Jorge Arenales - A day in the life of...

Today we learn more about Jorge Arenales

It is the turn of Jorge Arenales, partner at Arias Law since 1998 and head of the Corporate and Finance departments. In addition, he is currently co-chair at the Latin American Council (International Section) of the New York State Bar Association and global ambassador of Northwestern University. We share his answers in a new installment 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 always arrive early, and the first thing I always try to do is to check my agenda and the messages received or pending to answer. I say “try” because I almost never complete it, as fortunately I have several distractions such as unplanned visits and calls. That keeps me excited.

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

The most important thing for me is proper communication in every sense. Both written, verbal and corporal. It is important to have a proper communication with the team, colleagues, partners and clients. In my experience, you have to work very hard on internal communication in order to have an excellent team, and consequently a good professional service.

At one time in my career I did not think like that, I thought that internal communication was taken for granted, and I only focused on proper communication with clients. I learned that I was wrong!

In relation to legal marketing, which is something relatively new in our Latin American countries; and in the management of social networks, which is a relevant topic, we have seen colleagues and firms that use it heavily to give themselves notoriety and expose their achievements. Also, the importance of international rankings has changed the mindset as to whether it is necessary to have an internal or external marketing and communications team in law firms.

In this sense, there must be, in my opinion, a balance between the deontological obligation of confidentiality and marketing. In my opinion, the deontological principle should always prevail.

Here is where I personally have certain reservations; however, the need for exposure, the importance of being in the top of mind of people and companies, and rankings in international directories has pushed the legal industry to open up to marketing more than ever before.

I do not know if it is a trend or a radical change in the legal practice. I have witnessed cases where the publication of a deal, transaction or casehas led to claims from clients and colleagues. This is where I see the delicacy of legal marketing, where we must take care and protect the basic principles of the profession such as confidentiality, non-solicitation and offering legal services.

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

The truth is that I cannot say that I have had weird experiences in the office. What I have had is a complete experience of this profession, which is a social science. I am constantly in contact with people, and that makes it alive, intense, different, satisfying, stressful, emotional, etc., There have been all kinds of situations, that’s for sure.

Your favorite place to get lost and disconnect?

To look out of my window; I have always had a big tree in front or greenery.

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

“Constancy”.

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

That one does not stop learning, as many people have said. Another issue is not to come to firm conclusions too soon! Also the power of silence.

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

Apart from the academic basics, which are to make a great effort to prepare oneself professionally, I would tell them:

That, in my opinion, there is no formula other than hard and consistent work;
Listen to your sixth sense
That actions speak louder than words;
That silence is very powerful and avoids many problems;
To have patience. This profession is a marathon, and not a sprint;
To choose a career in which with age one becomes more valuable;
That we all make mistakes in life, but the most important thing is to talk about them when you become aware of them, and not to hide them;
Never lie. Trust is a very important principle;
That a reputation takes 20 years to be built and five minutes to be destroyed;
You achieve much more with good treatment and good education, than with just a good argument.
When choosing where to work, look for good mentors;
Loyalty and recognizing that your success is not only your own merit, but is the result of several people who have given you the opportunity and have trusted you.

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

Personally, that private universities pay more attention to Public Law. There should be a discussion, proposals on this subject. They should not only focus on Private Law.

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.