InterJuris Abogados‘ Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado is a partner, member of the Executive Committee, and head of the Energy Department. She has extensive experience negotiating and incorporating oil and gas companies, as well as advising foreign oil companies doing business in Venezuela. She has also advised gas companies during all rounds of bidding for gas licenses. She has previously assisted in the conversion of operating and association agreements into mixed companies engaged in Venezuelan oil development projects. She has advised oil and gas service companies, downstream companies, and infrastructure projects on legal matters. She has worked on high-profile project financing as well as large-scale project financing with oil proceeds.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Tell us about your journey. Please share your background and what did you do before you joined InterJuris Abogados?
Before joining InterJuris Abogados, I worked in two major law firms, one in Venezuela and the other international, where I was a member of the Executive Committee and had worldwide positions. I have always been a lawyer focused on the energy sector: oil, gas, and renewable energy, where I have been able to lead processes of opening, “nationalization”, transformation of the sector, and reopening in Venezuela.
Tell us more about the firm.
InterJuris Abogados was established in 2010 as a business law firm servicing leading Venezuelan clients and major foreign entities, and today is one of the leading law firms in the country. The firm’s international reach, with offices in Caracas, Miami, and Madrid, has enabled it to become one of the most important players in the Latin American legal market.
Why did you choose to become a legal expert?
I decided to become a lawyer as part of a family tradition and because it gives you a global view (of business and personal relations) that is useful throughout life. I also value justice, and by becoming a lawyer, I could contribute to it.
As the Partner, what are your major roles and responsibilities in the firm?
My major roles within InterJuris Abogados are: i) Head of the Energy and Natural Resources Department, where I supervise partners and associates in the area, manage the client portfolio and develop relationships to get new clients for the firm; and ii) Member of the Executive Committee, where I lead Human Resources, General Services and Marketing.
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
Within the firm, I am proud to be a person dedicated to coaching and mentoring lawyers in training; highlighting and living the values of the firm; identifying and enhancing the qualities of the different members of the team; promoting a good work environment; giving incentives; supporting minorities with the policies of the firm; and being part of the decision process. I have been a dedicated wife to Juan José Delgado for over 30 years. I’m a philanthropist, actively supporting two of the most prestigious American youth foundations (currently a member of the executive committee of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Miami Dade) and several Venezuelan foundations in a more discrete role.
What changes do you wish to bring in society?
I want to make a difference in the world by supporting minorities, especially women, and contributing to having less social disparity and less polarization.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far and why?
I am very proud that the Energy Department of InterJuris Abogados has been recognized as a leader in the sector by the top international rankings. In addition, getting married to Juan José has been a great achievement since we are a power couple that shares many aspects of their lives: labor matters, the law firm, investments in real estate, energy, design and technology, among others.
What advice would you give to the emerging leaders and enthusiasts considering a career in legal sector?
Many niches are being developed and will need legal advice. Today, it is not enough to study law and become a successful lawyer in your area of expertise. It is fundamental to study other areas that complement the legal profession, such as an MBA, as I did myself, engineering, marketing, and technology, among others. This makes you a well-rounded professional that will be able to provide better legal advice.
Where do you see yourself and the firm in upcoming years?
In the upcoming years, I would like to stablish in one city and be able to teach again at a prestigious university while I continue to work for InterJuris Abogados and position it as the most important law firm of Venezuela in all practice areas.
Website: www.interjuris.com
