Attorneys-turned-UC law students review Latin American legal systems

On Oct. 18, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law LLM Program hosted speaker Francisco Victoria-Andreu for the event, “Doing Business in Latin America: Legal and Practical Considerations.” Victoria-Andreu is a transnational business consultant with over 20 years of experience in the field.  

The CLE-event was held at the offices of the U.S. Commercial Service in downtown Cincinnati. CLE is available for attorneys: 1.5 hours (OH; pending in KY).

Victoria-Andreu was joined by three Latin American attorneys who are also students in the college’s LLM program: Renata Xavier, Rodrigo Horna and Andres Marino. Drawing from their unique careers, the attorneys discussed their experiences with the legal system of their home countries as applied to the business field.

After graduating from Mackenzie Presbyterian University, in São Paulo, Brazil, Renata Xavier practiced business law in her home country for over six years. However Xavier felt it was time to continue her education and develop her professional resume. After connecting with friends in Cincinnati, she found the LLM program and was drawn to the small class sizes and exciting city. Xavier was also excited for the opportunity to practice her English.

Xavier’s background in business law allows her to often compare her experiences in her classes. For the lecture, she discussed the investment opportunities in Brazil from a legal perspective. Due to the present value of Brazil’s currency, she explains, it is a good time to invest. The legal and economic system in Brazil is vastly different from the U.S., and Xavier  educated attendees on the overall investment system in Brazil and opportunities for business.

Xavier says her background in business law has enhanced her experience with the LLM program tremendously, and she hopes to remain in Cincinnati following graduation.

Rodrigo Horna’s experience with transactional law and business contracts in the banking industry of Lima, Peru, has allowed him to put his legal background to good use. Once he graduated from the National University of San Marcos in Peru, Horna knew he wanted to continue with law and says the LLM program would help him diversify his knowledge and skills, as well as gain global experience. Similar to Xavier, Horna has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Cincinnati and hopes to stay nearby once he has completed the program.

Horna offered a glimpse of the business and legal facets in Peru during his discussion, and taught the basic regulations of business law in the country. Peru is currently being flooded by investors, and the economy is doing very well as a result. Although he was raised in a different legal system, Horna believes it is beneficial for anybody in the legal field to understand other international systems and legislations just as well as their own.

Andres Marino likes to describe his connection with Cincinnati as “fate.” Marino didn’t expect to end up at UC, but instantly knew he made the right choice once he began the LLM program. In fact, Marino enjoyed his time with the college so much, he became one of the first LLM graduates to stay and pursue his JD full time. Although the transition from his home country of Venezuela to the U.S. was a challenge, Marino is excited to share his knowledge of the Venezuelan business legal system.

After law school at the Federal University of Santa Maria and receiving his postgraduate law certificate at Andrés Bello Catholic University, Marino now advises foreign investment companies for his home country of Venezuela. While working as a full-time lawyer for over eight years, Marino traveled the the U.S., Canada and Australia gaining practical experience. He drew from personal experience during his discussion and talked about the terrain of the Venezuelan business legal system and current regulations.