Season 2: Finale: Lucas Loviscek

International Arbitration Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

Lucas Loviscek, International Arbitration Partner, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

How did he rise to the top in international arbitration at BigLaw?

When Lucas came to the U.S. to pursue his LLM, he planned to work in the U.S. for a year or two before heading home. He was able to secure a position at Quinn Emanuel, the prestigious and the largest law firm in the world devoted solely to business litigation and arbitration. Eight years later, he never regretted his decision.

What did he do before and during his LLM to set him on the path of success? How did he land his first job? How did he use his previous connection to secure a position at BigLaw? What’s his advice on how to successfully network during law school to secure your post-graduation job offer?

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Tell us about your practice.

I’m a partner at the law firm Quinn Emanuel’s Washington DC office. My practice area is international dispute resolution, primarily centered around litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on Latin America and global matters. I have been with the firm for nearly seven years now.

Prior to my time in the US, I spent nine years working at one of Argentina's largest law firms. Initially, my plan was to come to the US to pursue my LLM, gain some experience here, possibly work at a law firm for a year or two, and then return to Argentina to continue my career trajectory within my former law firm. However, circumstances shifted after I arrived.

Following my LLM, I was offered a position at Quinn Emanuel. Initially, I intended to stay for a short period of one or two years. However, due to our involvement in significant cases and a growing workload, opportunities began to expand. I was presented with the chance to stay on and further my career within the law firm. As a result, I was promoted to partner two years ago.

Undoubtedly, the LLM experience was crucial in providing me with additional and comprehensive knowledge in my practice areas and other related fields necessary for my work. It enabled me to practice law in the US effectively.

What did you do before you start your LLM at Georgetown? And what should students be doing to prepare their LLM?

At this early stage, my advice would be to begin by selecting your classes and courses and exploring the various activities offered by Georgetown Law. The Law Center provides a wide array of options, so it's essential to take the time to organize your daily schedule. Personally, I found myself eager to participate in numerous activities.

Seeking guidance from professors and alumni, discussing your career path, and choosing courses thoughtfully are valuable steps. My approach involved not only focusing on courses directly related to my field but also opting for a broader set of courses that I believed would enhance my knowledge and skills for a successful career in the US.

For those considering the New York bar, although this might seem distant, planning ahead is critical. You may need specific courses to be eligible for the bar exam. If you plan to take the New York bar immediately after completing the LLM, choose these courses now. Balance the bar exam requirements and personal interests.

What activities, classes, events you attended that are the most helpful to develop your career?

In my case, when pursuing my LLM, I was already a seasoned practitioner in Argentina in international litigation and arbitration. Thus, my approach was to augment my existing knowledge while also meeting the requirements for the New York bar. Balancing these factors made my course selection quite intricate.

I sought guidance from various sources, including the Office of Graduate Careers. Professors also proved to be valuable advisors. I took an advanced course in commercial arbitration. Additionally, I took investment law and investment treaty arbitration.

I wasn’t sure if I needed to take Evidence, which is unique in the U.S. legal system. I had a candid discussion with my professor. She aptly advised that, given my intentions to study evidence for the bar exam, a more efficient strategy would be to take another course for my LLM. Her counsel proved wise, as I learned elements of evidence in my arbitration and litigation studies, and subsequently prepared for the bar exam. I had to study Evidence for the bar. I recommend seeking advice from a range of sources – including professors, career advisors, and experienced peers – when navigating the diverse array of offerings.

How did you get your first job? And what advice do you have for internationally trained lawyers who are seeking internships or jobs in the United States?

In my case, I reached out to Quinn Emanuel, the law firm I was keen on joining after my LLM. The firm is renowned for its prominence in litigation and arbitration, both in the U.S. and globally. I had a prior connection with them through a small project in Argentina, so I knew some of the team members. Following a series of interviews, which included informal conversations with acquaintances within the firm, as well as more structured interviews with partners leading the international arbitration and litigation practice, I was offered a position. The process was methodical and deliberate, though not lengthy.

Regarding advice, I echo the sentiments previously shared. Your initial job doesn't have to define your entire career trajectory. It's worth considering that transitioning into the U.S. legal landscape might require a flexible approach. While internships can be beneficial, especially post-LLM, overcommitting during the program itself can be challenging given the coursework and networking demands. Prioritizing connections with classmates can pay dividends, both personally and professionally, down the line.

Some law firms, including ours, offer International Attorney Programs that is for one year. When it comes to job search, persistence is crucial. Don't be discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses. Many professionals are open to brief coffee chats and discussions, even if their schedules are tight. I encourage everyone to reach out to the professionals whom they know have active international projects.

What is your most meaningful experience during law school?

It's friendship. I made friends from my study groups. These groups not only enhanced our learning but also fostered relationships that endured. One memorable course that underscored this was Business and Law, where we collaborated as a team to craft a business model and present it to the class. It was a meaningful project. It's crucial to carve out leisure time to bond with peers through social events as well. We even organized a soccer team with lawyers of diverse backgrounds worldwide. Our team won the championship in the law school's internal football tournament. That was definitely a highlight of my year.