A day in the life of… Interview with Albert Rivera (Executive Chairman of Martínez-Echevarría & Rivera)

The new installment of our interviews with important professionals in the world of law: Albert Rivera

Today we share the third installment of “A day in the life of…”. On this occasion, you will get to know Albert Rivera, Executive Chairman of the law firm Martínez-Echevarría & Rivera Abogados, in more depth.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive at the office or when you start your working day?

When I get to the office the first thing I do is have a coffee. I don’t forgive morning coffee; it’s the way to start the working day, although I’ve probably had some before. Then I usually have meetings with my secretary or some of the partners and start with the agenda.

Normally with clients, internal office meetings, and some outings from the office to meetings with clients. And some lunch. Anyway, that’s kind of day-to-day.

What role do marketing and communication play in your day-to-day work?

I am convinced of communication and I have always been, for obvious reasons. I come from the world of politics, which has a lot to do with communication. In the world of law and law firms, I think we have to be much braver when it comes to communication, to explain, to tell what we do; we need society to know lawyers, not to see us as something distant, and we need a lot of communication. This type of initiative is very good for people to know about our day-to-day work and for them to see us as a help, not as an obstacle.

What is your favorite place to get lost and disconnected?

I love the sea because I am Mediterranean, as the Spanish song says: “I was born in the Mediterranean”, and any corner with a beach, a Mediterranean cove if it can be with few people, better, quiet, a sunset, a swim … is what really disconnects me. The water and the sea.

If you were a product, what would your slogan be?

Feel free!

What book would Albert Rivera recommend to us?

I like biographies and historical characters. Ayaan Hirsi Ali comes to mind, a liberal reference, a woman from the Islamic world with “My life, my freedom”, her book. A book that talks about the feminist struggle, not only a feminist struggle but a struggle for freedom against dogma and fundamentalist totalitarianism. She presided over it and explained her whole life. I can think of other characters but now that female leadership is in vogue, she would be one of my references.

What song or songs do you like to listen to after a long day’s work?

Music accompanies me almost all the time: in the car, when I go to work, when I travel, at home… I like flamenco, but I also like rock. I like to play ‘Bohemian Rhapsody, ‘I want to break free from Queen, Miguel Poveda, or any other reference of Spanish flamenco. I am very heterogeneous. I am a hybrid in general in my life, and in music as well.

What advice would Albert Rivera give to a young person starting his career?

Not to stick to the usual. If he believes in dreams and has innovative ideas, let him carry them out, let him try. Not to conform to the established rules. If I have learned anything in life, it is that when they tell you that this has to be this way because it has always been done this way, the typical Spanish phrase, I think you should ask yourself why it can’t be done differently. You can be wrong, but you have to innovate. Innovation is part of the world we live in and sometimes the great pioneers are greatly misunderstood.

In the working world, also sometimes, I would like to see people who ask themselves more questions, who intend to change things or to set up on their own and not just be dependent on others, but to set up their own company. Let them dream, but let them always ask themselves the why of things.

Gericó Associates

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