Virginia González, from Barros & Errázuriz (Chile), was selected to participate in our Secondment program at Miranda & Amado (Peru). Beyond the professional aspects, this journey allowed her to establish friendly connections and acquire unforgettable insights into her legal career.
What motivated you to participate in our Secondment program?
Primarily, the significant life experience of working in another country. On one hand, there was the challenge in the professional realm of taking on new responsibilities and tasks in a different country, and on the other hand, stepping out of my comfort zone to get to know a new law firm, a new group of people, to learn from them, and contribute my knowledge.
In which area of Miranda & Amado did you work?
I worked in the Regulatory area, specifically with the Competition Law team. Our work primarily focused on advising clients on transactions that needed to be notified to Indecopi, the competition authority in Peru. I was involved in various projects, working with groups of economists, and advising clients on structuring potential operations.
What do you highlight from your experience in the program?
What stands out the most is stepping out of my comfort zone and arriving in a country where I didn’t know the people or the legal system. So, there was this challenge of adapting to a new place and getting to know a new group of people, integrating, and forming friendships.
How was your cultural adaptation process?
The experience of living and working in a foreign country was enriching in many ways. Regarding the cultural aspect, I was fortunate to travel to various places in Peru where the richness is immense. I also learned about its cultural history, which, in several cases, has connections with that of Chile. Socially, I had the opportunity to meet many friends from the firm, both from my area and others.
Do you have any memorable anecdotes?
I would like to highlight the Halloween party at Miranda & Amado. I think it was lovely to see everyone motivated to dress up and compete. Also, I saw the decorations in the common areas and each workspace in the office. There was a lot of enthusiasm from the lawyers, but also from the children who came to the office. We even had a moment to give them candies.
In one word, how would you describe this experience?
Honestly, it’s challenging to summarize because it’s an experience filled with emotion and feelings. But mainly, I believe the word is “Reciprocity.” On one hand, you arrive in a new country and have much to offer, not only in legal matters but also on a human level because many people are eager to get to know you and understand your perspective on various topics. On the other hand, you also gain insights into the professional realm, a different working style, and beautiful experiences with many people. This also demonstrates how similar our firms are in Affinitas as if we were sibling firms.
About Secondment
The Affinitas Secondment program, founded in 2004, provides our young lawyers with a unique experience both personally and professionally by working in one of our member firms abroad. We offer comprehensive support in administrative matters, accommodation, and insurance to ensure an enriching experience.
