Of hearts and minds. What does it take to be a successful law firm partner in 2018?

The Big question –  In an era of supporting equality in the workplace, leading female lawyers in Latin America identify the need to be passionate, to be ready for change and to have integrity as key attributes for thriving as a partner

The first and most valuable attribute for a partner is the capacity to understand the law, to deeply analyse the facts and comprehend the grey areas. Secondly, grit and det

ermination: commitment to move forward,to accept that failures are part of the path; experience and years of legal practice are essential. And last but not least, loyalty towards the law firm, partners and associates you work with; loyalty towards your clients and the authorities that we need to engage with.
Lorena Pavic Partner Carey

Three attributes should distinguish a law firm partner: ability to lead by example and inspire; integrity and credibility; and adaptability. Associates look up to leaders who are not only experts in their respective fields, but are also wellrounded attorneys with high moral values and integrity. Younger lawyers also look up to those who could inspire them to become the best possible version of themselves. A partner needs to understand changes taking place to identify new opportunities and client needs and propose and implement required changes.
Cristina Lewis Partner Galindo, Arias & López

We value our partners as leaders in their area of expertise, and for their strong willingness to coach and to mentor other lawyers. We also value their passion and p urpose, how they care about what they do, about the clients and about the vision of the firm. In addition, we value the commitment and effort invested by our partners to retain and grow the business with clients for both their area of expertise as well as for the benefit of the other partners, locally and internationally.
Lilian Arias Co-Managing Partner – El Salvador Arias

A law firm partner has to have three attributes to not only stay in the game, but to step it up: team capability building, listening skills and the ability to embrace change. To empower people, you have to know them. To know them you have to listen to them. And when you receive their input, you have to be ready and brave enough to generate change. More than ready, you need to be excited for it. Nowadays you can reinvent anything, and if you think changing is hard, try not changing!

Carolina Zang Managing Partner ZBV Abogados

Beinga hard-working practitioner is always an indispensable quality in a partner. However, this alone doesn’t do the trick. High ethical standards and the skills that enable you to relate effectively with clients and co-workers are essential element to achieve it. All of these are attributes that set truly successful lawyers apart.
Mary Fernández Founding Partner Headrick Rizik Alvarez & Fernández

We want empathic leaders that inspire younger lawyers to become more creative and innovative. We also want partners with the capacity to identify needs within the organisation and to work with them to reach our goals. We want lawyers who have the ability to listen and clearly understand the needs and expectation of our clients.

Michelle Barclay Partner CMS Grau

Leadership today must be transformational, guided by attentive listening and teamwork. It should also consider the differences that exist in our society and the plan that has been drawn to develop said leadership. Women leaders must also develop negotiating skills, to be able to to take into account and facilitate the reconciliation of different opinions, building bridges to work more efficiently. They must also build up strategic work plans, with clear lines of action which lead to fulfilling said plan without getting lost in the finer points.
Vivian Liberman, Partner, BLP