CEO Insights Magazine

Diana Lyn Bello-Castillo emerges as a fearless and determined lawyer, challenging the perceived limitations imposed by traditional gender roles. Armed with a pre-law background in Management from Ateneo de Manila University, one of the Philippines' top business schools, Diana pursued a prestigious law degree at the University of the Philippines College of Law. As a fourth-generation lawyer, and her family's first female lawyer at that, she faced the daunting task of carving her own path while upholding her family's esteemed legal legacy and courageously tackling the ongoing struggles and expectations placed upon women in her role as both a wife and mother of three. Balancing the demands of a thriving career and fulfilling personal obligations is no small feat, but Diana's unwavering resolve and resilience allow her to navigate both realms with grace and determination.

As one of the founders of her own firm, Diana embodies a steadfast commitment to excellence and responsiveness. Combining her legal expertise, a client-centered approach, and a resolute dedication to quality, Diana aspires to become a respected advocate and a prominent figure in the field of corporate law.

In a captivating conversation with CEO Insights Asia, Diana graciously shares her remarkable journey thus far.

How would you define Castillo and Bello Law Offices as an organization and its current position in the market?

Our firm specializes in serving corporate clients that make up almost 90 percent of our clientele. One thing that sets us apart is our youthful and dynamic approach, which helps us relate to startups and companies now headed by our peers. Our team brings together diverse experience from working in government, multinational companies, and prominent firms, enabling us to excel in various legal endeavors. By maintaining a selective approach and prioritizing quality over quantity, we aim to deliver top-notch work comparable to much larger firms. Our consecutive nominations in key categories such as Boutique Law Firm of the Year in the annual ALB Philippine Legal Awards since 2021 further validates our position in the industry. We take pride in our ability to offer exceptional service and our commitment to maintaining a hands-on and client-centered approach.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the methodologies that you follow as a leader?

I believe that my leadership style embodies a collaborative one, with a practical and results oriented approach that values self-initiative. Through my actions, I aim to inspire and demonstrate effective methods of accomplishing tasks and achieving goals. It’s focused on encouraging independent study and hands-on learning. While I provide the necessary background information and instruction for any work assignments, I do emphasize the importance of observation and self-discovery. I also believe active involvement in projects and exposure to the full picture are crucial for understanding and development.

Could you reflect on some of the toughest challenges you have encountered in your journey so far? How did you overcome them and what did you learn from them?

Being a female lawyer in the legal profession presents unique challenges but navigating the role of a wife and a mother while simultaneously running my own practice is an entirely different level. It demands mental focus, positivity, and tremendous patience, as I consciously remind myself that each task has its own place and time.

By upholding my commitment to fulfilling client requirements best I can and ensuring I dedicate ample attention to their needs, I have learned to release any guilt associated with not completing all tasks within a single day. It is a continuous process of managing expectations, understanding limitations, and finding solace in the knowledge that I am doing my best to serve both my clients and my family.

In essence, this journey has taught me that maintaining a sense of balance and perspective is crucial in thriving in the legal profession.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

I not only aspire to be a recognized leader in my chosen field but also to be an inspiration for others in their pursuit of balance in work and in their personal life. At the outset, it is important to acknowledge that achieving this balance is not always perfect and that I too fail more often than not. However, I do not measure the success of my efforts by how many times I fall short, but rather by how many times I was able to make it work and sustain it—those times when I find genuine fulfillment both in my work and family life.

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders?

Continuous self-improvement remains essential. Building a reputation requires earning credibility through actions, not words or titles. While one may chase money, position, or title to appear influential or a leader in a particular field, my years of practice have taught me that people genuinely appreciate and gravitate towards individuals who deliver results.

I do encourage aspiring industry leaders to reflect on their motivations, embrace new challenges, exhibit measured fearlessness, and responsiveness to client interests. For such individuals, they are likely to establish themselves as respected professionals and be recognized for the valuable contributions they bring to their respective fields.

Diana Lyn Bello-Castillo, Founding Partner

As a Founding Partner of Castillo and Bello Law Offices, Diana has proven her ability to navigate complex legal matters and provide unmatched personalized service. Diana brings fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the table. Her experience, combined with a deep understanding of business dynamics, allows her to effectively address the unique needs of her clients.

Favorite Hobbies: Fun workouts, Cooking, Organizing, Netflix & Chill.

Favorite Cuisine: Japanese Food