Inspiring Women In Law - An Interview with Carolina Zang: How strategy, risk, smart finances and the human factor lead to great leadership in business

Latin Counsel spoke with Carolina Zang, Partner at Zang, Bergel y Viñes Abogados (ZBV) and member of its Executive Committee, about her noteworthy projects in the financial arena and the ideal qualities of a good business leader. Zang, who is also a director of Pampa Energía (PAM), BrasilAgro Companhia Brasileira de Propiedades Agrícolas (AGRO3), Banco Hipotecario, Futures and Options (FyO) and Agrofy Argentina, shared her advice for women seeking to excel in the legal field.

Latin Counsel: How has your growth at ZBV been and what was your most valuable lesson there?

Carolina Zang: After three decades in the legal trenches, which include my role as Head of the Finance & Banking department and 12 years of Managing Partner, one lesson I’ve learned is that the law may be black and white in books, but in practice, it’s all the shades of gray and rainbow that keep us on our toes. And let me tell you, mastering those shades is an art form worth every wrinkle it adds! Experience has taught me that while legal expertise is crucial and a given since it’s what you learn in law school, the ability to navigate human dynamics is essential for success. Sometimes, it’s not just about what’s written in statutes but about reading between the lines of human intentions and motivations. After all, the human factor weighs in when it comes to internal teams being managed and when we interact with clients and deal with transactions. The human factor is important throughout, and the ability to adapt to different cultures and scenarios while using wit and intelligence to navigate complexities is what ultimately achieves favorable outcomes.
As part of the management of a firm, another witty lesson I’ve gleaned over the years is that managing my own business and clients’ businesses can be like a game of chess. It’s not always about making the most obvious move but anticipating strategies and thinking several steps ahead. And just like in chess, sometimes the most unexpected and creative moves lead to the most satisfying victories.

After years in the game, I’ve come to realize that suggesting safe, vanilla decisions is bland and uninspiring. The real spice of our profession lies in embracing the bold, the daring, the decisions that make the heart race faster. It’s about convincing the client that sometimes, to innovate and excel, we’ve got to ride the wave of risk. That’s where the magic happens, and that’s what separates the legendary from the one-trick ponies.

I’ve learned that humility and empathy are powerful tools in the legal profession. No matter how seasoned we are, there’s always something new to learn, and every client’s story deserves to be heard with compassion and understanding. Listening is crucial in understanding needs, concerns, and objectives, enabling lawyers to provide the most tailored and effective legal solutions. So, here’s to three decades of legal wisdom, where every deal has been a challenge and a powerful lesson,