Interview with the Andorran lawyer Carlota Pastora on her professional career

Carlota Pastora is an Andorran lawyer and tax advisor with an extensive career specialising in International Tax, Corporate, Commercial, and Real Estate Law. She is licensed to practice law in three jurisdictions: Andorra, Spain, and Nicaragua. Pastora earned her Degree in Law, Magna Cum Laude, from Universidad Americana (UAM) in Nicaragua (2006), and her credentials were recognised in Spain by Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (2014). She also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Law (LL.M) and a Master’s Degree in International Taxation (LL.M) from Centro de Estudios Garrigues in Spain, among other qualifications.

After completing her studies, Pastora began her professional career in law firms, banks and consulting firms dedicated to business advice, where she stood out for her pragmatic vision to solve complex legal and tax issues. Her focus is on ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and reducing legal risks, helping her clients to achieve tax optimisation that respects the established legal frameworks.

Further on, Carlota Pastora, managing partner of Carlota Pastora Advocats, tells us about her professional career, her experience in multiple jurisdictions and the lessons she has learned throughout her years of practice.

Carlota Pastora, can you explain more about your professional career? How long have you been involved in this sector?

I have dedicated over 15 years to the fascinating world of law, helping companies and individuals navigate and manage complex tax and commercial legislation. Since I began practising as a lawyer, I have gained experience in law firms, banks, and consulting firms specialising in business advisory, which allowed me to acquire specialised knowledge and valuable professional experience. Over time, I decided it was the right moment to start my own project, and thus Carlota Pastora Advocats was born. It has been an incredible and enriching journey alongside all my clients.

Given your experience and knowledge in law, what motivated you to pursue a career in this profession and specialise in International Tax, Corporate, Commercial and Real Estate Law?

I have always been attracted to books and knowledge. As a young child, I loved to browse through all of my paternal grandfather’s books, who was also a lawyer, even though I couldn’t read at that time. To me, law is like solving a puzzle, the largest and most challenging one of all. In my mind, there always has to be a solution, and each case is a unique piece that needs to fit perfectly within the legal framework.

My areas of specialisation arrived one by one. Today, I specialise in areas of law that are intrinsically linked to business law. This allows me to tackle challenges from multiple angles, providing comprehensive and strategic solutions to my clients, which is an extremely gratifying and enriching experience.

Have you always had an interest in working in the legal sector? Was there a particular factor that inspired you?

On my father’s side of the family, for some reason, it was tradition to study either law or medicine. I acknowledge that this fact influenced my professional destiny to some extent. Beyond family tradition, I believe I am a lawyer out of passion for the law and vocation. I enjoy my work, and for me, there is no greater satisfaction than a job well done and, consequently, happy clients.

What do you find most rewarding in your practice? What do you consider having been your biggest academic challenge so far and how have you overcome it?

The most gratifying aspect is undoubtedly seeing my clients achieve their goals thanks to our joint work. Our clients’ legal success is our commitment.

My greatest academic challenge hasn’t been related to law. The biggest challenge in acquiring new knowledge was wanting to learn German at the age of 40 and setting a goal of one year. It was a crazy endeavour! I can say that thanks to learning German, I now write with greater precision in the other languages I speak. I believe that the precision of the German language is an ideal tool for a lawyer.

Could you highlight some of the most significant projects you have been involved in throughout your career?

I have had the privilege of advising a wide range of individuals and companies on very diverse issues. If I had to choose a few projects, I couldn’t single out one or several; each project has been unique and has contributed to my professional and personal growth. The most significant aspect is seeing the positive impact of my work on my clients’ lives, helping them achieve their goals and overcome challenges.

Given your prior knowledge in the area of tax law, what are the main challenges and opportunities you see in the future of tax law in Andorra?

One of the primary challenges for Andorra is adjusting to the growing international pressure as tax regulations change and competitive tax jurisdictions face increased scrutiny. Andorra has made remarkable and exemplary progress in enhancing transparency and exchanging tax information, and it has integrated the BEPS Plan into its legal framework. The country has been actively working and adapting to align its practices with international standards.

I believe these challenges also present great opportunities. Andorra has the potential to establish itself as a fiscally responsible and attractive jurisdiction by adopting international standards and improving its global reputation.

Pastora, after more than ten years of work in law firms, consulting firms and financial institutions, what do you consider to have been the greatest lessons learned and challenges during this period?

The greatest lesson learned has been the importance of flexibility and adaptation. The legal and tax environment is constantly changing, and it is crucial to stay one step ahead – this is what I call preventive law. The challenges have been numerous, from the complexity of cases to the need to balance work life with my personal life as a mother and wife. Each experience has been an opportunity to grow and improve.

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