Head of Legal | Mercado Libre
Marcela Ortiz Lagos
Head of Legal | Mercado Libre
Team size: 11
What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?
Over the course of this year, my team has been deeply engaged in several high-impact projects that are shaping the future of Mercado Libre’s commerce operations across the Andean Region, particularly in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador.
One of the most strategic initiatives we supported was the legal analysis and structuring of the Pharmacy and Health vertical, a transformative project designed to enable the online sale of medicines through Mercado Libre’s marketplace. This required navigating complex regulatory frameworks around pharmaceuticals and health products in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local laws governing online sales, consumer protection, and health regulations.
We collaborated closely with cross-functional teams—compliance, regulatory affairs, product, and external counsel—to design a legal framework that safeguards the company while enabling a seamless, trustworthy customer experience. This initiative is a landmark step for Mercado Libre, expanding our product offering and meeting growing consumer demand for accessible, regulated healthcare products online.
In addition, we played a pivotal role in supporting data privacy compliance efforts aligned with evolving regulations such as Chile’s data protection law reforms and equivalent laws across Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. Our team helped update internal policies and contracts to ensure continued compliance, managing vendor and third-party agreements with a focus on privacy by design.
Another key area was the negotiation and review of commercial contracts related to logistics and payment solutions, vital for ensuring the smooth operation of our marketplace across multiple countries. Given the expansion and diversification of services, these agreements have grown in complexity, requiring careful balancing of operational needs with risk management.
While confidentiality restricts sharing specifics, I can say that my legal team’s involvement in cross-border M&A due diligence and strategic partnerships has been crucial. These efforts contribute to Mercado Libre’s growth strategy in the region by identifying opportunities while mitigating legal and regulatory risks.
Finally, we have been actively involved in training and capacity building within the legal team and across business units. This ensures all stakeholders remain updated on the latest regulatory changes and legal best practices, fostering a proactive compliance culture aligned with the company’s rapid expansion.
How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?
Managing legal aspects during times of uncertainty requires a balance of agility, foresight, and clear communication. I prioritise establishing strong channels of cross-functional collaboration to rapidly assess emerging risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
During periods of market or regulatory instability—whether due to economic fluctuations, political changes, or public health concerns—my team focuses on staying ahead through continuous legal research and scenario planning. This helps us anticipate impacts on contracts, compliance obligations, and operational workflows.
We emphasise a pragmatic approach to risk management, which involves not only drafting robust contractual protections but also maintaining a thorough understanding of the business context. By closely aligning legal advice with commercial realities, we ensure decisions support both resilience and sustainable growth.
Importantly, transparency and frequent communication are critical. We foster open dialogue with internal stakeholders to share updates, clarify uncertainties, and collaboratively solve challenges. This collaborative mindset builds trust and enables the organisation to navigate crises without losing strategic momentum.
Lastly, investing in technology and process optimisation within the legal function enhances our ability to respond quickly and efficiently. Leveraging digital tools for contract management and compliance monitoring allows us to maintain operational continuity, even in volatile environments.
In sum, resilience is built through proactive legal stewardship that combines expertise, partnership, and adaptability—qualities my team and I continuously cultivate at Mercado Libre.
Head of legal, Chile, Perú and Ecuador | Mercado Libre