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

It was a natural progression in my career. I served as a member of the Supreme Court for nearly a year before I was recruited by a legal team working on a significant wedding case just before the Meta Corporation. My desire was to delve into the role of an in-house counsel, as it required a more analytical approach to business, a deeper understanding of risks, and the intricacies of business operations. While working in a judicial capacity, you often only get a surface-level view of these aspects.

Around three years ago, I was approached by Meta to assist with managing the legal aspects of the Mexican election, which involved significant litigation in the country. Eventually, they offered me a permanent position. This journey has taken me from being an attorney to navigating the complex world of politics and eventually landing in an in-house counsel role. It felt like a natural progression for me.

What I truly enjoy is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the law – from being a regulator to transitioning to the other side of regulation. This perspective allows me to approach various topics with a deeper insight. In my current role, I not only work closely with our business teams but also interact with regulators extensively. My approach has been to establish strong relationships not only within the legal department but also with regulators, even beyond Mexico.

Having acquired a comprehensive and holistic understanding of legal issues, I can now cultivate meaningful relationships throughout the region. This, in turn, enables me to facilitate business growth and build trust.

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

The first challenge is being the youngest person in the room while holding a senior position and managing stakeholders from various backgrounds. It is essential to not only have the seniority but also to conduct oneself in a way that commands respect and encourages people to listen. Credibility is crucial, and it is built on a foundation of thorough preparation, including a deep understanding of the issues, meticulous investigation of every detail, and the ability to anticipate potential challenges.

While in-house counsel often focus on immediate risks, my experience as a regulator has taught me to be a strategic player and to consider the bigger picture. This role has also taught me how to navigate the dynamics of being the youngest person in the room. I consistently strive to approach everyone with kindness and a comprehensive perspective, using various lenses to create meaningful and profound interactions with all individuals.

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

Staying inquisitive is my constant pursuit. Believing that a lawyer should know everything in the complex world of law is an impractical expectation. Instead, I opt for robust external legal counsel and consistently inquire, investigate independently, and delve deep into the essence behind the legal principles.

It is not just about grasping the legal statutes; it is about comprehending the underlying rationale and the context. By adopting a more holistic perspective on legal issues, one must explore the historical and regulatory landscape, to understand why things are the way they are. This simplicity is the key.

Once you unlock the reasons behind certain norms, you can forge collaborative paths and offer customized solutions that suit the specific needs. My approach revolves around continuous study, unwavering curiosity, and relentless research.