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

I had the opportunity to be part of an internship program in the corporate law field right when I was about to finish law school. The company I used to work for was aiming to consolidate its presence in Mexico and to grow in the USA market, so the challenges were big from day one. That scenario allowed me to rapidly understand the transition from school to corporate life, where there are different kinds of responsibilities. I have stayed in the corporate path because I have been fortunate enough to (i) be part of companies that empower the employee and allow them to develop. 

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

My main responsibility is to make sure the international operations of Grupo Deacero comply with the applicable laws and regulations. My main tasks consist of drafting and reviewing all kinds of agreements, corporate governance, M&A, providing counsel on corporate governance matters and supporting the board of directors and different internal committees. 

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

Someone once told me that a corporate lawyer is like a bouncer standing right at the door in order to advise the company of the risks of letting something come through, but also the pros and cons of leaving something out. I believe that summarises the key challenges I have faced while being in this area of practice. The corporate lawyer needs to identify those risks as fast as possible while making sure the same are understood by our colleagues from the other areas in the organisation. The way I have tried to deal with challenges is to develop a priority list aligned with the main goal the company is seeking in each transaction, and to identify clear alternatives to such goals that could work from a business perspective.  Sometimes we cannot win all the legal battles with our counterparties, but I have found that such a priority approach is very helpful in order to put yourself in a position to make things work and find a win-win scenario more easily.  

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

Every time I have had the opportunity to do so, I go back to school or take as many internet courses and seminars as my personal budget or the company’s one would allow. For example, a few years ago I decided to study for an MBA and that massively opened my perspective. Now, it has become easier to see the business perspective of the different transactions I have helped with, and to understand that the legal arguments of the corporate lawyer are not always enough to reach the goal the company is going after.