Conference programme

This session will begin with a brief introduction on how law firm management structures typically work — from equity partner governance and management committees to practice group leadership and operational roles. This context will set the stage to discuss whether young lawyers truly have a realistic path to leadership positions today, or if this remains a distant aspiration.

The discussion will address:
• the impact of traditional hierarchical structures on young lawyers’ growth;
• strategies to retain and empower the next generation of partners;
• the role of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement; and
• regional and cultural barriers to early leadership.

This session will take the form of an interactive roundtable, with each table hosted by a managing partner from a leading Latin American law firm. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with the managing partners, gaining personal insights into their journeys to leadership and the skills, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

Topics to be discussed at each table include:
• navigating firm politics and partnership dynamics;
• building a personal brand and network within the region;
• leadership styles that resonate in Latin America;
• fostering diversity and inclusion at the top; and
• perspectives on preparing future firm leaders.