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

I would be lying if I did not say that I desperately needed to restore a work-life balance. But also, after ten years working in the Projects team of a top law firm in Mexico, I wanted to learn how business decisions were made, how projects are developed, managed, and financed. I needed a broader perspective. I wanted to participate in the decision-making process and be part of a more diverse team. The journey has been more difficult than I expected, but also very rewarding.

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

We are in the process of forming a legal team for Latin America, I am currently the sole counsel in charge of all legal matters concerning BayWa r.e. and its different entities in the region. I review and negotiate all types of contracts, understand and prioritise the legal needs of the different projects, provide the appropriate legal support to each of our projects (internal or external), conduct cost tracking and legal spend analysis, and ensure that compliance policies and internal guidelines are followed.

I also check in regularly with the managing directors of each business entity in the region to understand the business and legal department priorities and allocate and plan resources accordingly. It is a learning process to be part of a larger and more diverse team, to bring together what you need from each of them for a common goal. Also, conveying to external advisors what we really need from them, to get the most out of their advice.

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

The biggest challenge has been to avoid becoming a bottleneck in the project development workflow, resolve questions, and turn over documents as quickly as possible to avoid losing momentum in negotiations. Additionally, as in-house counsel, I need to have a broader understanding of projects, including areas I was unfamiliar with. As a law firm lawyer, I was focused on certain matters related to the development, construction, and financing of projects, but as an in-house lawyer, I must advise the company on labour law, intellectual property, criminal law, compliance, among others, and that has required a lot of study.

As a law firm lawyer, you identify and convey risks. As in-house counsel, you make decisions and take risks. This has been the most challenging step in my professional switchover because it requires taking a broader perspective, considering different angles, and performing risk and scenario analysis. I can now consider that the best solution from a legal point of view may not always be the best solution from a business perspective. 

Another challenge I faced was identifying when I can manage things internally and when I need support from external counsel. It is important to learn how to work with external counsel as partners as well as be aware of the skills I lack and seek support from the rest of the team. I have been striving to improve my communication skills as to convey legal information to the entire team in a way that can be easily understood by people without legal experience. Also, to train myself on topics that I was not familiar with before and learn to identify which decisions I can make myself and which ones I should discuss with my superiors.

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

I am fortunate to be part of a company where I receive continuous legal education and constant workshops and training courses to develop other skills necessary for my role. Most importantly, it has been very helpful to be part of an experienced international legal team, always willing to share knowledge and support. It is an important skill to know when to ask for support.