01What you're building

What are you building right now, and what does it make possible that wasn't possible before?

I am building more efficient processes that make it possible for my team to do their best work. I have been focused on improving processes by both partnering with legal technology partners to help automate what can be automated. I have also been working with AI tools to see what else is possible and if there are areas where we can cut costs, without sacrificing talent. I want my team to spend more time on the work that requires judgment, creativity, and experience. It is in line with what I have been doing throughout my career as a manager: building and enabling strong teams to drive efficiency.

I also like to think I am building the next generation of leaders by mentoring current and future law students and creating connections and opportunities for those coming behind me. For me, those two things go hand in hand: building better systems while helping people grow within them. It creates capacity, for stronger teams and more opportunities for people to develop and succeed. Ultimately, I want to build things that continue to work well and create opportunities for others, even when I’m no longer the person running them.

02What it took

What did it take to get here that people don't see?

It took a lot of failure, but, more importantly, learning not to let failure define me or take over.

My father has always said, “Perder por conocer no es perder.” Loosely translated, it means that if you lose but gain knowledge or experience along the way, you haven’t really lost. That saying stays with me always. Every experience, whether good or difficult, has something to teach you. The key is to learn from it, keep moving forward, and make the most of what each experience gives you.

03Who carried you

Who carried you, and what did they teach you that you still use every week?

In addition to the many brilliant mentors and champions that I have had the fortune of having throughout every step in my career, the people that have been there for me at every step are my mother and father. To them, I owe everything.

They sacrificed so much to give my brother and me opportunities they never had, and I have carried their example with me throughout my life. They taught me discipline. They taught me the value of hard work. They taught me to keep going, especially when things are difficult.

I work hard every day to honor what they sacrificed for us and to make their sacrifices count.

04For the leader coming up

What is the one thing you'd tell the leader coming up behind you?

Really listen to your team. Age and experience matter, but they do not have a monopoly on good ideas. Some of the best ideas can come from the person you least expect.

Ideas can always be refined, but when people feel heard, respected, and appreciated, they become more invested in the outcome. If you want a loyal and committed team, give people a voice, and then make sure they know their voice matters.

05Adelante

Adelante means forward. Where are you taking your function, your company, or your industry next?

As I think about where I am going next, I will certainly continue to educate myself about what is happening in my industry and how my function is evolving, through programming, conversations, and networking with other in-house lawyers. Right now, a big part of that education is understanding how my role, and our industry more broadly, can work better with artificial intelligence.

I stay as current as possible and take advantage of the AI tools and training available to me, but I also want to think beyond simply using the technology that is already available. I am interested in how we can use LLMs and other AI tools to streamline operational processes, improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and ultimately allow people to spend more of their time on the work where their judgment and experience add the most value. For the legal industry, in particular, I would say we are still at the beginning of understanding what is possible.

At the same time, moving forward for me also means continuing to learn outside of my function. I am making more space for the hobbies, practices, and interests I have been curious about in my personal life. I have learned that when you truly listen to what excites people outside of their jobs, you build deeper and more meaningful connections.