdictions. I believe ALSPs will continue to disrupt the traditional legal landscape, providing scalable, innovative services that facilitate market entry and foster growth for new businesses globally.

6. Your favourite tune? And why? 

My favorite tune is "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode. This song encapsulates the essence of tranquility and introspection, with its mesmerising melody and profound lyrics. The way it blends the haunting synths with the deep, resonant voice of Dave Gahan creates a spellbinding atmosphere that transports listeners into a realm of serene contemplation. Its timeless quality and emotive power have made it a staple in my playlist, offering solace and a sense of escape from the chaos of everyday life.

In addition to my love for "Enjoy the Silence," I have a profound appreciation for Trip Hop music, 90s and Merengue (it is in my blood!!!). These genres help heal the soul, creating a unique soundscape that is both hypnotic and deeply emotive that resonate with the complexities of human emotion, weaving intricate narratives through lush, atmospheric beats and haunting vocals makes it an integral part of my musical journey, constantly inspiring and comforting me with its rich, textured sounds.