Marisol Garza

Tell us about your role and your background before joining the firm.

Before joining the firm, I was a legal secretary for many years with regular secretarial duties such as formatting, cleaning documents and all of the administrative tasks that a role of this type entails. With new technology, many of those skills weren't needed as often and my role evolved leading me to support the attorneys with billing responsibilities. Eventually, I became fully dedicated to billing.

What do you like most about your job?

I have a real passion for billing! I feel I bring a great value to the attorneys and to the firm because having me handle billing allows them to concentrate on what they do best -- advising clients. I'm also ensuring they obtain timely compensation for their hard work.

I am part of a great team in the Americas and I get excellent support from them. We collaborate a lot and this ties us together as a group.

Recently on a team call I was asked if I had to pick a career again would I do the same thing and I said yes, I would! I truly like the challenges of it, the stresses of it, but it's the value I bring that is so rewarding.

How would you describe the culture and atmosphere at Clifford Chance?

It's such a positive, united group and while we're part of a team, we're also seen as individuals. I really value a firm that listens and hears what their Business Professionals are saying. I feel very blessed with everyone that I work with and have been able to build relationships which make me feel like part of a family.

What is your key advice for anyone considering a career at in the legal sector?

I would say to come with a positive mentality and be ready to share your ideas. Be prepared to be a part of something that is growing quickly and always remember that it's important to be open to change.

What was your recruitment process like when you joined the firm?

The recruitment process was exciting because of the people I met. Human Resources was very helpful and friendly. I had the opportunity to interview with two of my billing managers, three billing supervisors and our Americas CFO. I was then told that the Houston Managing Partner wanted to meet with me as well! When I learned the Managing Partner was a minority female, I was so impressed because you don't see that very often. I thought that's where I need to be. Meeting with all of them made my decision to accept the offer very easy.