Member Voices: Vicente Grau

Briefly describe your role. 

As a partner of Santamarina y Steta at the Mexico City office, I advise Mexican and international clients on economic competition and complex real estate matters, including merger control, competition investigations and compliance, drawing on more than 30 years of experience.

Earlier in your career, you took part in a WLG | immersion at CMS Germany's Stuttgart office. How did this experience influence your approach to practicing law internationally, and are there lessons or perspectives from that time that continue to shape your work today? 

After completing my master's studies at a German university in March 1997, I had the great opportunity to work at CMS Germany (at that time Hasche Sigle Schmidt-Diemitz -CMS) for approximately six months. That immersion—working at a top-tier German firm like CMS and handling significant matters—greatly broadened my perspective, giving me a much more global view of transactions, legislation and working methods. It offered not only exposure to new legal structures and innovative technical aspects but also the chance to work alongside highly qualified, top-tier professionals.

What advice would you give young lawyers considering  WLG | immersion or WLG | exchange?

 
My answer has always been not to hesitate to participate in exchange or immersion programs, especially in great law firms in other countries. You will gain experience and grow both personally and professionally. I do recommend gaining some experience in your own country and firm first, so you can get the most out of the exchange.

You have continued to be active in WLG throughout your career. Can you share specific ways the network has supported your practice, whether through learning, connections, or international opportunities?

Knowing your colleagues at other WLG firms and the trust established among us enables the exchange of experiences and provides a broader frame of reference regarding the matters at hand. 

I particularly value the practice group meetings, where you can exchange information on how legislation is evolving—or understand the issues concerning authorities and colleagues in other jurisdictions—and exchange experiences. 
 
 

Beyond your specific practice area, what’s something you enjoy or find energizing—whether professionally or personally? 

Ours is a very noble profession; I love being a lawyer and supporting Mexican and foreign clients with my knowledge and legal solutions during important, complex transactions, thereby adding value to their businesses. It is truly energizing when these operations have a cross-border dimension—drawing on international experience and collaborating with lawyers from various jurisdictions. It is even better when those partners are fellow WLG lawyers, allowing us to team up and provide highly coordinated services for our clients.