Could you tell us a bit about your significant successes in your role?

Eight years ago, I started working as an in-house lawyer in Mexico’s biggest business-traveller hotel chain called Hoteles City Express (HCITY), where I participated in several financings for the acquisition, construction and development of hotels in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile. I oversaw the day-to-day aspects of the company, and when I started working at HCITY, the company had 82 hotels, and by the time I left, it had almost doubled its size. Additionally, HCITY had just completed its IPO six months before I entered, so part of my job was implementing its corporate governance. I participated in the establishment of policies applicable to employees and members of the board, as well as the preparation of the ethics code. In October 2014, I had the opportunity to participate in a follow-on public offering of shares in Mexico and a simultaneous private offering of shares in the US under Rule 144A and Regulation S. I also participated in a right offering of shares in 2021. During this time, I helped the company expand to other Latin American countries and structured Fibra Stay, a private REIT. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I participated in the refinancing of debt through a syndicated loan.

In May 2022, I received an offer to work as a legal counsel at Prologis. I have been involved in various negotiations for the acquisition of land. I have also overseen the drafting and negotiating of lease agreements with some of the biggest brands in the world. I have been told that the use of external counsel has diminished considerably for leasing and corporate matters since I started working at Prologis.

My biggest strength is being able to bond with, talk to, negotiate with and learn from members of different areas of my organisation and not only with members of the legal team. During my career, I have always been able to discuss significant issues and explain my position to members of the senior management of the companies. I have always wanted to grow in my professional life, and having a family of three kids has not changed this goal.

In your opinion, what are the qualities and skills needed to form a strong legal team?

The qualities and skills needed to form a solid legal team are —confidence among the team members and teamwork. Identify each team member’s strengths, regardless of their area of expertise or seniority. It is essential to delegate work effectively inside the organisation.

Another priority is to coordinate and supervise external counsel regularly.

Knowledge of the company’s business needs is a must, as translating the company’s requirements into legal documents and working well with non-lawyers to communicate and negotiate respectfully with counterparts.

Availability, timely responses and being able to prioritise tasks are crucial.

What is the biggest risk to your industry, and how are you contributing to prepare your organisation for this?

The most considerable risk for my organisation and industry is market risk. I have many years of experience, which has helped me anticipate some of the company’s needs. Dealing with the authorities and obtaining permits on time is also considerable risk. Being a part of a transnational company means that not all risks and requirements translate equally in Mexico. My experience has helped me explain to other members of my organisation the applicable requirements in Mexico and to find efficient means for addressing issues that non-Mexican lawyers can understand. I also try to identify and raise red flags in advance.