Meet Jean Jacques Bragard, the Managing and Founding Partner of Montevideo-based law firm BRAGARD Abogados, providing legal, tax, accounting, and notary services. The organization’s experience and proven track records allow it to address any local, regional, and international matters comprehensively. “We have been involved in some of the most prestigious operations as advisors and/or legal representatives, which has given us internally enormous pride in our team’s capacities but has also given us great visibility, which is essential for us to continue to operate.”– Jean says.
Jean completed his graduation as a lawyer from the University of Uruguayan Republic in 1994. Later he attended several courses and programs to enhance his professional career. During his time as a student, Jean forged excellent relationships with his colleagues with whom, throughout the last three decades, he had the privilege of sharing common projects and acting as counterparts from the perspective of professional enrichment. “I consider it of the utmost value to nurture human relationships at all times in our lives, regardless of the profession we are in. The continuous exchange of ideas and opinions between colleagues is what enables us to develop our careers with a comprehensive approach.”– he added.
The Differentiating Factors
Jean decided to start his own law firm under the conviction of building an organization faithful to the design culture that it should have. In an exaggeratedly conservative legal market like Uruguay, Jean always acknowledged the space to do things differently, and that is what he and his partners are trying to achieve in BRAGARD. Currently, Jean has four partners in the firm. They lead BRAGARD under a common goal, where each one of them contributes from their field of expertise, which generates a great synergy between them.
Heading missing
BRAGARD is always razor-focused on its team and the improvement of a healthy work culture within the organization. These characteristics have helped the law firm to stand tall amongst its competitors. The organization engages its team at their intrinsic level and unleashes their best potential. It also allows its team to contribute to the natural flow of energy they bring to the office. Jean says, “My job, jointly with my partners, is to provide vision, strategy, guidance, and direction, but the ideas come from the team and often work as a feeder in our transformation. We do not stick to or fall in love with old classic working modalities that no longer fit. We let the team have enough opportunities to shine and outstand as we consider them the firm’s future.”
He also feels that BRAGARD’s services must always add value to the client, with the entire team seeking to find fair fee agreements in every proposal.
Solving Client’s Legal Woes
Jean’s primary mission was to help his clients solve their conflicts with a lighter approach, without requiring mass meetings or bureaucratic procedures that often make relationships impersonal. This is something that both Jean and his team have tried to maintain over many years, so the clients can feel safe in an atmosphere full of warmth and familiarity, where their problem matters.
However, on the other hand, Jean believes the most challenging aspect of the business is to lead for the long term, so the ideals that drove the firm’s foundation go far beyond that of him and his partners.
Preparing for the Future
Jean’s primary goal is to ensure that BRAGARD may continue its technical excellence without losing its organizational values. He also works hard to ensure future talents’ growth within the firm and bring a substantial change in every matter the organization works on.
He considers the best way to achieve this is through an outstanding level of dedication in strengthening BRAGARD’s HR, ongoing technical training, prudent judgment in accepting new businesses, and due diligence in promoting each matter, regardless of its complexities and volume.
Suggestions for the Younger self
Jean believes a good lawyer needs a good awareness, passion, and focus. He advises young lawyers to stay prepared for various challenging and uncomfortable situations with both projects and clients, which will eventually help them professionally grow in the ever-competitive market.
He says, “A good lawyer can never lose the ability to address (even in a generic way) any topic in a business meeting. Regardless of the further study that the subject may lead to if it’s not their area of expertise. It is important that the client and the opposing party do not leave you blank with a query or contradiction.”
