What is your academic and professional background?
I am a Mexican lawyer with a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Services, certified by ACAMS and CNBV in AML. I have more than 15 years of experience in compliance and financial regulation, leading Legal & Compliance teams at global institutions such as BlackRock and PayPal. In those roles, I witnessed firsthand how technology can reshape the way legal departments deliver value.
Why did you choose to participate in the AI, Legal Tech and Operations summer program?
I joined the program because I am currently in a professional reinvention stage, moving from traditional legal & compliance roles into digital transformation and legal operations. Bucerius offered the perfect mix of legal innovation, technology, and global perspectives. It was a unique opportunity to explore how AI and legal tech are transforming law firms and corporate legal departments worldwide.
How did the Berlin Study Trip contribute to the learning experience in the program?
The Berlin trip was an eye-opener. Visiting YPOG, a leading law firm showcasing how technology can be leveraged, learning from legal tech startups such as Flightright, and even seeing a NVIDIA chip for the first time at MICRO gave me a tangible sense of how digitalization is being implemented. It connected theory with practice and highlighted the different speeds at which firms and companies adopt AI and legal tech solutions.
You participated in the first summer program hackathon this year. Can you tell us about the experience?
The Legora hackathon was one of the highlights of the program! I loved working with the tool and seeing first hand what we could do with it. The hackathon per se, working with a diverse team to design and pitch a legal tech solution in just a few hours was intense but incredibly rewarding.
It pushed us to think creatively, collaborate across cultures, and turn abstract ideas into something tangible. It showed me how agile and innovative legal problem-solving can be.
How was studying in such a diverse group beneficial to the learning experience?
It was incredibly enriching. We had professionals from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. This diversity broadened my understanding of how legal operations and technology are approached in different jurisdictions and industries.
What new knowledge are you going to put into practice?
I am taking with me a clear methodology for implementing digital transformation in legal departments—starting with process mapping, KPIs, and change management. I also gained practical skills in AI tools, contract automation, and data-driven decision-making, which I will apply in upcoming consulting projects.
What is the most interesting thing you learned academically and personally during the summer program?
Academically, I learned that legal operations can be a true business engine when aligned with strategy and technology. Personally, I discovered the power of community—how sharing experiences with people navigating similar transitions can inspire and accelerate your own journey.
Who would you recommend the program to?
To lawyers, compliance professionals, and legal operations specialists who are curious, forward-thinking, and ready to embrace technology. Especially to those who feel “stuck” in traditional legal work and want to explore what’s next for our profession.
How did you enjoy Hamburg? How did you spend your time away from campus?
Hamburg is beautiful—cosmopolitan yet calm. It was the perfect base to connect with classmates outside the classroom and to experience German daily life at a slower, more reflective pace.
Is there anything else you would like to share with future international students at Bucerius?
Come with an open mind and be ready to share your own story. The program is not just about learning from professors, but also from your peers. Take full advantage of the networking opportunities, the city, and the chance to rethink what your legal career can become.
Laura, thank you for the Interview.
