Features

Felipe Godoy Correa – Accenture

Running the legal course in Chile

As legal head for Chile at Accenture, Felipe Godoy Correa operates at the crossroads of law, innovation, and rapid transformation. His work demands more than legal precision—it requires agility, endurance, and foresight. Much like the trail running he passionately pursues outside of work, Godoy’s legal path is marked by steep climbs, shifting terrain, and the need for constant adaptation.

Felipe Godoy Correa – Accenture

Felipe Godoy Correa | Accenture | Legal Country Lead, Chile

“Keeping pace with the evolution of the technology and services industry is one of the most demanding aspects of my role,” Godoy says.

In Chile, new regulations—like the 2025 Framework Law on Cybersecurity and the upcoming full implementation of the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (LPPD)—have added new layers of complexity. These frameworks introduce strict requirements for incident reporting, data security, and compliance. For Accenture, a global professional services company specializing in digital, cloud, and security solutions, meeting these obligations is essential to supporting its broad portfolio of clients across sectors.

Founded on the principle of delivering innovation-led, technology-driven services, Accenture operates in more than 120 countries. Its work spans strategy and consulting, interactive, technology, and operations services. In Latin America and beyond, Accenture partners with businesses to help them transform and grow in an increasingly digital world. For Godoy, this means translating complex legal frameworks into operational strategy that fits Accenture’s collaborative business model—and does so at speed.

“Our job is not just to interpret the law, but to align it with our clients’ expectations and Accenture’s values,” he explains. “We aim to create win-win agreements that are secure, compliant, and enable innovation.”

Trail running & legal strategy

For Godoy, his dedication to running—especially trail running—is more than a hobby. It mirrors his professional mindset.

Felipe Godoy Correa – Accenture

“Long-distance running requires patience, discipline, and a strategic approach—just like navigating legal challenges,” he says.

The solitude of trail running provides space to reflect, while the physical demands of mountain races build resilience.

“You learn to prepare meticulously, adapt to the terrain, and push through discomfort. These are the same qualities I draw on at work,” he says.

Having completed multiple marathons and mountain races, Godoy finds that running keeps him grounded. In a role that demands sharp focus and mental stamina, stepping into nature offers a clarity of mind.

“Running gives me a space to disconnect and recharge—an essential counterbalance to the fast-paced world of legal and business strategy.”

Godoy’s leadership style is shaped by his belief in the power of collaboration and shared purpose.

“I don’t think of myself in terms of a rigid leadership style. I see myself more as a team player,” he says. “Leadership, for me, is about creating spaces where people feel safe, heard, and empowered to contribute.”

This people-first approach is reinforced by Accenture’s culture of generosity, learning, and mutual support. Within the legal team across Hispanic South America, Godoy is part of a 20-person group that handles sales and delivery contracting. However, he’s also connected to a broader legal network of over 200 professionals across Latin America. Specialized teams handle everything from mergers and acquisitions to tax, compliance, and labor relations.

In such a high-performing environment, talent retention is crucial.

“Our culture plays a big role in that. Accenture encourages growth and allows people to take risks, develop new skills, and be part of something larger than themselves,” he says.

Since joining Accenture eight years ago—initially through a secondment from a law firm—Godoy has grown into a strategic business advisor. He credits the trust placed in him by leadership and peers alike as a key driver of his development.

“It’s given me the confidence to take on complex negotiations, lead transformative projects, and continuously evolve as a lawyer and leader.”

Accelerating toward the future

Godoy’s current priorities reflect Accenture’s forward-looking legal transformation. One major area is supporting complex client negotiations as digital transformation accelerates in Latin America. These deals are no longer just about legal terms—they require a full understanding of technology, finance, and risk.

Felipe Godoy Correa – Accenture

“We’re moving beyond the traditional legal role. In-house lawyers now have to understand the full commercial logic of a deal,” he explains. “That makes us true business partners, not just legal advisors.”

Another focus area is helping the company adapt to Chile’s evolving regulatory landscape. Accenture has taken a proactive role in cybersecurity and data protection initiatives, participating in forums like AMCHAM, the Chilean Cybersecurity Alliance, and academic panels.

“This work is about more than compliance,” Godoy says. “It’s about building a culture of awareness and preparedness, both internally and in collaboration with the broader business community.”

Finally, Godoy is at the forefront of legal innovation through technology. His team is integrating tools like analytics and generative AI into daily operations—using platforms such as Microsoft Copilot to automate routine tasks, track contracting trends, and draft documents.

“We’re contributing to the LegalTechOps transformation,” he says. “AI helps us work faster and smarter, but always within a framework of responsibility and transparency.”

Accenture’s commitment to responsible AI ensures that human judgment remains central, especially in legal contexts where nuance and ethics matter.

From debate team to legal trailblazer

Godoy’s passion for structured thinking and public speaking began in high school, where he was active in debate clubs and Model United Nations programs. That early exposure to critical thinking set the stage for a law degree—and later, a career that would veer away from traditional litigation into the ever-evolving world of in-house counsel.

Felipe Godoy Correa – Accenture

His journey into corporate law was unplanned. After a secondment with Accenture while working at a law firm, Godoy discovered an environment that matched his interests in technology, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.

“It was a revelation,” he recalls. “I had never imagined working in-house could be so dynamic and intellectually rewarding.”

That experience changed the course of his career. At Accenture, Godoy found an organization that aligned with his values and offered a continuous learning environment.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career is staying flexible and relevant in an industry that never stops changing,” he says. “But it’s also what makes the work meaningful. We’re not just reacting to change—we’re part of shaping what comes next.”

Whether he’s navigating new legal frameworks or the steep paths of a mountain race, Godoy brings the same focus, determination, and collaborative spirit to every challenge. And like on the trail, he knows the journey is just as important as the destination.

Published on: September 5, 2025

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