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

I embarked on my journey 19 years ago as an intellectual property attorney in specialised law firms. In 2010, I seized the chance to work as an embedded attorney within a major client’s IP department. This experience ignited my aspiration to become an in-house counsel. I yearned to steer projects from beginning to end and respond to the evolving business models sought by clients. In 2015, my aspiration became reality as I joined Novartis as a junior legal counsel. Transitioning from a law firm to a global pharmaceutical giant was challenging; I had to grasp a new business language and culture swiftly. The fast-paced environment was invigorating, marking a significant milestone in my journey. Fortunately, becoming an in-house counsel within Grupo Bimbo has allowed me to pursue a variety of projects, including legal technology projects that are particularly dear to me. 

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

In my capacity as an in-house counsel, my daily tasks encompass providing precise counsel across diverse legal domains pertinent to the business. This includes negotiations of commercial contracts and agreements. However, the core of the role involves deeply comprehending the business to tactically manage legal and compliance risks. Operating collaboratively across functions to oversee projects and new initiatives is essential. I see myself as a legal business partner, fostering seamless alignment with business units for legal compliance in special projects. Yet, modern in-house counsel are evolving, integrating skills like emotional intelligence, legal project management, technology adoption, and data analytics. These proficiencies become pivotal as technology becomes integral in corporate landscapes. 

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

Certainly, transitioning from a law firm to a major pharmaceutical company was a significant challenge. To overcome this, I prioritised performance and enhanced skills beyond legal expertise. Another difficulty emerged when I had to work remotely during a global pandemic, with uncertainty looming over family, colleagues, and friends. Thankfully, Grupo Bimbo was well-equipped to tackle the crisis. Effective teamwork and leadership enabled me to concentrate on crucial matters. 

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

Firstly, I aimed to engage more comprehensively with evolving business models beyond intellectual property. Pursuing a Master’s degree in IT law provided me with a holistic perspective on modern business landscapes. Secondly, I diligently keep abreast of new laws and potential regulations influencing the bakery industry. Moreover, I immerse myself in my passion for legal technology and legal innovation by attending numerous events and webinars. In Mexico, prominent forums like Magno Forum Legaltech, Legal Hackers Mexico, and Lawgic Legal Tech Summit are key. A highlight is the annual Iberoamerican Law and Computing Conference (FIADI), fostering cooperation and solution-sharing. Recently, I explored legal project management through an intensive course, expanding my skills and foreseeing further exploration in this realm.