75 conversations, one big lesson

When I first shared my goal of meeting 75 lawyers, I was balancing several new challenges. I had just started as a research assistant, was working part-time at a law firm and was adjusting to the pace of the Global Professional Master of Laws program.

I knew it would take effort, but my time at U of T Law has always been about more than earning a degree. I’ve focused on building something meaningful through both my work and the connections I’ve made.

As an internationally trained lawyer from Brazil, I’ve had the chance to work at the Arizona Supreme Court and the Roraima State Court of Appeals. I came to Canada to grow professionally and contribute to the legal field. My first experience here was in 2022, when I joined Osgoode Hall Law School as an international research trainee. That experience helped me understand the legal landscape in Canada and inspired me to return. After clerking for a justice at the appeals court in northern Brazil, I was fortunate to be accepted into the GPLLM program. That moment was a turning point, and I have carried that sense of purpose ever since.

Right after classes began, I saw the school's calendar and noticed the upcoming 75th anniversary celebrations. Attending the gala, inspired by Law Follies, marked a turning point for me. Seeing the impressive alumni network of justices, ambassadors, professors, former deans and professionals from every area of law, I felt proud and motivated to contribute to this amazing community. That feeling inspired the '75 conversations' project. I was very active on LinkedIn and seeing JD students across the border sharing their goals to meet with 100 lawyers throughout their three-year degree seemed fascinating to me. I wanted to do something similar. 

I soon committed to starting it, I set a plan in motion and began reaching out. I was also able to gather the support from the Faculty of Law's Advancement Office. Without [Alumni Engagement Officer] Devorah Lindsay's help, I probably wouldn't have been able to finish the challenge!

My conversations with alumni went far beyond professional advice. We discussed life, success, balance, tips and tricks, resumes, lifelong learning, even how to handle disappointments. After each chat, I felt energized and ready for the next one. I was genuinely surprised and touched by how open and honest everyone was willing to be.

Throughout the project, I shared weekly updates on LinkedIn and built a supportive community there, too. Eventually, I spoke with more than 75 lawyers and each conversation taught me something valuable.

These conversations happened over lunch, soda, on Zoom and sometimes even turned into meaningful introductions or long chats that went beyond our original schedule. One common thread stood out: everyone I met was incredibly generous and welcoming. The kindness from U of T Law alumni, administrators, and of course, support from the Advancement Office, made all the difference.

Interestingly, much of the advice overlapped: keep an open mind, take risks, get comfortable with discomfort, focus on genuine human connections, build a solid foundation early on and stay curious because your path may surprise you.

I also received other especially inspiring pieces of advice.

Benjamin Iscoe:

Don’t lose sight of the basics that you learned in kindergarten. Be kind, respectful and listen to others . . . . 

Marco Falco:

The three key things that will help you thrive in the profession: 1) Reasonableness — being able to find workable solutions to the parties’ problems and engaging with opposing counsel civilly, to effect the most just outcome for your client; 2) Hard work and effort — while smarts will get you far as a lawyer, nothing in law will get you further than preparation and effort; and 3) Mentorship — look for champions and mentors who will see the best in you and encourage you to thrive as a lawyer.

Derrick Raphael:

. . . Live authentically. Life is short, and it’s important to avoid regrets about not being true to yourself. Prioritize your health. Developing healthy habits early ensures a better quality of life in the future . . . .

Beyond that, I got to communicate with some notable alumni, including former Supreme Court Justice Hon. Moldaver, who said:

. . . Let honesty and integrity be your guideposts. Let your word be your bond. Stand up for what you believe in, even when it is inconvenient. . . . 

The Honourable Justice Abella, said:

Follow your heart and brain fearlessly — they'll be your truest guides.

Ambassador Bob Rae (LLB 1977), who recalled,

. . . Law was my bridge between political theory and practice in politics and public policy . . . 

The alumni I met lived all around the world. While many were based in Toronto, others were in New York, California, England, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Australia and elsewhere. Many had ties to Brazil or had worked with Brazilian colleagues, and often introduced me to even more people.

Another unique thing about U of T Law is how many alumni choose to build their lives and careers in Toronto, actively participating in the law school community long after graduation, which seems different from other top schools.

This project was never just about checking off a list—it became a meaningful journey of building relationships. I learned how to spark engaging conversations, organize meetings effectively and confidently navigate different professional cultures. From crafting thoughtful messages to following up respectfully, I improved my ability to connect authentically. Not every conversation needed an immediate result, yet each one had its own value. Most importantly, I saw clearly how consistency kindness, and following through helps build a strong, respected reputation.

I'm ending this chapter with more than just new connections. I've made friends, found mentors and started conversations that will continue to grow. I've experienced firsthand what being part of an active, generous, and global network means—and for that—I'm truly grateful.

To everyone who gave their time, shared their stories, or made thoughtful introductions, thank you! You've made this year unforgettable and shaped my journey in ways I'll always appreciate.

Read selected quotes from Claudio's 75+ conversations with Faculty of Law alumni (PDF document)