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

My professional journey began as an intern and then lawyer in a legal firm specialising in the litigation of banking and insurance disputes. After a few years working there, an exciting opportunity arose to participate in a selection process for a trainee program at BBVA Mexico. Following a rigorous selection process that included over 500 candidates, I was fortunate to be among the three selected for a position within the Institution.  

Upon joining, I viewed this as a golden opportunity to complement my existing knowledge from working in independent law firms, bridging the gap by gaining valuable client-side experience. Almost seven years later, this choice remains the cornerstone of my professional career.  

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 point of view, the foremost responsibility of an in-house legal advisor is to support the company to achieve its business objectives. While this might sound straightforward, lawyers often find themselves cast as the “gatekeepers or stoppers” of operations. This perception is often valid, considering that a significant part of our work involves risk identification and mitigation. However, as part of a new generation of legal professionals, it is time to shift this perspective. We can foster trust from our internal clients through effective communication and transparency, ensuring they recognise our unwavering commitment to the company’s best interests. Our guiding principle is “Always seek the How-to way”, grounded in legality and professional ethics.  

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

Throughout my legal career, the most formidable challenge has been navigating the intricacies of the financial sector, especially within the country’s largest bank. BBVA Mexico is synonymous with innovation and leadership within the sector, demanding an exceptionally dynamic legal team. Adaptation requires not only preparedness but also a deep sense of dedication and responsibility, combined with proactive problem-solving and adept teamwork. In the corporate realm, collaboration with fellow lawyers and diverse professionals is essential, requiring a transversal approach. Therefore, cultivating these traits is paramount for an in-house lawyer’s growth.  

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

I am a person that is self-aware of pushing myself out of my comfort zone, which fuels my pursuit of continuous learning and staying ahead of evolving trends, which is a fundamental aspect of our profession. Recently, after six years of service in the corporate governance and corporate restructuring team, a compelling opportunity emerged to join the capital markets legal department. This shift has me engaged with areas encompassing corporate and investment banking, asset management—including investment funds and exchange-traded funds—and corporate restructuring. This transition alone has forced me to accelerate my learning since this new role demands more a market-oriented mindset, compared with highly relevant but back-office nature of my previous responsibility.  

However, the linchpin of my growth as a legal professional and individual lies in the incredible mentors and colleagues I have been privileged to work with. Without their unwavering support and trust, I firmly believe I would not be standing where I am today.