A day in the life of… Interview with Lourdes Centeno (Coordinating Partner of the Legal Department of EY Abogados)

Today we get to know Lourdes Centeno in more depth

Today, we interview Lourdes Centeno Huerta, coordinating partner of the legal area of EY Abogados and head of Corporate Law, Corporate Governance and Capital Markets, who answers our questions in a new issue of “A day in the life of…”.

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

I need plenty of coffee in the morning, so almost as soon as I walk through the door on the 17th floor of the Azca Tower (where the professionals at EY Abogados work), I make myself one. Then, I confirm with my secretary the day’s agenda that I have previously reviewed the night before, I make any calls I may have pending and I review both the Official State Gazette and the Official Journal of the European Union and doctrinal articles or case law rulings to which we have access every day. This last one is a habit that, although it takes me some time every morning (and with the extension that each day allows me), I impose it to myself first thing in the morning to avoid that the course of the day ends up making it impossible. I think it is essential to ensure a minimum permanent update.

What role do Marketing and Communication play in your day-to-day business?

Marketing and Communication have become, for some time now, also for law firms, relevant tools for building and preserving a “brand”. I believe that this is extremely important in terms of trust and reputation and, therefore, for the consolidation of their position in the market. Obviously, this functionality is only possible thanks to the excellent work developed by professionals with expertise in the field, having solid relationships with our current clients and developing a corporate culture based on principles and values that allow us to identify our firm with the attributes and leadership that we want to reflect in the market. A purpose in which your contribution is undoubtedly fundamental, as well as to attract new clients, grow and generate a sense of pride and belonging among our teams. It also allows us to know the environment in which we compete.

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you in the office?

I don’t remember anything particularly unusual that has happened to me during my professional life. I have encountered technically complex issues or more or less uncomfortable personal situations as a result of the diversity of profiles and personalities that make up the almost 5,000 people in EY Spain. In any case, I don’t think none of that can be described as unusual.

Your favorite place to get lost and disconnect?

The countryside! Any expanse of countryside where you can go for long walks, especially in the afternoon.

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

…Uhm… With your permission, I’m going to borrow a phrase from Rafa Nadal with which I fully identify: “When you want something very badly, no sacrifice is too big”.

What book would you recommend?

“El infinito en un junco”, by Irene Vallejo.

What is the biggest learning you have taken away from your current position and throughout your career?

It is difficult to prioritize one over the others. Perhaps, at present, -although I believe that nothing is ever completely learned-, the need to delegate, something that I have always had a hard time with. Throughout my professional career, I have also learned to respect other criteria, even if they were not shared; the need to listen and study a lot before speaking and giving guidance; and the courage to remain faithful to what I thought I should advise or decide, after study, contrast and reflection, despite possible pressures or adverse opinions.

What advice would you give to a young person starting out in his or her career?

I would tell him to never get tired of learning every day or of being afraid to take on the challenges and opportunities that professional life places in our way; to always avoid mediocrity in the management of each matter, in the relationship with each client and with his professional environment, and to maintain an attentive attitude of openness to change and resilience in the face of the difficulties, frustrations and sacrifices that, especially at the beginning, but always, professional practice will entail.

Which areas of your industry need the biggest boost over the next five years?

In recent years, the legal sector has been undergoing a revolution that affects both the services offered to our clients and the way in which we lend them. The new challenges imposed by the market, the increase in workload and the strain on available resources lead me to believe that managed legal services -those in which the use of the most advanced technology plays a fundamental role- will have an exponential development for the sake of greater efficiency, a reduction in costs and risks and a better allocation of resources. In this regard, EY Abogados has been firmly committed, for years, to the use of technology in the provision of its services, making technological investments and incorporating teams of highly specialized professionals to advise our clients in order to face all the challenges posed by the new digital environment. Also in the provision of services that allow our clients to make the structures from which they have traditionally been responding to their legal matters more flexible.

Talent management in our industry is another of the great challenges we will face in the coming years. Beyond professional careers, remuneration and the responsibilities inherent to our profession, it seems clear that the new generations of lawyers prioritize flexibility, conciliation and a good working environment. All this will require us to offer them an environment that provides them with a professional challenge and a project, based on a job well done, constant training and team value, with which they can identify.

Gericó Associates is the first legal marketing, communications and business development consultancy for law firms in Europe and Latin America. If you want to contact us and receive more information, please contact us here.