Q&A with Ana Isabel Maaz Chávez
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Q&A
Q&A with Ana Isabel Maaz Chávez
Ana Isabel Maaz Chávez is an associate with Iurisconsulti Abogados y Notarios in Guatemala, Guatemala. A graduate of Francisco Marroquin University in the capital city of Guatemala, Maaz joined Iurisconsulti in 2021 and specializes in commercial and civil law, focusing on the organization of corporate and asset structures.
Ana and her family at her law school graduation.
Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
Before becoming an attorney, I briefly worked as an accountant assistant during the vacations of my junior year of high school. My job was mostly to organize invoices and classify them by their issue date, but I was happy I got paid for it! I also used to bake and sell cookies during the holidays every year I was in college. Even though it wasn’t exactly a job, I managed to get a loyal clientele and even went to bazaars to sell my cookies!
What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
Ever since I was little, I always liked the idea of helping those in need. Whether someone needed help with a personal matter, a business idea, or anything in between, I found that the law allowed me to do that as it is a very flexible field. Plus, I really liked the fact that the law is always evolving, thus it would allow me to continue discovering new topics and learning something new every time.
Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
I think that my grandfather would by one of my biggest mentors, not only in my career, but also in life. Even though he was an engineer and not a lawyer, he taught me that you always must do your best and help others. I try to follow his example in my everyday work.
Ana’s grandparents at their 50th wedding anniversary in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
This is a tricky question, as I have been fortunate enough to have some great advice over the years. However, I believe the best one I’ve ever received is to “Take everything one step at the time.” As a lawyer, sometimes a lot of urgent work gets accumulated, and it can be very easy to get overwhelmed. However, by taking one task at a time, everything gets more manageable, and you can get more things done.
What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
I would really like to learn to cook at a professional level! I know this has nothing to do with my legal career, but I’ve always wanted to be able to prepare restaurant-level dishes from the comfort of my own home.
What is your proudest career achievement?
My proudest career achievement has to be reaching the semifinals in the All-American Regional Round of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition. Participating in that competition was an incredible experience, not only academically, but also personally, as it allowed me to learn new areas of the law and meet new people from several countries. Also, being able to reach a semifinal in this competition was a great reward for all the preparation my team and I had to do for almost 8 months.
Ana and her brother at last year’s Christmas Eve dinner with our dogs, Frida (the Chihuahua) and Coco (the Shi-Tzu).
What other career path might you have chosen?
I’ve always had a creative side other than my academic self, thus I would’ve also really like to be a professional photographer. I even considered studying photography for a year before beginning my law studies but, unfortunately, I never got the chance to do it.
What do you do to give back to your community?
I like to spend time visiting the elderly and spending time with them. By talking to them, you learn so many new things and even hear some of the most interesting stories!
Can you share a positive referral experience within Primerus™?
Sure! Last year, we needed to find a lawyer in Colorado that could help us negotiate a prenup. As we didn’t know any law firms over there, we contacted Bre and she helped us find one. Within days we had an answer, and we were able to find someone that could help us.
Ana Isabel Maaz Chávez
What is your most treasured material possession?
My most treasured material possession would have to be either my Baptism Medal or a gold ring with my birthstone, Citrine. Both were given to me by people I love, and I wear them almost every day.
What is your happiest childhood memory?
My happiest childhood memory would be any Saturday night where my father, brother, and I went to Blockbuster Movies to rent a movie each and get snacks! I think that’s where I developed my love for movies and TV, as we would always have a great time watching both new and old-time favorites.
A visit to the Island of Flores, Petén, Guatemala was a joyous occasion for Ana and her friends.
What is your favorite movie and book?
Movie: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or “The Breakfast Club.”
Book: “Normal People” by Sally Rooney or “A Perfect Story” by Elísabet Benavent.
What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
I think the most awe-inspiring place I have visited could be either the Temple of Debod in Madrid or the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral in the outskirts of Bogotá. Both places were stunning and very calming. I can’t wait to visit them again someday!
What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
During my free time, I really enjoy working out. This year I joined a really cool class in the gym called “Burn,” in which we combine weightlifting and cardio. It’s very fun! I also like to watch series and read during my free time. Any recommendation of what to watch or read next is always welcomed!
Ana and her friends at “El Hato Verde”, an ecological park near Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala.
What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
A quote I’ve always liked is the one said by Ferris Bueller in one of my favorite movies: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
I believe this quote reminds us that we should always take a moment, enjoy life, and appreciate everything and everyone around us. Otherwise, we are just letting days go by and taking everything for granted until it’s too late.
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
If I had the chance, I would love to have had dinner with Audrey Hepburn, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Stevie Nicks. It’s a very random combination, but I believe those amazing women would have amazing stories to tell!
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
Go to at least one country on each continent. Volunteer at the Olympics or at a World Cup. Get my LL.M. at a university abroad.
