Behind many of KCR’s most successful transactions is a sharp legal mind and a calm, steady hand, Paty Zaldívar.
With a deep understanding of Mexico’s real estate processes and a talent for navigating even the most complex situations, Paty ensures that every client’s path is as smooth as possible.
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on the woman whose expertise, dedication, and integrity have earned the trust of clients and colleagues alike.
Step behind the scenes and meet the person who turns challenges into seamless successes.
Patricia Zaldívar Alcérreca or simply Paty, was born and raised in Cozumel, Quintana Roo.
Her great-grandfather was one of the island’s founders, and that family connection has shaped both her personal and professional life.
The only time she left Cozumel was to study Law at Universidad Anáhuac in Mérida. After five years away, she returned, and just one day later, at 23 years old, she was already working as an attorney. Today, she brings 21 years of legal experience to her work.
Her passion for law started early. As a child, she loved to read, observe how conflicts were resolved, and watch courtroom dramas. At home, the Diario de Yucatán arrived daily, and she always searched for a section that covered famous trials. She would research the cases herself and think without hesitation: “I want to be a lawyer.”
No one in her family worked in law, so she started from scratch. The first law firm she joined on the island welcomed her and taught her the foundations of the profession. From the start, she gravitated toward Civil and Family Law, areas where she could see firsthand the real impact of the law on people’s lives.
Her first formal lawsuit involved a family matter: her elderly aunt told her that her ex-husband had sold a piece of her land without her signing any documents. Paty took the case, gathered evidence, and during the trial, reached a settlement with the buyer. It was not only her first legal win but also a personal confirmation that she had chosen the right path.
Later, she became one of the first attorneys on the island to implement oral proceedings, a change that required adapting to a faster and more demanding system.
Today, Paty runs her own independent law practice while also serving as legal advisor for KCR, a collaboration that has lasted for more than 17 years. She first met Karen when Karen was already a broker, and since then, their professional relationship has been constant.
Her work with KCR includes:
Legal work can be serious, technical, and detail-oriented, but that doesn’t mean it’s all about files and meetings.
For Paty, one of the greatest privileges of working with KCR is being part of a group that not only shares responsibilities but also enjoys special moments outside the office.
We laugh a LOT together as law and real estate can be super amusing.
We’ve shared everything from relaxed dinners to impromptu coffee meetups.
One of the most fun memories was a cooking class organized as a team. Between laughter, fresh ingredients, and a few spontaneous twists, the afternoon turned into the perfect mix of teamwork and friendship.
-“These are the moments that build trust. It’s different working with someone you’ve only exchanged emails with than with someone you’ve cooked, laughed, and shared stories with.”
And since Mexico’s Independence Month is here, we would like to share one of our favorites:
Outside her profession, Paty enjoys traveling, shopping, watching series, and dining well.
She still reads about law as a hobby but she has recently picked up a new one: pickleball.
She plays with the goal of winning a match, although she jokes that for now, she’s still in training.
One of the biggest challenges in her career has been dealing with bureaucracy in government offices and courts. She also recalls that having to take children to testify was particularly difficult.
The rewards, however, make it all worthwhile.
Over the years, many clients she has helped have returned to seek her counsel again or greet her warmly in the street. That trust, built case by case, is, for her, one of the greatest satisfactions of the job.
Her advice to those starting out in law is clear:
-“Law requires sacrifice, especially at the beginning. Earning credibility takes effort and time, but it’s worth it.”
Paty doesn’t see herself leaving the profession. She dreams of seeing more committed lawyers on the island, and in fact, her nephew has just started law school. In the future, she would love to open a large firm together with several partners.
Beyond contracts and trials, her mission remains the same: to ensure that every legal process in Cozumel is carried out with clarity, fairness, and respect for all parties involved.
We are truly delighted to share successful moments with her, as each achievement is a reflection of her dedication.
If you would like to get in touch with Paty, just let us know and we’ll be glad to connect you.
patyzaldivar@hotmail.com