MSc Political Economy of Late Development, 2011
Associate Lawyer, Levy & Salomão Advogados
After graduating from Law School at the Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil, I went to LSE to further my knowledge in development economics. My main academic interest has long been the interaction between institutions and economics, and I thought the MSc in Political Economy of Late Development would help me broaden my analytic skills and my knowledge in economics. It did just that.
After graduating with a dissertation on the impact of regulation on the development of the Brazilian stock market and on Brazilian economic development, I returned to Brazil and started working in a capital markets-focused boutique law firm in São Paulo. Since last December, I’ve been working with capital markets and mergers and acquisitions in a larger law firm. I’m also a PhD candidate in securities and banking law at the University of São Paulo.
My career path has developed as planned so far, although I’m still not in the position I would like to be. In the future, I would like to pursue an academic career - which I’m trying to build - and leave the practice of law, at least as an attorney. In the near future, I intend to pursue a programme for visiting researchers abroad, during which I intend to finish my doctoral thesis.
In my current job, my day-to-day responsibilities involve substantial team work, analytical skills and paying attention for detail. All these skills were significantly improved during my time at LSE. I interact directly and frequently with clients (both Brazilian and international), prepare M&A related agreements and negotiate acquisition transactions. My practice is focused upon the structuring and negotiation of national and cross-border loans and financial transactions. I have participated in securities in real estate securitisation transactions and in fund formation as well as in other matters related to financial system and capital markets regulation.
There are good and bad things about my current role. On the plus side, it allows me to develop myself as an attorney-in-law as I interact with complex transactions and clients, whilst also attending my PhD classes at the University of São Paulo. I dislike that it does not affect, at least directly, Brazilian development.
I’m also the coordinator of a research group at the Faculty of Law of the University of São Paulo called “Law and Poverty”, in which relevant texts and concrete cases are discussed with researchers and students.
The reasons that I chose LSE and my degree were: the field of study (development economics is not a common field in Brazil); the amazing international and cosmopolitan environment of LSE; and the wonders of living in London. I would encourage current LSE students to make the most of all the facilities such as the library for studying, and LSE Careers for improving your CV and your job interview techniques. As well as this, have a clear idea on whether you want to go back to your country or stay abroad - this helps when searching for interesting positions and jobs.
I miss LSE almost every day since I left. Apart for the almost constant rain and clouds, LSE reminds me of excellence, hard work and good friends!