At 18, she was set to enter the halls of medical school, but a twist of fate steered her toward the world of law instead. Her constant has always been her desire to help people in meaningful and personal ways. Today, Beatriz is a record-young partner at one of Spain's most respected law firms. 

Constantly evolving technology and the regulations surrounding it force lawyers to deeply understand the tech landscape – and to study it consistently. After all, they play a critical role in defining these fields and advancing them in ethical ways. Beatriz stands at the nexus of technology and legal innovation. Her commitment to mastering this space continued learning, and professionalism inspires us. Our conversation explores the impact of AI on the legal profession, what it means to be a good lawyer in the era of AI, and her vision for the future of the legal profession.

What sparked your interest in law?

Well, that's an interesting story. I was headed toward becoming a doctor. I took the health sciences track in high school, studied all the scientific subjects, and applied to only three medical schools in Spain because my grades were very high. I thought, "These are the three I want, and that's it." But that year, the cut-off scores were extremely high, and I didn't get in.

I had to consider what to do until I could retake the entrance exams the following year. I had many friends studying law, so I thought, "Why not enroll in law school for a year, earn some credits, and then try medicine again?" On my first day at the law faculty, I attended lectures on Roman Law and Constitutional Law.

And how did that go?

Surprisingly, it captivated me. Roman Law delves into how legislation worked in Ancient Rome, which still underpins much of our legal system today. I had an inspiring professor who conveyed how the logic of laws functions in society. Constitutional Law showed me that we need rules to coexist and ensure everything runs smoothly. It awakened a different kind of vocation in me—to help people, but in a new way compared to medicine.

So, you decided to stick with law?

Exactly. Interestingly enough, I was later accepted into all three medical schools I had applied to, but I turned them down.

I realized that through law, I could help people creatively and differently.

Now, years later, I see that we as lawyers are facilitators. People often view us as obstacles, but we're actually the pathway for making things happen. When someone says, "I want to do this—how do I start?" We're there to guide them safely and effectively within society's rules.

Can you tell me more about your professional path and specialization? What's been your trajectory, and what are your areas of expertise?

Given the field I'm in, my specializations are quite varied and continually expanding. I began with a master's in Technology Law, which at the time covered the internet, telecommunications, and a bit of audiovisual law. From there, things just kept growing. The specialization focuses on understanding technology deeply.

What are your areas of focus now?

RocaJunyent and our department specifically specialize in three main areas: data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, and technology law. Think of them as interconnected pillars. On one side, you have user data used across all programs and technologies. Then there's cybersecurity—we need to ensure everything is secure for both companies and users. Lastly, technological innovation involves navigating new regulations for software, apps, games, blockchain, and so on.

Regulations are evolving quickly. We've gone from having a couple of laws that covered everything to now dealing with hundreds across different areas. There aren't enough specialists to cover it all, so we're constantly studying. But it's exciting because we're at the forefront of what's moving society forward.

That must be thrilling.

It is. We have clients in the health sector doing incredible things in medical research. Being part of projects that directly impact and improve people's lives is immensely rewarding. Of course, there are also projects like marketing analytics, which are important but perhaps have a less direct societal impact. With AI, we're realizing that changes will be substantial across all professions. Understanding and adapting to these shifts is both challenging and exciting.

Especially when AI starts advancing fields like medicine.

Exactly. People's reactions vary—some are incredibly passionate, while others are apprehensive about what's coming. Balancing these perspectives is crucial.

We, as lawyers, will play an important role in addressing ethical concerns and societal limits as technology progresses.

Can you highlight any professional milestones or achievements that stand out in your career?

There are several. Early in my career, I was involved in projects related to the United Nations, Ibero-American communities, and governmental judiciary matters. A few years ago, I directed a program in Spain that trained young people from Mexico on scholarships in technology and energy issues. We had 200 participants from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. It was enriching to see how that experience opened up opportunities and new perspectives for them.

Becoming a partner at 28 was a significant milestone—quite young by industry standards. Although it was at a smaller firm, it was a testament to the trust they placed in me. Moving to RocaJunyent has also been enriching. Besides leading my department, I handle international coordination and internal innovation. It's a continuous learning experience, improving processes and embracing digitalization.

What do you think turns what you do into an art or specialized practice? What's the art of legal practice to you?

I believe there are two key aspects. First, we help alleviate people's burdens. Clients come to us with concerns—be it a problem or an ambitious project—and we take on that weight, guiding them through the complexities. A good lawyer provides reassurance, making clients feel that, despite challenges, things will work out.

And the second aspect?

Making the complex simple. Laws and regulations can be convoluted, not necessarily by design but because it's challenging to cover all possible scenarios.

A good lawyer can distill that complexity into understandable advice. Clients want clear answers, not more confusion. If you can unburden them and simplify the path forward, you're doing your job well.

It's also important to adapt depending on the area of practice. For instance, someone dealing with corporate restructuring faces different challenges than someone launching a new tech startup. In our field, we encounter a bit of everything, from clients facing sanctions to entrepreneurs with exciting new projects. Helping them navigate their unique situations calmly and effectively is rewarding.

Looking towards the future, how do you see the impact of technology—especially AI—on the practice of law? What skills will be essential for future lawyers?

Technology is profoundly impacting our profession. When I started, many lawyers would say, "I don't touch technology." Now, it's rare to hear that. Technology makes us more agile and efficient, and it brings us closer to other areas within companies, enhancing client relationships.

AI will further transform us by enhancing core competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, synthesis, and simplification. But to leverage these tools effectively, lawyers must develop these skills deeply. One challenge is ensuring that people know how to read and write critically. It might sound basic, but with the rise of digital tools, these fundamental skills are sometimes overlooked.

Without strong reading comprehension and writing abilities, it's hard to analyze complex texts or judge the quality of AI-generated content. Interpersonal skills are also crucial. As the world becomes more remote and digital, lawyers need empathy and sensitivity to connect with clients genuinely.

Our profession is inherently human, much like doctors—we're there to support people during significant moments in their lives.

What's your vision for the legal profession in the next five to ten years?

I believe we'll undergo significant changes. The legal field has a lot of catching up to do compared to other sectors that have embraced process optimization and data management. Specialization will evolve; we won't be able to focus narrowly as we did before because the scope of laws is becoming broader and more interconnected. We'll need to adopt work models that are more flexible and collaborative across different legal areas.

In my technology team, we're not specialists in real estate, finance, or commercial law. So, we need professionals from those areas to understand technology law and vice versa. Working in silos won't be effective. Embracing multidisciplinary collaboration will be key.