Macarena Gonzalez Derqui

Head of Legal AI | Legal Innovation | AI Integration
Amsterdam, NL.

About

Highly accomplished EU-qualified lawyer with an LLM in Technology Law, currently leading the strategic implementation of AI across Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, and M&A functions at Signify. Expertly defines AI vision, establishes robust governance principles, and builds cross-functional adoption programs, including co-leading the AI Champions Community to integrate AI into daily workflows. Dedicated to reshaping legal work through responsible AI innovation, driving impactful use cases, and aligning technology with robust risk and governance principles.

Work

Signify
|

Head of Legal AI

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Summary

Leads the strategic implementation of AI across Signify’s Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, and M&A functions, defining vision and driving cross-functional adoption for responsible AI integration.

Highlights

Led the strategic implementation of AI across Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, and M&A functions, enhancing operational efficiency and strategic decision-making within the organization.

Defined and established the AI vision, priorities, and robust governance principles for the legal group, ensuring ethical and compliant AI usage across all initiatives.

Partnered with Innovation and IT to co-lead broader corporate AI strategy, aligning legal AI initiatives with overarching company objectives and technological advancements.

Built and scaled Signify's AI Champions Community, fostering cross-functional adoption and driving internal enablement through targeted education, experimentation, and scalable tools.

Acted as a primary internal advisor on responsible AI usage and risk management, safeguarding legal workflows and mitigating potential liabilities across the enterprise.

Signify
|

Legal Counsel & AI Integration Specialist

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Summary

Spearheaded the development of the first AI roadmap for legal and compliance processes, transitioning the function from interest to operational integration of AI.

Highlights

Developed the inaugural AI roadmap for legal and compliance processes, outlining strategic initiatives to enhance efficiency and decision-making within the legal department.

Evaluated and rigorously tested multiple third-party legal AI tools and pilots, providing data-driven recommendations for successful adoption and integration.

Successfully transitioned the legal function from conceptual interest to operational integration of AI, establishing foundational workflows and best practices for future scalability.

Signify
|

Legal Compliance & AI Intern

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Summary

Supported legal compliance and AI initiatives through critical reviews, prototype development, and early Generative AI experimentation.

Highlights

Conducted comprehensive PIAS, TIAS, and privacy incident reviews, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and mitigating potential risks.

Developed and tested internal legal chatbot prototypes, improving access to legal information and streamlining routine inquiries for internal stakeholders.

Sparked early experimentation with Generative AI (GenAI) in legal operations, identifying potential use cases for efficiency gains and innovative solutions.

Garrido & Donaque
|

Lawyer - Civil Litigation

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Summary

Managed a diverse portfolio of civil litigation cases and cultivated strong client relationships in a law firm setting.

Highlights

Managed diverse civil litigation cases from intake to resolution, ensuring adherence to legal procedures and achieving favorable client outcomes.

Cultivated and maintained robust client relationships, providing expert legal counsel and ensuring high satisfaction throughout the litigation process.

Delta Power
|

Legal Counsel - Renewable Energy

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Summary

Provided specialized legal counsel for renewable energy projects, focusing on commercial contract negotiation and corporate risk mitigation.

Highlights

Negotiated and reviewed complex commercial contracts, mitigating corporate risk and ensuring favorable terms for renewable energy projects.

Provided timely and accurate legal advice to business teams on day-to-day operations, supporting strategic decision-making and compliance.

Civil & Family Law
|

Junior Lawyer

Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Summary

Built foundational legal expertise by managing real-world client matters in civil and family law, supporting litigation, and developing strong client communication skills.

Highlights

Built a strong legal foundation by handling diverse real-world client matters in civil and family law, from initial consultation to resolution.

Supported litigation processes, including client intake, case development, and preparation of legal documents to advance client objectives.

Developed exceptional client communication and empathy skills, enhancing service delivery and building trust in complex legal situations.

Education

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

LLM

International Technology Law

Francisco de Vitoria University
Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Master

Legal Practice

Autónoma University of Madrid
Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Bachelor

Law

Languages

English
Spanish

Certificates

AI Agents and Agentic AI with Python & Generative AI

Issued By

Coursera

Legal Tech and the Digital Transformation of Law

Issued By

IE Law School

Skills

Legal Expertise

Civil Law, Litigation, Contract Negotiation, Corporate Risk Management, Compliance, EU Law, Data Protection (PIAS, TIAS), Legal Research, Legal Advisory, Family Law.

AI & Legal Technology

AI Strategy, AI Governance, AI Integration, Generative AI (GenAI), Legal AI Tools, Chatbot Development, AI Risk Management, Legal Tech, Digital Transformation, AI Roadmapping.

Leadership & Strategy

Strategic Implementation, Vision Definition, Cross-functional Collaboration, Community Building, Program Development, Internal Enablement, Project Management, Stakeholder Management.

Professional Skills

Client Relationship Management, Communication, Empathy, Problem-Solving, Innovation, Process Improvement, Risk Mitigation.