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

I began my studies the same time I started my professional life as an intern at the prosecutor’s office dealing with criminal matters. Later, I did my internship at Bufetec, where I had the opportunity to help low-income people in civil, family and commercial matters. Later, I joined Colgate as an intern where I trained with different and very successful lawyers with international trajectories. There I became more aware of the great work of corporate lawyers and the capacity and ability they must have to handle matters of all branches and the business vision they must have. After a couple of years as an intern for Colgate Mx, I had the opportunity to work in a full-time position servicing Colgate North America, getting to know another market. Finally, I returned to Colgate Mexico to service the different business areas of the various Colgate affiliates and subsidiaries. 

I have always been passionate about law; I think it is a very noble branch that gives you many tools no matter what you do.  Rotating in various branches during my studies, I could see that corporate lawyers are professionals who handle a high range of diverse knowledge in different subjects that must be complemented with a vision, human and business to ensure the successful operation and in compliance with the law of a business. 

I love what I do, because facilitating operations helps the company to continue generating jobs in my country. It challenges me and requires me to stay updated on laws to continue offering quality solutions with a broader perspective. It boosts my development because I constantly attend to different topics that help me to develop other skills. 

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

I ensure that all operations that the business handles with clients, collaborators, and suppliers are contractually supported and comply with all the requirements of law and internal compliance; ensure that customer relations meet commercial objectives without violating any economic or general competition law; and confirm that our advertising campaigns and materials are in compliance to avoid misleading the business. 

I also work to support the logistic operation on contractual, deal with various authorities for various issues, and support the Colgate Foundation on donation issues, operating requirements, and any request.  

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

It would be arrogant of me not to recognise the privilege I of being able in a place where there are fewer obstacles that I have had to face. However, I do not detract from those I have had to face.  

I think the main challenge is that being a “young” lawyer is generally associated with inexperienced youth. And it has been (less and less) a challenge for me, to build that trust with my internal clients. I have found it helpful to trust myself and my knowledge; have the humility to ask for help or exchange ideas when I am unsure about something; let the work I do speak for myself. 

 I also participate in issues that are not particularly legal related, but that will help me fully understand how the operation works. The more knowledge we have, the more accurate the solutions we can offer will be. 

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

First, I learn from the experience and skills of my teammates. I also stay updated on different topics and trends through various learning platforms and continue learning new languages. I currently speak Spanish and English, but I find myself studying French and Portuguese.