Verónica Nolla on Authenticity, Resilience, and Thriving as a Young Attorney in Big Law

10/09/2025

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In this episode of Así Las Cosas, Ferraiuoli’s podcast series hosted by Maristella Collazo-Soto, Capital Member and Co-Chair of the Intellectual Property Practice Group, we explore what it truly means to build a legal career with authenticity and purpose. Verónica M. Nolla Schell, Associate in Ferraiuoli’s Corporate Department, shares her candid journey through law school, overcoming professional setbacks, and finding her place in one of Puerto Rico’s leading law firms.

The Foundation: When Purpose Meets Preparation

Verónica’s path to becoming a corporate attorney began long before law school. Growing up in a household where both parents worked, with her father practicing law, she witnessed firsthand the dedication and intellectual rigor the profession demands. Her education at an all-girls school focused on empowering young women to find their voices, laying the groundwork for the confident professional she would become.

After studying political science and business at a university outside Puerto Rico, Verónica entered law school with clear intentions. Like many law students, she initially envisioned herself as a prosecutor handling criminal cases. However, the legal profession had different plans, ultimately leading her to discover her true calling in corporate law—a reminder that remaining open to possibilities often leads to the most fulfilling career paths.

The Bar Exam Journey: A Story of Perseverance

What distinguishes Verónica’s story is her willingness to share the challenges that many young attorneys face but few discuss openly. She took the Puerto Rico bar exam three times before passing, a journey marked by self-doubt, strategic adjustments, and unwavering support from family, colleagues, and mentors.

Her first attempt taught her that knowing the material is insufficient without mental presence during the examination. The second attempt, particularly painful when the passing grade was lowered yet she still did not pass, could have been a breaking point. Instead, it became a turning point. Verónica embraced all available resources, including extended time accommodations and specialized bar review courses she had previously dismissed, recognizing that utilizing every tool is not a weakness but a strategy for success.

This experience shaped her understanding of resilience in the legal profession. As she reflects, the bar exam does not define an attorney’s capabilities or potential. Today, she practices with the knowledge that perseverance through difficulty builds the foundation for long-term professional success.

From Government to Big Law: Finding the Right Cultural Fit

Before joining Ferraiuoli, Verónica worked in the legal department of the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, serving as Assistant Secretary to various government boards. This experience provided valuable perspective on public sector law and allowed her the flexibility to continue preparing for the bar exam with supportive mentors who prioritized her professional development.

When she decided to transition to private practice, Verónica interviewed at Ferraiuoli twice for the same position. The thorough vetting process ultimately led her to what she describes as the perfect professional home. After two years with the firm, she has found that Ferraiuoli offers something unique: the resources and sophistication of Big Law combined with a culture that values authenticity and individual expression.

What Makes a Good Law Firm Culture for Young Attorneys?

For young attorneys evaluating career opportunities, understanding firm culture is as critical as analyzing practice areas or compensation structures. Verónica describes Ferraiuoli’s environment as genuinely collaborative, where every attorney maintains an open-door policy and questions are never dismissed as too basic.

The firm’s approach to professional development stands out in several ways. Associates are treated as peers in client meetings and email communications, building confidence and client relationship skills from the earliest stages of their careers. The dress code is practical rather than rigidly formal, reflecting a focus on substance over appearance. Most importantly, associates have genuine opportunities to contribute ideas and improve processes, even on matters that could simply be replicated from templates.

This culture of respect and inclusion creates an environment where young attorneys can thrive authentically. Verónica emphasizes that being herself—expressive, extroverted, and enthusiastic—is not merely tolerated but valued. In an industry where conformity is often expected, this freedom to maintain one’s personality while developing professional skills is transformative.

A Day in the Life: Corporate Practice at Ferraiuoli

Verónica’s practice focuses on corporate governance, banking and financial services regulations, private equity, securities, and related corporate matters. Her typical day involves email management, client communications, contract drafting and review, filings, and numerous meetings—often scheduled with little advance notice.

The variety keeps the work engaging. She may begin the day planning to focus on one project, only to have three unexpected meetings and an urgent matter requiring immediate attention reshape her entire schedule. This dynamic environment suits attorneys who thrive on challenge and adaptability rather than predictable routine.

One aspect Verónica particularly values is the ability to switch between tasks when needed. Reviewing the same type of contract for five consecutive hours diminishes effectiveness, so having diverse assignments allows her to maintain quality and fresh perspective throughout the day. She also handles client communications directly, with many clients having her phone number for immediate access—a level of responsibility that accelerates professional growth.

The Challenges Young Attorneys Face

Despite her success, Verónica candidly discusses ongoing challenges that resonate with associates throughout the legal profession. The pressure to respond quickly to client demands can sometimes conflict with the attention to detail that excellent legal work requires. The desire to be the hero who saves the day may lead to rushed work that misses opportunities or contains avoidable errors.

She emphasizes the importance of taking time for thorough review before submitting work to supervising attorneys. While associates operate under review, the goal is to deliver work that is as polished and complete as possible, requiring substantive feedback on legal strategy rather than corrections of typographical errors or overlooked clauses.

Another challenge involves managing expectations without complete visibility into all client communications. An associate may believe a deadline is absolute, working late into the night to meet it, only to learn later that the partner and client had agreed to an extension. Learning to communicate openly about capacity and timelines, rather than assuming every request is equally urgent, is an essential skill that develops with experience and confidence.

Work-Life Balance: The Evolution Continues

When asked about changes she would like to see in the legal profession, Verónica focuses on work-life balance, particularly for women planning families. She observes that the profession has evolved significantly—her generation of associates includes more women than men, and client expectations around weekend availability have moderated considerably from previous decades.

However, challenges remain. The billable hour model creates inherent tension between professional advancement and personal life, particularly for attorneys who want to be fully present both at work and at home. Verónica envisions a future where she can be an engaged wife and mother without sacrificing the fulfilling career she has built, though she acknowledges this balance remains elusive in traditional law firm structures.

She also anticipates that artificial intelligence will require the profession to adapt, potentially shifting toward structures more common in typical corporate environments. As technology reshapes legal practice, firms that proactively address work-life integration will have significant advantages in attracting and retaining top talent.

The Four-Year Inflection Point

Maristella Collazo-Soto shares her observation of what she calls the “four-year itch”—a critical moment when associates have accumulated substantial knowledge and begin desiring greater independence. This often manifests as internal conflict between staying with the firm or pursuing opportunities elsewhere, particularly in-house positions.

For Verónica, currently in her second year, this inflection point lies ahead. However, she already sees how Ferraiuoli’s culture creates pathways for associate growth and autonomy. Partners who have navigated their own challenges understand that reasonable boundaries—such as not responding to non-urgent emails on weekends—do not diminish productivity or client service quality.

This generational progression, similar to how parenting evolves from the cautious approach with a first child to more relaxed confidence with subsequent children, allows each generation of attorneys to benefit from the experiences of those who came before them.

Why This Conversation Matters

This episode of Así Las Cosas goes beyond typical career discussions to address the human experience of building a legal career. Maristella Collazo-Soto’s thoughtful questions create space for vulnerability and honesty, resulting in a conversation that will resonate with anyone navigating early career challenges in demanding professions.

For prospective associates evaluating opportunities, this episode provides rare insight into what daily life at a leading law firm actually entails. For current attorneys facing their own challenges, Verónica’s story offers reassurance that struggle is normal and success is possible with persistence and the right support.

Ferraiuoli’s Commitment to the Next Generation

Verónica’s experience reflects Ferraiuoli’s broader commitment to developing young legal talent in an environment that balances professional excellence with genuine support for personal growth. As one of Puerto Rico’s premier full-service law firms, Ferraiuoli distinguishes itself not merely through the quality of legal work but through the culture that makes exceptional work sustainable.

The firm’s approach to mentorship, its open and collaborative environment, and its recognition that attorneys thrive when they can be authentic create a foundation for both client service excellence and professional fulfillment.

Watch and Learn More

Experience Verónica’s full story by watching the complete episode in Spanish on Ferraiuoli’s podcast series. Her candid reflections on overcoming obstacles, finding professional purpose, and building a career with authenticity offer valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the realities of modern legal practice.

At Ferraiuoli, we believe that exceptional legal service emerges from environments where talented professionals can develop their skills while remaining true to themselves. Verónica’s journey exemplifies this philosophy in action.