Inspiring Women in Law: a conversation with Patricia Kaim

‘It is not enough to open up spaces; it is necessary to transform the rules of the game’
 

Latin Counsel has the privilege of interviewing Patricia Kaim, a partner at Von Wobeser y Sierra, who is a leading figure in the field of Industrial and Intellectual Property, with more than twenty years of experience that have positioned her both in Mexico and internationally. Her vast experience includes advising leading multinationals in their sectors, as well as renowned law firms that rely on her expertise to handle their most important matters. In addition to her technical focus, Patricia is also part of the ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) practice group, reflecting her commitment to a comprehensive approach in her work.

With an academic background from the best universities in Mexico and the United States, she has participated in high-profile litigation and mergers and acquisitions where intellectual property is fundamental. Her leadership and dedication led to her being named partner in the Intellectual Property area of Von Wobeser y Sierra in 2020; a testament to her impact on the firm and the sector. Recognised for her excellence by various publications, Patricia is not only an influential lawyer, but also an advocate for diversity in the legal field.


Latin Counsel: From the beginning of your career, you trained at one of the most prestigious law universities in Mexico, with a tradition of being mostly male. What was your experience like as a woman in that environment and how did it influence your professional development?

Patricia Kaim: From the moment I decided to study law, I was clear that my status as a woman should not be an obstacle to achieving my goals. I chose to study at the Escuela Libre de Derecho, one of the most prestigious universities in the country, with a tradition of being mostly male. From day one, I understood that standing out in that environment required more than talent: it required determination, resilience and the firm conviction that effort and excellence open doors, regardless of gender.

Being a woman meant not only excelling academically, but also earning respect in a system where female leadership was still limited. This experience taught me not to settle for the spaces available, but to build and conquer those in which I really wanted to be, reinforcing that the presence of women in our profession is fundamental.

At the Escuela Libre de Derecho I embarked on a path full of challenges in which, since then, I have learnt to set aside the voices that detract from my professional development and to focus on the only voice that really matters: the one that reminds me that I am capable, that the talent underpinned by exceptional work is unquestionable and that each obstacle overcome brings me one step closer to greater and better achievements.

Latin Counsel: After more than twenty years of experience, you have reached a position of leadership in an environment that is still dominated by men. What have you learned about exercising leadership in this context and how do you think greater inclusion of women in the legal sector can be promoted?

Patricia Kaim: In my career of just over twenty years, I have understood that success lies not only in reaching a position of leadership, but also in the ability to adapt, the strategic vision and the skill to exercise and maintain that leadership in a challenging and diverse environment. This means being heard, finding a balance between different ways of thinking and managing, both in spaces where traditionally male perspectives predominate, and in those where it is still necessary to reinforce the idea that the growth of one woman does not take opportunities away from others, but rather opens the way for everyone.

Leading in this context requires a good dose of emotional intelligence, determination and the ability to constantly strengthen self-confidence, while projecting credibility and generating confidence in those around you, regardless of their perspective or experience. It means building bridges instead of imposing barriers, demonstrating with results that talent has no gender and, above all, promoting a culture in which women not only reach positions of leadership, but also manage to maintain that position feeling supported and confident to exercise that leadership authentically and in conditions of equality. It also means recognising and valuing what women, because of our gender, bring to the table: among other things, a different perspective, a form of leadership that balances strategy with empathy, firmness with sensitivity, and that contributes to creating more inclusive, collaborative and sustainable environments.

Encouraging greater inclusion of women in the legal sector requires structural and cultural change. It is not enough to open up spaces; it is necessary to transform the rules of the game to guarantee that talent and effort are the determining factors in professional growth. Firms, companies and legal institutions must commit to developing and applying clear equity policies, promoting much more objective criteria for evaluation and promotion, as well as working models that allow for professional development without compromising other aspects of personal life. Therefore, the presence of women in leadership should not be considered an exception, but a norm supported by structures that encourage sustainable promotion.

In addition, the role of mentoring and sponsorship is fundamental. Those of us who have travelled this path have a responsibility to guide, make visible and support the new generations, ensuring that their talent and effort do not go unnoticed. Even today, it is still essential to eradicate stereotypes and transform the narrative around female leadership in law. The inclusion of women is not an act of concession, but a necessity to strengthen the profession with a more diverse, equitable and representative vision.

Latin Counsel: Patricia, with over twenty years’ experience in Industrial and Intellectual Property, what aspects of your career do you consider to have been most influential in your professional development?

Patricia Kaim: Beyond technical knowledge, some of the most influential aspects of my professional development as an Intellectual Property lawyer include the ability to adapt, strategic vision and the ability to stay at the forefront of a constantly evolving environment. Innovation and technology advance at a dizzying pace, redefining the rules of the game and demanding solutions that are not only effective in the present, but also anticipate the future. The law, especially in this area, cannot be static; it must constantly evolve to protect and advise with a dynamic and forward-looking perspective.

Furthermore, leadership in this field requires a proactive mentality, one that allows us not only to react to changes, but to anticipate them. This involves identifying emerging trends, understanding their impact on intellectual property rights and designing strategies that protect intangible assets with efficiency and long-term vision. The ability to read the global environment, interpret the regulatory context and anticipate risks is essential to provide advice that not only solves problems, but also prevents them.

Understanding our clients’ business is another fundamental pillar in my professional development. Intellectual Property is not just a legal field, but a strategic element within the business model of each company. Deepening your needs allows us to offer solutions aligned with your objectives, transforming challenges into opportunities and turning the protection of your rights into a real competitive advantage. In this sense, experience, combined with a strategic vision and an attitude of continuous learning, is key to consolidating a solid track record in this field.

Latin Counsel: You have worked with multinational companies and international law firms. How has the practice of intellectual property varied between Mexico and the United States, and what lessons have you learnt from this transnational experience?

Patricia Kaim: Intellectual property practice in Mexico and the United States shares many legal bases, but differs in its approach and application. In the US, the system is more dynamic and is deeply influenced by judicial precedents, while in Mexico, although we have made progress in regulations and protection, we still depend to a large extent on the administrative system.

One of the most valuable lessons has been to understand the importance of global strategy. Companies operating in different markets require a comprehensive approach to protect their intangible assets, and part of my job has been to help them design protection schemes that transcend borders.

I have also learnt that speed and proactivity are essential. In both jurisdictions, response times and the ability to adapt are crucial for legal decision-making. This has led me to optimise the way in which I provide legal advice, seeking a more agile and strategic approach.

Collaborating with international law firms has allowed me to enrich my practice by adopting different perspectives and better understanding the dynamics of Intellectual Property at a global level. This discipline is not static, but an area in constant evolution that demands an interdisciplinary and cross-border approach.

Without a doubt, the exchange of knowledge and the understanding of different legal systems have strengthened my advisory capacity and allow me to offer innovative and strategic solutions, ensuring that clients remain competitive and protected in an increasingly globalised environment.

Latin Counsel: You have been recognised by several institutions for your work in intellectual property law. How do you think these recognitions impact your career and the perception of women in legal leadership positions?

Patricia Kaim: On a personal level, these recognitions have been an incentive to keep going and to reaffirm my commitment to professional excellence. But their real impact is measured in the transformation they can bring about in the perception of leadership within the legal and business sectors. When one woman is recognised, it opens the door for many others to be seen and considered. For those looking for the best strategic allies, this reaffirms that talent has no gender and that more diverse teams generate stronger and more effective solutions.

Each time a woman is recognised, it is a step towards the normalisation of our leadership. This reminds us that professional growth is not only a personal goal, but a shared responsibility: to create spaces where women not only arrive, but feel supported, recognised and legitimised in their leadership roles.

If these recognitions contribute to consolidating a more equitable sector, where opportunities are measured by ability and merit, then their value transcends the individual. That is when these recognitions take on a much greater significance, becoming a testimony to the change we are driving and the future we want to move towards.

Latin Counsel: Your participation in the ESG practice group is noteworthy. How do you integrate the principles of sustainability and social responsibility into your daily work in the area of Intellectual Property?

Patricia Kaim: Intellectual property and sustainability are more related than it might seem. Integrating ESG into my practice is not just a trend, it is a conviction. In my practice, I have worked with companies seeking to protect sustainable innovations, clean technologies and projects with a social impact. My role is to ensure that these ideas have adequate protection so that they can prosper and generate real change.

In addition, my commitment is to promote a vision of Intellectual Property aligned with ethics and corporate responsibility, as it is essential that companies not only protect their intangible assets, but do so transparently, respecting the rights of third parties and promoting a fair and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Latin Counsel: Finally, what advice would you give to young female lawyers who aspire to follow in your footsteps in the field of intellectual property and seek to make a difference in the legal field?

Patricia Kaim: First of all, I would tell them never to doubt their abilities. The road is not always easy, but if they are clear about their goal and are willing to work with determination and passion, they will go far.

It is also essential to invest in their training and in the development of strategic, communication and leadership skills. The confidence with which they present themselves to their clients, partners and colleagues will be key to their professional growth.

Another crucial aspect is building a support network. Having mentors, allies and a community of colleagues you can trust makes a huge difference. In a profession like ours, learning never ends, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire and support you is essential.

Likewise, never be afraid to be authentic. The legal profession does not need more women who try to be like men in order to fit in. It needs talented, courageous women who are committed to transforming the profession from within. And on that path, recognising that there is room for everyone and that each individual achievement strengthens the profession as a whole is key.

Finally, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to show what you are made of. The road will not always be easy, as women still face more demanding expectations to occupy and maintain a leadership position. Capacity is developed and confidence is built every day, and there is no rest. However, in every challenge there is an opportunity to grow and become stronger. Redefining the rules with a more equitable approach is not only an act of justice, but a necessity to create a more diverse and dynamic legal sector that is prepared to face the challenges of the future, in which the participation of every woman is not only valuable, but essential.

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