Q&A with Cristina Lara Vargas
Cristina Lara Vargas is an associate with Iurisconsulti Abogados y Notarios in Guatemala City. A graduate of Francisco Marroquin University in the capital city of Guatemala, Vargas focuses her practice on arbitration law, commercial law, and corporative and family assets structures.
Before becoming an attorney, what was your first job?
At 12 years old, my first job ever was as a gift/basket packer. To give a little bit of context, in early December, big companies tend to give their employees baskets full of goodies for them to enjoy and share with their family. My mom had a friend whose business was wrapping all of those baskets. For them to be as pretty and look as full as possible. It was hard to look at all that food and not be hungry, definitely at that time I was craving to receive one. Haha!
What motivated you to pursue a legal career?
Personally, it was the challenge. I found fascinating the way a legal career challenges you to think outside the box, to look for every detail, and how it teaches you the art of communication, analysis, and persuasion.
Cristina (center) is pictured (l-r) with her mother, Marcia; her sister, Isabel; her sister, Lucía; and her father, Estuardo.
Who was your chief mentor and how did he or she influence your career?
My mentor, professionally, is Alejandra Valey. She is an associate at Iurisconsulti. Since I started, she has taught me everything I need to know about work and even life. More than a mentor, I consider her as an amazing person, wonderful professional, and close friend.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t worry about things you can´t change, embrace them. Also, don’t worry about the things you can change, go ahead and make it happen.
Graduation day was a particularly happy occasion for Cristina.
What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
Diving. I have a fascination with the ocean, and marine animals (or any animal whatsoever), so learning to dive is a short-term goal for me.
What is your proudest career achievement?
Studying and approving the bar exams, last year. This was the peak of stressful times in university and the second to last step to fulfill. Approving the exams and making my parents proud definitely was worth every second I spent studying.
What other career path might you have chosen?
Any career related to the study and conservation of wildlife in general – as I am fascinated with animals – or culinary arts (food is definitely an art).
Cristina strikes a pose with family members and friends.
What do you do to give back to your community?
Lately, I´ve been participating in community groups that collect food and clothes to give to the homeless. Although it’s a tough experience, it gives the opportunity to give back and be thankful for what one has.
I also enjoy visiting homes for the elderly, to give them company and entertaining them for a while. Honestly, I have not been doing it as much as I would like it, as I find the experience emotionally challenging when one of the seniors passes away.
Can you share a positive referral experience within Primerus™?
Personally, I haven’t had the opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits of Primerus, but I´m looking forward to it.
What is your most treasured material possession?
Probably a gold ring with a tiny diamond my sister gave me. She is living abroad, so it reminds me every day of her and everything she has taught me.
Cristina proudly displays her university titles.
Cristina Lara Vargas
What is your happiest childhood memory?
My first time in Haimhausen, Germany, where my cousins used to live. It was fall, beautiful colors and chilly weather, after eating a wonderful sweet, I rode the most humongous horse I´ve ever seen. It was a white horse name Olmo, that was used to pull a carriage around. I remember those days vividly.
What is your favorite movie and book?
Movie: “Shawshank Redemption.”
Book: “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz with Janet Mills.
What is the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?
Lake Atitlan. It was about two years ago that I visited “Salto al Lago,” where you jump 10 meters to the lake. The pathway to reach the platform is beautifully surrounded by tall trees, where the sunlight finds its way, and the view of that beautiful lake is mesmerizing.
A daredevil, Cristina jumps into the “Salto del Lago,” Atitlán, Sololá, Guatemala.
What are your favorite leisure time pursuits?
Lately, I´ve had an inspiration to elaborate my own clothing, so attempting to sew has been a pursuit in my free time.
What is your favorite famous or inspirational quote?
“Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic, capable of both influencing injury, and remedying it.” – Albus Dumbledore, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” by Author J.K Rowling.
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
I’m purposely not choosing anyone famous, as my guests for an ideal dinner party would be definitely my closest friends and my parents and siblings. A dinner party without them would not be a party, and definitely not ideal.
What are the top three items on your bucket list?
Visit and tour La Patagonia Argentina. Swim with mobulas. Go on an Antartic cruise expedition.
