Inspiring Women in Law: a conversation with Erika Baez Elizondo  

"Ethics are non-negotiable in our profession."

Erika Baez Elizondo is a partner at Greenberg Traurig and has extensive experience in tax consulting. Her practice includes designing tax strategies for both local and international companies, as well as advising on corporate restructuring, regulatory compliance, and international taxation.

With experience in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, Erika has also worked with publicly traded companies and provided tax advice to individuals in Mexico and abroad. Her approach combines technical expertise with a practical perspective, focused on delivering clear and sustainable solutions.

In this interview, she shares her insights on the main challenges in tax matters, the importance of ethical compliance, and her commitment to pro bono advising for nonprofit organizations.

Latin Counsel: What motivated you to specialize in tax law?

Erika Baez: From early on in my career, I was drawn to the structured logic and direct impact that tax matters have on a business’s strategic decisions. I enjoy analyzing complex regulatory frameworks and offering practical solutions that add value to companies and individuals in their business operations. Knowing that my advice can make a real difference in a company’s sustainability and growth is truly rewarding.

Latin Counsel: If you hadn’t gone into tax consulting, what other profession would have interested you and why?

Erika Baez: I probably would have pursued organizational psychology. I’m interested in understanding how people function in work environments and how culture can be built from leadership. I firmly believe in the power of human relationships as a driver of professional success.

Latin Counsel: Based on your experience, what are the biggest challenges companies face in the current tax landscape in Mexico?

Erika Baez: The biggest challenge is uncertainty. Constant regulatory changes, increased auditing, and a lack of consistent criteria create complexity. Companies and individuals need to be prepared with solid structures, transparency, and a proactive compliance strategy.

Latin Counsel: What aspects of tax consulting do you enjoy the most?

Erika Baez: I enjoy the intellectual challenge each case presents. I also deeply value the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn from various industries, and build lasting client relationships based on trust and results.

Latin Counsel: You’ve worked with many publicly traded companies. What are the most important tax considerations for these organizations?

Erika Baez: Transparency and rigorous compliance are essential. These companies must balance tax efficiency with corporate responsibility, always considering reputational and regulatory impacts—both local and international.

Latin Counsel: How do you approach asset relocation and corporate structure review from a tax perspective?

Erika Baez: I take a comprehensive and strategic approach. I consider not only the immediate tax implications but also operational, regulatory, and long-term feasibility. The key is to design flexible, efficient structures aligned with business objectives.

Latin Counsel: In your experience, what are the most common tax mistakes companies make and how can they avoid them?

Erika Baez: One common mistake is failing to anticipate regulatory changes or underestimating their impact. Prevention and good planning are essential to avoid this. I recommend investing in specialized advice and providing internal training for key teams.

Latin Counsel: How do you handle the interpretation and analysis of complex tax provisions at both federal and local levels?

Erika Baez: With a technical approach and openness to critical analysis. It’s essential to combine a detailed reading of the law with practical experience and a deep understanding of the economic and legal context. I also foster dialogue with authorities, colleagues, and experts in other fields to enrich perspectives.

Latin Counsel: What strategies do you recommend for conducting effective tax audits and ensuring compliance?

Erika Baez: An effective tax audit starts long before the formal review—it’s built day by day through a compliance-focused organizational culture. The first key strategy is to have clear, well-documented internal processes that are kept up-to-date with current regulations. This also involves continuous training for the accounting and legal teams so they can identify risks and address them early.

Another key strategy is to carry out regular internal reviews or preventive audits to identify vulnerabilities, correct deviations, and strengthen controls before facing an official review.

Additionally, I recommend maintaining open, collaborative communication with tax authorities when necessary—always with a technical and well-supported stance. Finally, having specialized advice provides an objective and strategic external perspective that can make a real difference in how audits are approached and resolved. Anticipation, order, and transparency are essential pillars of effective compliance.

Latin Counsel: Tax regulations can be complicated. How do you help your clients understand their tax obligations in Mexico and abroad?

Erika Baez: I simplify the complex. I strive to communicate clearly and accessibly, translating regulations into concrete actions. Technical knowledge must always be paired with effective communication.

Latin Counsel: Your practice includes pro bono advising for nonprofit organizations. What motivates you to dedicate time to this cause?

Erika Baez: I firmly believe that knowledge should serve a social purpose. Advising organizations that work for the common good allows me to contribute what I know to causes that generate a positive impact. It’s a way to give back and build a fairer environment.

Latin Counsel: What role do you think ethics and social responsibility play in tax practice?

Erika Baez: A central role. Ethics is non-negotiable in our profession. Being a tax advisor means acting with integrity, seeking legitimate solutions, and contributing to the stability of the tax system. Social responsibility is part of that commitment.

Latin Counsel: How do you stay up to date with trends and changes in tax legislation both in Mexico and internationally?

Erika Baez: Staying current is a vital part of my routine. I attend forums, participate in professional associations, give lectures, and maintain an active collaboration network with colleagues across different jurisdictions.

Latin Counsel: How do you balance your professional life with your personal interests and hobbies?

Erika Baez: From my perspective, balance is the result of conscious decisions, which requires intention and discipline. To achieve it, I set clear boundaries between professional and personal time, prioritizing and organizing my schedule in advance to include both work commitments and personal space. I take care of my professional and personal well-being by being present in each moment. The key lies in intention and in remembering that taking care of myself is also a way to be better professionally.

Latin Counsel: What has your experience as a controller at a Family Office taught you about tax management?

Erika Baez: It gave me a comprehensive view of estate planning and the importance of integrating tax strategy with financial and operational planning. I learned that trust and transparency are key in managing family assets.

Latin Counsel: What advice would you give to young aspiring lawyers starting their careers in tax law?

Erika Baez: Cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and professional ethics. Don’t shy away from complexity—within it lie the greatest opportunities for learning and growth. I’d also recommend building a solid foundation in financial and accounting topics, as mastering these areas allows you to provide more comprehensive, strategic, and aligned tax advice. The broader your understanding of other business areas, the more valuable your role will be in tax. A successful career in tax is strengthened by a multidisciplinary vision and a constant commitment to excellence.

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