Inspiring Women in Law: Sandra Touma’s Visionary Path at VIVANCO & VIVANCO

Latin Counsel is delighted to present this exclusive interview as part of our Inspiring Women in Law series.

Today, we sit down with Sandra Touma, Legal Director at VIVANCO & VIVANCO, a firm that has stood as a pillar of the Latin American legal landscape since 1902.
Sandra is much more than an expert in corporate law; she is a pioneer who has successfully harmonized a 123-year-old heritage with a modern, female-led leadership model. Recently named the Leading Corporate Law Adviser of 2025 – Ecuador by AI Global Media Magazine, Sandra discusses her journey from Harvard to the global stage, and how she is opening doors for the next generation of women.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: VIVANCO & VIVANCO is one of the most respected and oldest firms in Latin America. How do you balance the responsibility of preserving such a long-standing heritage with the need for modern innovation?
 
Sandra Touma: It is a responsibility I take very seriously. The firm’s history is deeply entwined with the history of Latin America itself—our lawyers have spent over a century drafting legislation and undertaking strategic litigation. My role is to preserve that heritage while driving a positive cultural shift. We do this by blending seasoned professionals with young, creative minds. This synergy allows us to offer an innovative, globally-minded approach to every case while staying true to our roots.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: You have been instrumental in a very specific cultural shift at the firm: the establishment of leadership teams predominantly composed of women. Why was this important to you?
 
Sandra Touma: Throughout my 15-year journey, I have seen the legal industry evolve, but there is still work to be done in opening doors for women. At VIVANCO & VIVANCO, we are leveraging our international status to lead by example. By having women lead my teams, we are not just talking about change; we are living it. It empowers female lawyers to thrive and drive innovation on a truly international stage.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: Your academic and professional background is incredibly diverse, with stops at the University of Barcelona and Harvard Law School. How has this global perspective shaped your practice in Ecuador and beyond?
 
Sandra Touma: My experiences in both the public sector—including senior roles at the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security—and private practice have given me a unique vantage point. My time at Harvard, specifically the Negotiation and Leadership program, reinforced my belief that law is not just about rules. Today, I see my work as building bridges between law, strategy, and people. That is what keeps me passionate.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: VIVANCO & VIVANCO has a massive footprint, from its headquarters in Florida to offices across the UK, Spain, Canada, and nearly every major Latin American country. How does this network support your mission for female empowerment?
 
Sandra Touma: Our presence in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Chile, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Ecuador allows us to influence the legal culture across the entire region. This international stage is crucial. It means the impact of our female leaders isn’t confined to national borders; we are part of a global movement.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: Speaking of global movements, you joined "Women in a Legal World" (WLW) earlier this year. How do these networks contribute to your work?
 
Sandra Touma: Participation in networks like WLW, AIJA in Washington, and attending international conferences like INTA 2025 in San Diego is vital. These platforms are where we build on our legal knowledge and navigate diverse legal systems. They foster a "global sisterhood" of law that provides the support and collaboration necessary to navigate complex business environments and varying organizational cultures.
 
LATIN COUNSEL: Finally, what is the core philosophy that drives you as you look toward the future of the legal profession?
 
Sandra Touma: It comes down to connection. My approach as both a lawyer and a leader is defined by the idea that we are solving human and strategic problems, not just legal ones. By flying the flag for women’s leadership and utilizing the vast heritage of our firm, I hope to continue being a force for change in the global legal arena.

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