The best lawyers are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to constantly learn and grow. Marina is no different: she is fascinated by the intricacies of finance and loves the challenge of navigating complex deals. She thrives on the dynamic nature of banking and finance law, the thrill of high-stakes deals, and the excitement of an insider's perspective on major corporate operations. 

The reality of being a legal professional these days is staying on top of the evolving technology in the legal field, while also keeping up with ever-changing legal regulations. Given these circumstances, efficiencies driven by AI are a boon to lawyers, though nothing can replace true human connection. Marina is a proponent of building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. A big believer in the power of mentorship, she hopes to guide the next generation of lawyers, and even gives aspiring lawyers tips on how to make it in the field throughout her interview.

We chat about her unexpected journey into law, the detailed work of financial analysis, and why she might open a flower shop someday (just as soon as she’s done helping to build her department from scratch). 

Let's dive right in. What made you choose law? Was it a childhood dream or a twist of fate?

You know, it's funny—law wasn't this grand calling from a young age. My parents weren't lawyers or anything like that. It was actually my aunt, my dad's younger sister, who sparked the idea. We're close in age and spent a lot of time together. She'd share stories about her cases, and it just clicked for me.

I've always been more of a words person. For a hot minute, I debated going into economics—my dad worked at a bank before he retired, and my brother is in that field too. But the thought of crunching numbers all day didn't light my fire. I found this sweet spot: a law degree with a focus on economics at the University of Deusto in Bilbao. Best of both worlds, right?

Fast forward to now—you're knee-deep in banking and finance law. What's the thrill for you in this field?

Where do I even start? We're usually working with banks, and I love financial analysis— digging into a company's assets, liabilities, figuring out their financial health. When a company wants to expand internationally, we get to craft the contracts that make it happen.

The coolest part? Getting an inside look at massive companies. Imagine being in the know about a major retailer's next move before it hits the newsstands.

It's like having a backstage pass to the corporate world. Seeing how these giants operate, evolve, and strategize is fascinating.

Can you share a memorable project that really got your adrenaline pumping?

Oh, there's this fund we work with—they started small but are now taking over Europe and America. Every acquisition they make is like a new chapter in an epic novel. Each country, each company brings its own flavor. We get to see why they're buying, what challenges they face, and help navigate through it all. It's like being part of a series where every episode has its own plot twists.

You've mentioned late nights and tight deadlines. What's been a standout achievement for you amidst all that?

Honestly, seeing our deals make headlines is a surreal feeling. Sometimes I still feel like that newbie straight out of law school, but then I remember those nights negotiating until 4 AM. When a major hotel chain expands and it's all over the news, and I know I played a part—that's a pinch-me moment.

On a personal note, taking the leap to join this firm and help build our department from the ground up was huge. It was a gamble, leaving the comfort of a big international firm, but it's paid off. We're growing, clients are returning, and it feels like we're onto something special.

Building a department from scratch is no small feat. What drove you to take that risk?

I guess I was craving something more hands-on. The idea of being a cog in a massive machine didn't appeal to me as much as rolling up my sleeves and building something. When the opportunity came knocking to create a new department, it felt like the universe was saying, "Go for it!" So I did.

They say practicing law is an art. What do you think makes your work stand out?

Attention to detail, for sure.

In our field, one tiny mistake can cause a domino effect of issues. We're also perpetual students because laws and regulations change like the wind. You have to stay sharp, always learning.

But beyond that, it's about understanding people—both your clients and the other parties involved. That human element adds color to what could otherwise be a black-and-white profession.

Let's talk about the sacrifices. What's the toughest part of your job?

The unpredictability can be rough. You might have dinner plans, but if a client needs something done by morning, those plans are out the window. It's a constant balancing act. But at the same time, there's a thrill in that urgency. It's like being a firefighter, but for legal emergencies!

How has technology changed the game since you started?

Oh man, where do I begin? When I first started, face-to-face meetings were the norm. We'd print out stacks of documents, and our desks looked like paper mountains. Now, everything's digital. COVID accelerated that shift—suddenly, everything was on Zoom or Teams. It's made things more efficient, sure, but sometimes I miss the personal touch of in-person meetings.

As for AI and advanced tech tools, they've been lifesavers for mundane tasks. But I worry about the newbies. There's something to be said for doing the grunt work—it builds foundational skills. If you're just clicking buttons and letting the computer do the thinking, you miss out on learning the ropes.

What skills do you think are essential for lawyers today and in the future?

First off, reading and writing—sounds basic, but you'd be surprised. Really understanding what's on the page is crucial. Analytical thinking is key—you need to sift through information and pinpoint what's important. Time management and stress management are lifesavers in this line of work.

And, of course, people skills. You can be a legal genius, but if you can't communicate effectively with clients or colleagues, you're not going to get far. Building relationships is everything.

You've touched on stress management. How do you keep yourself grounded amidst the chaos?

It's a work in progress! I've learned to focus on what I can control. If I've done everything in my power, stressing won't change the outcome. Also, setting boundaries is important. Sometimes you have to accept that not everything can be perfect, and that's okay.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in five to ten years? Maybe running the whole show?

Ha! Maybe not the whole show, but I'd love to see our department thriving, with a solid team that I've helped mentor. I'd like to shift more towards strategy and client relationships, letting the next generation handle the nitty-gritty. But who knows? Maybe I'll open that flower shop I've always joked about!

Any advice for aspiring lawyers or those just starting out?

Dive in headfirst, but don't lose sight of who you are. Build those foundational skills—don't skip the hard stuff because tech makes it easier.

And remember, relationships are everything in this field. Be someone people want to work with, not just someone who knows the law.