Season 4 Premiere: Amadeu Ribeiro
Partner in Regulatory and Antitrust Group at DLA Piper New York
Amadeu Ribeiro
Partner in Regulatory and Antitrust Group at DLA Piper New York
Amadeu stands out as a pinnacle of multilingual lawyer with a global career. Dual-licensed in the U.S. and Brazil, he speaks Portuguese, German, Spanish and English fluently. Ranked by Chambers and Partners as “a prominent figure in competition and antitrust area,” his three-year stint in New York turned into fourteen years and counting. Read Amadeu’s story about how he transformed from a seasoned antitrust lawyer in Brazil into a long-term fixture in the New York’s antitrust legal scene.
What qualities does Amadeu look for when hiring candidates with international backgrounds?
How has he tackled the bias faced by international lawyers practicing in the U.S.?
What does it mean to him to think and write like a U.S. lawyer?
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How did your journey in the law begin?
I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, influenced by my family’s long tradition of being in the law for many generations. Initially, I aimed to become a judge or prosecutor but ended up in private practice.
From the start of my career, I was drawn to competition law. In the 90s, many countries, including Brazil, were adopting competition laws, with Brazil’s enacted in 1994. There was a lot of debate around that time in law school, and I became interested in antitrust law.
One professor had a significant impact on me, and I pursued my PhD under his guidance, working in a firm that specialized in antitrust law. I witnessed the birth of antitrust law in Brazil firsthand. After many years in Brazil, I joined Mattos Filho, a leading full-service firm. What was initially planned as a three-year stint turned into a 14-year stay in New York, and I had a great experience at the firm.
I joined DLA Piper because the firm is investing heavily in antitrust law and prioritizing Latin America. This focus on both Latin America and antitrust created a special opportunity for me. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
Do you have any interesting stories to share in this multilingual and multicultural legal discourse?
Rather than focusing on specific stories, I’d emphasize what attracts me to international legal practice: exposure to different cultures and mindsets. I find it incredibly enriching to engage with people from various nationalities and countries and to understand their perspectives and ways of thinking.
From the beginning of my career, I’ve aimed to avoid judgment and instead try to see things from the client’s point of view. Understanding how clients approach issues and questions has taught me a lot about navigating different cultures.
What does it mean to you to think like a U.S. lawyer?
To think like a lawyer, you need to spot the issues and find solutions. For example, in antitrust law, if a client comes to you with a merger and wants to know if it will be approved, you need to dig into the potential anti-competitive effects of the merger. You have to identify any antitrust issues and understand exactly what they are. In today’s antitrust world, this task is more complex than it used to be because enforcement approaches are less cohesive. To think like a lawyer is to spot issues.
Creative thinking is also important. When working with non-lawyers, they might just ask a question without considering the legal aspects. It’s up to you to figure out the legal issues and propose creative solutions on how to move forward.
What does it mean to write like a U.S. lawyer?
To write effectively, you need to be direct, concise, and clear. Constantly review your writing to eliminate unnecessary words and express what you need to say in fewer words. To me, clarity and brevity are forms of elegance in writing. Coming from a different legal background, I wasn’t initially focused on these skills. In my earlier career, the emphasis was more on eloquence and elaborate writing. However, I learned from U.S. lawyers, even before I was licensed in the U.S., that the key is to start by answering the question directly—yes or no.
If you can’t provide a simple answer, you need to carefully outline your reasoning. I learned this early in my career by observing and absorbing the practices of experienced U.S. lawyers. Whether through internships or summer associate roles, being open to learning from those around you is invaluable. Observing and imitating seasoned professionals can significantly enhance your skills.
How did you get your first job in the United States?
My path was somewhat unconventional compared to what you might typically see. If I could go back, I’d follow a more common route—completing the LLM and entering the U.S. legal market early in my career. Instead, I came to the U.S. market later in life after practicing in Brazil for many years. My experience is not a typical example; I was already a well-established practitioner when DLA approached me.
For those of you who are just starting off your career in the U.S., I recommend making the most of your time as students. Explore networking opportunities and meet as many people as you can. Show that you have substance by contributing meaningfully to conversations and projects. Invest your time thoughtfully and demonstrate your ability to be a valuable contributor to the firm. This will help build your reputation and improve your chances of securing a permanent position at a law firm.
What is the most significant challenge to switch from working at a Brazilian law firm’s U.S. office to an international law firm like DLA Piper?
That’s a good question, especially given that it’s been less than a year since my transition (to DLA Piper). The main challenge is managing cases under a different legal system and advising clients on U.S. antitrust law. Although I have substantial experience in antitrust matters, working with U.S. law presents a new set of complexities when you’re leading a case.
To address this challenge, I rely heavily on the expertise of my colleagues in the antitrust group. They are well-versed in the precedents and nuances of U.S. law, and their experience with transactions and investigations is invaluable. It’s crucial for me to recognize the value I bring to clients and understand the limitations of my practice.
By identifying and collaborating with the right experts, I can ensure that the client receives the best possible advice. In my previous role, I had accumulated a lot of experience and often had the answers to most questions. Now, I’m learning to combine my knowledge with the expertise of others, which has been a humbling experience.
Have you encountered bias as an international lawyer practicing law in the U.S.?
There can be prejudice or bias, not just in the legal profession but everywhere. The benefit of practicing in the U.S. is that it's a large market, so you don’t have to be surrounded by people with the wrong mindset. There’s always a place for you in this big legal market; you just need to find the right environment and people who value your work and contributions.
It's important to identify the right partners, peers, and workplace. Don’t get caught up in the noise or let negative experiences affect you. Sometimes, you’ll encounter situations and people you’d rather avoid, but that’s part of life. Focus on those who appreciate you for who you are and the value you bring to the team. Instead of consuming yourself in the noices, sometimes you just need to block it and move on.
As a partner in BigLaw, when you interview a candidate with an international background what makes him or her stand out?
When applying for a job in the U.S., you need to demonstrate the qualities expected of any U.S.-trained lawyer. Set a high bar for yourself, but also highlight the unique attributes that make you special. If you come from a different country, have different work experiences, or speak multiple languages, use that as an asset.
For example, in the Latin America practice at a firm like DLA Piper, they seek candidates with ties to the region and cultural understanding. A candidate from Latin America, combined with regional experience, naturally stands out. It’s important to emphasize these unique aspects of your background.
In my case, I highlighted my ties to Brazil, my extensive experience in the region, and my deep understanding of local client mentality. These qualities made me stand out during conversations with DLA Piper. Many organizations will value these distinctive qualities and experiences, so make sure to showcase them effectively.
