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Home city, country: Verona, Italy
Current city, country: Rome, Italy
Current position and employer: Associate, Shearman & Sterling LLP
What was it like coming to campus for the first time?
At the time, I worked at a law firm with U-M alum and he was the one that suggested I go to Michigan. I was studying for the Italian bar exam, so my first two weeks at the university were kind of difficult—I was at the library instead of participating in orientation activities and getting to know my cohort. But after that I really enjoyed being there.
What ways have you found to keep in touch with the Michigan community while living outside of the US?
It’s definitely easy to get together with the people I’ve stayed in contact with the most and those that are in close proximity to where I live—typically we would plan something in London, Paris, or Milan. This year I was contacted by the Law School asking for me to send emails to my MLL friends about getting together on campus for our five-year reunion this past September. It was a great opportunity for us to spend time together in Ann Arbor.
Is there anything specific you’re looking forward to when you get back to campus?
I was really just happy to come back to Ann Arbor and spend time with my U-M friends for a few days. I was excited to see the “new” Michigan and all of the building improvements that have been completed since the last time I was there.
What type of law do you practice in Italy, and what do you like about it?
At Shearman & Sterling, I mainly focus on corporate and capital markets. I actually work a lot in U.S. markets, with some big companies like Viacom. But I like that I don’t just work in Italy or the U.S., I work on projects all around the world.
What would you tell potential students in Italy about your experience at Michigan?
I’ve often been asked by students at the junior college here in Italy about my experience as an MLL at Michigan, and I always recommend it to them. In my opinion, it is a better education than some of those big schools in New York. Yes, New York is much bigger than Ann Arbor, but the education, the campus, and the quality of life for the students is just better at U-M.
If you’d like to learn more about planning your next trip back to U-M, click here!
