Can you tell us about your journey to becoming an in-house counsel? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

With more than seven years of experience, I have worked in different industries. Before joining Air Liquide México, I worked for different real estate companies providing legal advice on corporate matters with a pro-business role in transactions and acquisitions, as well as the implementation of trust strategies and analysis with financial institutions. One of my main motivations is to protect the company with legal strategies and create business relationships through contract negotiation. Also, one of the things that inspire me to continue preparing myself to be a better lawyer is to be able to open gaps and show the new generations of lawyers that women can achieve any goal they set for themselves.

I joined Air Liquide México in 2021, as corporate legal counsel providing legal advice to all business units in Mexico on corporate matters, legal compliance, and commercial contracts.

I have a Law Degree from the Tecnológico de Monterrey and I have certificates in Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, International Law, and Economic Competition. 

In your role as an in-house counsel, what are the main responsibilities and tasks you handle on a day-to-day basis?

As a corporate legal counsel, I provide legal advice to the different lines of business of the company, highlighting corporate law, compliance matters, commercial contracts, regulatory matters, environmental matters, real estate, insurance matters, acquisition contracts, as well as supervision of external lawyers and the negotiation of different cases.

Working daily to achieve a healthy, organised, and up-to-date corporate governance is a priority. Contracts, negotiation, analysis, and teamwork to create new business relationships with our clients in a safe and efficient manner is a priority. On the other hand, regarding compliance, we create an initiative and ethical compliance campaign with the purpose of training employees on important issues and the importance of carrying out our activities in full compliance with the laws.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced as a rising star in-house counsel, and how have you overcome them?

The world is constantly changing and so are we, that is why my main goal is always to stay updated, receptive, and open to listening and draw up new strategies focused on the business. One of the main challenges I have faced in my professional career is breaking the glass ceiling. As a Mexican woman and lawyer, training and working with commitment without being limited because I am a woman is very satisfying. To be able to say that every strategy and objective we achieve is thanks to the work of highly trained people regardless of gender, origin, or age.

Working in a company like Air Liquide México fills me with pride and satisfaction because it is a company that promotes diversity and equal opportunities in the professional development of all of us who are part of it, regardless of gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation. which allows you to develop in an open, free, and safe environment.

On the other hand, in an increasingly globalised world, adopting new digital tools is vital to be more efficient. I have also been able to develop the ability to think outside the box and this has allowed me to be more sensitive to work in different conditions and to recognise that listening to each person involved in a transaction is key to conflict resolution.

What steps have you taken to enhance your professional development and expand your legal skill set?

To be actively informed of updates in Mexican Law, to maintain the curiosity to be investigating new ways of doing things or new forums that allow me to learn beyond the ordinary.

Participating in continuing education, networking and above all being able to share my knowledge with colleagues and with our community in a simple and dynamic way, is also a way to improve my professional development.