Inspiring Women in Law - An Interview with Ana Saenz-Gammans

"Work-life balance is essential for long-term success"

Latin Counsel has had the privilege of speaking with Ana Sáenz-Gammans, Senior Manager at EY Law Costa Rica, about her career path, the challenges and rewards of her work, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Ana provides valuable insights into Costa Rica’s legal landscape, highlighting key considerations for investors and promising sectors for growth.

Latin Counsel: What was the determining factor that motivated you to pursue a career in law?

Ana Sáenz: Actually, my path to law was unexpected. After graduating with a degree in Economics from Bard College, NY, I returned to Costa Rica looking for new opportunities and, although at first I felt a bit disoriented, I knew I wanted to continue studying. When I was exploring academic options, I was interested in engineering, but when I was shown the Law curriculum, something clicked. I have always had a passion for reading, critical analysis and constant learning, and I felt that law offered me a unique opportunity to combine these skills. Although I never planned to be a lawyer, let alone in the Corporate field, that initial curiosity led me to discover a career that has been much more than just an academic choice: it has been a way to find my place and my professional purpose.

LC: What do you like most about your job and what do you like least?

Ana Sáenz: What I enjoy most about my work is, without a doubt, the people. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with exceptionally intelligent, determined and committed colleagues and clients. Every interaction, whether with a teammate or a client, gives me a new perspective and allows me to learn something valuable. That diversity of experience and being able to work with people who contribute both professionally and personally is what really inspires me.
As for my least favourite thing, I would say the administrative tasks that can sometimes take up more time than I would like. Although they are a necessary part of the job, I am not as passionate about them as I am about the strategic side or dealing directly with clients and colleagues.

LC: What made you specialise in corporate law?

Ana Sáenz: Although I started my career practicing corporate law almost by inertia, it was during my LLM at Duke that I really discovered my passion for this area, especially for M&A. The courses I took at Duke allowed me to delve deeper into the rules and strategies that apply to M&A transactions, and I found them fascinating. It is a very dynamic field, where you are always learning, whether it is about legal aspects or about specific industries. Also, one of the most interesting aspects of M&A is the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams, from financiers and accountants to experts in different industries, which greatly enriches the process and the analysis. What attracted me most to M&A is that it is not only about understanding the law, but also about understanding the business and industry rules of the Target involved in each transaction. It is a unique combination of legal and commercial, which makes it particularly exciting and challenging.

LC: How has your career at EY evolved?

Ana Sáenz: My journey at EY has been one of continuous growth and evolution. Each year I feel stronger as a professional, both in technical and strategic terms. I have developed a sharper business acumen and a much more pragmatic approach than when I started. I have had the opportunity to participate in complex and challenging transactions that have forced me to grow, to question established methods and to hone my negotiation and transaction structuring skills. The most rewarding thing is that there is always something new to learn; each project surprises me in some way and pushes me to keep improving. I’ve never reached a point where I feel like I know it all, and that’s what I value most: the constant opportunity to keep surpassing the present version of myself.

LC: What legal aspects should investors consider when entering the Costa Rican market?

Ana Saenz: Investors in Costa Rica should consider several key legal aspects to ensure a successful investment. These include:

1. Legal structure: It is fundamental to choose the appropriate legal structure, both at the corporate level (S.A. vs. S.R.L.), as well as at the contractual level.

Foreign investment regulations: While there are generally no restrictions, some sectors, such as telecommunications, may have special limitations or regulations.

3. Permits and licenses: Obtaining all necessary permits and licenses is crucial, especially if the investment affects the environment or involves regulated sectors.

4. Intellectual property: It is important to protect trademarks and assets by registering them locally to avoid future problems.

5. Labour laws and tax system: Complying with labour laws and social security obligations is essential, as well as understanding the territorial tax system, which only taxes income generated within the country.

6. Investment protection: Costa Rica offers protection to foreign investments through bilateral treaties and recognises international arbitration as a method to resolve disputes.

7. Acquisition of property: Although foreigners can acquire property without restrictions in most cases, they must be aware of limitations in areas such as the Maritime Terrestrial Zone.

Each of these points is key to ensuring that investors operate within the Costa Rican legal framework in an effective and secure manner.

LC: What are the most promising sectors for investment in Costa Rica today?

Ana Sáenz: Currently, Costa Rica offers several attractive opportunities for investors. One of the most promising sectors is technology and services, where the country has established itself as a regional hub for IT and shared services companies. Technology infrastructure and skilled talent make it an ideal destination for outsourcing and development centres.
Another very relevant sector is renewable energy, in which Costa Rica is a world leader. With more than 98% of its energy coming from clean sources, investments in solar, wind and biomass are booming, supported by government incentives and a strong focus on sustainability.
Sustainable tourism remains a pillar of the economy. Costa Rica is a benchmark in ecotourism, and projects that promote sustainability and responsible tourism have great potential. Investments in eco-hotels and nature experiences are very attractive.
Finally, the agricultural sector, particularly in organic and high value-added products, such as coffee and cocoa, remains promising. Global demand for organic food is on the rise, and Costa Rica, with its focus on sustainability and quality, is an excellent place for this type of investment.

LC: What is the key to staying up-to-date in a constantly evolving legal environment and how do you keep up with changes and developments in legislation?

Ana Saenz: The key is to keep a proactive mindset and use various information tools. Firstly, it is essential to be subscribed to reliable sources, such as law firm legal newsletters, academic publications and specialised legal databases that provide alerts on legislative changes and relevant court decisions. At EY we have these tools across many practice areas and disciplines, which is extremely enriching.
In addition, attending seminars and conferences, whether face-to-face or virtual, allows us to be in contact with experts in the field and to obtain information on trends and new regulations. Interacting with colleagues through professional networks is also invaluable to discuss and analyse the impact of changes affecting both our clients and our own legal industry.
Personally, I keep up to date by combining these practices with the use of legal technology, such as platforms that facilitate case research and up-to-date regulations. I also spend time studying developments in specific areas of interest, such as legal technology and emerging regulations, which allows me to adapt my M&A practice to new market realities.

LC: How does EY foster an inclusive and diverse work environment?

Ana Saenz: EY is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, recognising that diversity in perspectives, skills and experiences is key to innovation and success. The firm implements specific policies and programmes to ensure that all people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or background, feel valued and respected.
One of EY’s cornerstones is the creation of inclusion networks that support groups such as women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and racial and ethnic minorities. These networks not only provide support and mentoring, but also help to make diverse voices visible within the organisation.
Through these efforts, EY seeks not only to comply with diversity and inclusion regulations, but to go beyond them, creating a culture where diversity is seen as a driver of growth and creativity.

LC: If you had not gone into law, what other path do you think you would have chosen professionally?

Ana Sáenz: It is very difficult to choose, as I have a variety of interests and passions. When I was 18, I went to New York thinking I was going to study Art and end up becoming a Fashion Designer. But I quickly switched to Economics, a decision I don’t regret in the least. In my adult life I have also visualised myself as a writer, chef, artist, entrepreneur and businesswoman. I think that if I had not chosen the path of law or if I left it today, I would probably divide my time between many different activities and functions.

LC: What activities do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Ana Sáenz: As a mother, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and my husband, creating special moments as a family. One of my great passions is cooking, where I love to experiment with new healthy and delicious recipes. I have been a vegetarian for 25 years, and for me it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, both in terms of food and general wellbeing. This approach not only allows me to take care of myself, but also to be a positive role model for my daughter, showing her the importance of a healthy and mindful lifestyle, even in the races of everyday life.

LC: What key advice would you offer to women who aspire to have a successful career like yours in the legal field?

Ana Saenz: My main advice is to be confident in your voice and your abilities. The legal industry can be very challenging, particularly for young women in Latin America. However, it is important to stand firm in your convictions, surround yourself with supportive mentors and always look for opportunities to learn and grow. It is also important to remember that work-life balance is essential for long-term success.
Ana Sáenz is a senior manager in the corporate and commercial division of EY Law Costa Rica.
She specialises in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, foreign and domestic investment.
She holds a Master of Laws degree from Duke University, as well as a Bachelor of Laws summa cum laude from Universidad Latina and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Bard College.