On Tour with Curtis: Inside an International Law Firm

Curtis Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP
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Are you considering a career in law? Come visit our offices to hear from our lawyers on what it's like to work in one of the world's longest established international law firms. With market-leading international practices, Curtis punches well above its weight. It does outstanding work for fascinating clients, but it's not a "shouty" culture. For all the firm’s international outlook, it retains a family feel; with fewer than 300 attorneys, so you're never just a number. Curtis’ legal DNA goes right back to 1830, when it was founded in New York City. Today, the firm has 19 offices across 15 countries. So when you join Curtis, you gain an international network of co-workers, from Bogotá to Brussels, Milan to Muscat. And New York and London, of course! Join Kate Fairweather to hear an insight into working in a law firm, which combines a storied tradition with an international outlook and entrepreneurial smarts. Meet our lawyers and hear what they think of Curtis and what it’s like to build a practice here.

Episodes

  1. Curtis Law - Pro Bono

    12/16/2025

    Curtis Law - Pro Bono

    This episode captures the breadth of Curtis's pro bono work, spanning human rights and refugee asylum cases to estate planning for artists and arguing constitutional challenges before the U.S. Supreme Court. Curtis attorneys champion the legal interests of both individuals in need, and charitable organizations that serve the public good. The firm's commitment to pro bono is evident in its 200-year history, through historic cases such as the representation of third-class passengers in what became a US$2.5 million class action lawsuit against the White Star Line, operator of the Titanic, which sank in April 1912. Host Kate Fairweather hears from lawyers in New York, Mexico City, and London about how Curtis approaches pro bono work today, and the meaningful impact it creates. [01:43] New York based Turner Smith, chair of Curtis's Pro Bono Committee oversees the firm's pro bono activities across all offices. He has worked on a wide range of pro bono matters and represented diverse not-for-profit organizations, including the New York Transit Museum, Society for International Humanitarian Surgeons, and the Autism Society of America. He emphasizes the importance of treating pro bono clients with the same dedication and resources as paying clients. He notes how, for young lawyers, pro bono work offers invaluable experience. Turner reflects on how pro bono work took him to Sudan's highest court, and acknowledges the firm's unwavering support. [09:36] Mexico City based Santiago Corcuera-Cabezut, a corporate partner, focuses his pro bono work on human rights, particularly cases involving enforced or involuntary disappearances under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as extensive work in refugee law. His commitment began as an academic interest while at Cambridge and remains a lifelong passion. Santiago discusses maintaining a thriving corporate practice alongside his international human rights pro bono work, describing the latter as a personal privilege. He encourages junior lawyers to embrace multiple practice interests and emphasizes strongly that his pro bono work stems not from charity but from conviction, and commitment to making a lasting impact on the legal landscape. [14:52] London based Harry Draper, an associate, explains how his interest in pro bono began during his training and continues to be supported by senior lawyers at the firm. Harry describes his volunteering at the Waterloo Action Centre in London, where individuals seek assistance with personal suits, employment disputes, housing and tenancy issues, and other matters. He explains why he values the hands-on experience of pro bono work: directing case strategies and taking ownership of matters from start to finish and how his pro bono work directly informs and enriches the counsel he provides to corporate clients.

    23 min
  2. Curtis Law in Paris

    04/10/2025

    Curtis Law in Paris

    In this episode, recorded from our Paris office in the elegant 8th arrondissement, you'll hear from lawyers in our dispute resolution team discussing their career journeys and  the choices they have encountered within this dynamic discipline. Regarded as a centre of excellence in dispute resolution within Curtis, our Paris team comprises lawyers with diverse backgrounds within disputes and beyond. Host Kate and her guests in Paris take a deep dive here into the practice of dispute resolution and explore their experience working with a global team on international matters:  International Arbitration partner Marie-Claire Argac shares insights on the  benefits of working with an international community of clients and colleagues, and offers guidance on leveraging these connections early in one's career, and staying engaged in conversations with the active investor-State community. Marie-Claire, who frequently acts as defense counsel to States, discusses the satisfaction she finds in developing winning strategies for her clients from the outset of each case. She discusses her path to partnership at a leading arbitration firm and the myriad options available to young lawyers today entering international arbitration. Associate Charlotte Fromont discusses her work with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Paris-headquartered International Court of Arbitration (ICC). Charlotte shares how she draws energy from both her work and team, emphasizes the importance of passion for the discipline, and explains the necessity of mastering both legal facts and industry-specific technical details when handling complex arbitration cases. She also provides candid advice on achieving work-life balance. Disputes Counsel Loujaine Kahaleh reflects on her experience representing sovereign states and state-owned entities in arbitral matters, and how her pivot to litigation has involved significant time in the formal setting of French courts. She offers valuable perspectives on specializing in both arbitration and litigation, including anecdotes from a set-aside proceeding before the French Supreme Court (Cour de Cassation) in a high-profile case.

    24 min
  3. Curtis Law in Frankfurt

    02/25/2025

    Curtis Law in Frankfurt

    An insight into the sophisticated and distinctive legal market in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial and banking centre and home to the European Central Bank. Life is never dull for Curtis’ Frankfurt team, which serves a strong domestic client base alongside a high level of international clients with interests in Germany. In this episode, Kate Fairweather meets a variety of lawyers at different stages of their career and  across a range of disciplines. ·      International investment funds lawyers Tobias Koch and Jan Schoberwalter describe the range of clients and their different paths into investment funds work – as well as the need for an open personality for this sociable area of law; ·      Disputes partner Sabine Schmidt shares her experience in commercial dispute resolution as both an arbitrator and as counsel. She also explains why both law and industry custom are equally important when representing sports law clients before the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal; ·      Senior tax lawyer Christian Fingerhut on the combination of technically complex work with client relations, while dealing ultimately with at least one and often more tax authorities and regulators. He outlines the range of skills a tax lawyer needs, to work in the ‘overlap’ between accountancy and law; ·      Corporate partner Kim Rissel describes working with the “hidden champions” of Germany’s industrial sector and offers some strong and very practical advice to law students.

    28 min
  4. Curtis Law in Muscat

    01/27/2025

    Curtis Law in Muscat

    An insight into the dynamic legal landscape in the Sultanate of Oman and what it’s like to practice law in Curtis’s office in their vibrant capital city, Muscat. Curtis is one of the very few international law firms with a base there, offering both international and Omani law under one roof. In this episode, Kate meets with a mix of lawyers at different stages of their careers, with varied disputes and corporate backgrounds, who work closely with the firm’s global network of clients and colleagues. ·      Simon Ward – Managing Partner in Muscat on Oman’s rapid development and how that has spawned specialisms in construction litigation and arbitration as well as aviation and shipping litigation.  He unpacks his work with the London Court of International Court (LCIA) and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC).  And we find out why he sometimes needs to slip on a lifejacket over his suit. ·      Corporate International group associate, Linna Al Kendi, discusses her work with clients on corporate and commercial matters, including defending Omani companies in proceedings before the US Ministry of Commerce. She talks about her early experience as a litigator in Oman’s regional courts, and her determination to become a lawyer at a time when nearly all Omani lawyers were men! ·      Sophia Briffa, now a senior corporate associate in Curtis London, explains how she came to spend the first year of her English law training contract working in Oman. She speaks interestingly on some of the cultural differences in business customs between Oman and the UK, as well as differences in client interactions in these parts of the world.

    23 min
  5. Curtis Law in Buenos Aires

    12/12/2024

    Curtis Law in Buenos Aires

    This episode covers all you wanted to know about being a lawyer in the multicultural capital city of Buenos Aires! You’ll hear from an interesting mix of partners; one specializing in investor-State arbitration, and two corporate lawyers with a wealth of knowledge in ‘B Corps’ and agri-business. Together they articulate what makes a career in law uniquely interesting in Curtis Buenos Aires. Tune in for a fresh voice as, Kate hands over the mic to Sacha – an Oxford University languages student considering law as a potential career. International arbitration lawyer Fernando Tupa on what makes international arbitration an attractive area for young lawyers, combining litigation and corporate practices; the importance of language skills in this area of the law both in proceedings and in managing client relationships; and compares his own experience working in Curtis’ headquarters in New York with his hometown of Buenos AiresVeteran corporate lawyer Laura Ocampo on the rise of the ‘B Corps’ – also known as triple impact companies - organisation which are verified to meet high social and environment standards; what makes corporate law is so interesting in Argentina; and her experience combining practicing and teaching law at the same time; as well as thoughts on her lived experience as a woman corporate lawyer.Another corporate lawyer with an special focus on agri-business, Esteban Daireaux explains Argentina’s vast economically significant and competitive agricultural sector and his career pathway into it; the need for flexibility in a fast paced and ever-changing sector; and the importance of teamwork to success.

    22 min
  6. Curtis Law in London

    10/14/2024

    Curtis Law in London

    Kate is on her home turf this time, introducing some of the partners in Curtis’s brand new office space, situated in the heart of the City of London. With London being a key hub for international work, lawyers here specialize in energy, oil and gas, public international law and funds with clients far and wide, including the MENA region. Investment funds lawyer, Karl Behrouz started life at Curtis as a trainee, left for a spell in house and is now back as partner in the corporate group, where he oversees work allocation to associates and trainees. He shares how leaving for a spell in-house shifted his perspective, and gives sound advice for anyone thinking about a legal career;Luciana Ricart, author and partner in Curtis’ public international law and international arbitration practices, explains the huge range of disciplines within her work. Such as sovereignty disputes, treaty interpretation and the implementation of international humanitarian law;Senior corporate lawyer Marc Hammerson on why London is a key hub for his international work in energy and natural resources, and how the energy transition is working in legal practice; andDr. Walid El-Nabal, a Libyan lawyer whose focus is on northwest Africa, on the subtleties of different legal regimes and how major geopolitical changes in recent years has meant that adaptability has been a fundamental skill in meeting his clients’ changing needs.

    22 min
  7. Curtis Law in Milan

    10/14/2024

    Curtis Law in Milan

    In the second episode from Italy, Kate visits Curtis’ Milan office, located in one of the stunning historic neighbourhoods, a stone's throw away from Milan’s architectural landmark, the Duomo. Here, she chats with four of the partners, each with fascinating backgrounds in fashion, litigation, corporate and the firm’s staple international arbitration: Fashion lawyer Daniela Della Rosa on how commercial, contract, M&A and IP law all play a role in her work as a fashion lawyer – and advice to those hoping to specialise in the area themselves.Litigator Edoardo Zucchelli on the vital role of teamwork in helping clients from very different culture to navigate international trade law, including EU and UN sanctions work; Corporate international and private equity lawyer Paolo Cocchini on the travel and social elements of working at Curtis, and on cooperating on building a practice with other offices; and International arbitration lawyer Irene Petrelli – leader of Curtis’s Italian arbitration team – on how culturally diverse colleagues from a range of legal backgrounds give an edge to the firm’s international arbitration advice, as well as enhancing her life at work.

    20 min
  8. Curtis Law in Rome

    10/14/2024

    Curtis Law in Rome

    In the first of two episodes from Italy, Kate is in Rome to meet the team at their office, inside a heritage building on Piazza Venezia. The lawyers here have expertise in diverse areas, from data privacy to renewable energy, VC investments and art law. Data protection and cyber law focused corporate lawyer, Gaia Morelli argues that the ‘digital native’ position occupied by early career lawyers puts them in an ideal position to practice technology and corporate law, across areas like AI and cybersecurity.Real estate and finance partner Sergio Esposito Farber gives a window into the fascinating - and singular - world of Roman real estate and art law, and has advice for any young lawyer on identifying the kind of practice you want, and making it happen; and Corporate partner Carmine Gravina explains how Curtis’s work with venture capital clients can move at astonishing pace and shares some stories about the intricacies of renewable energy deals in the African desert.

    15 min
  9. Curtis Law In New York

    10/14/2024

    Curtis Law In New York

    This episode, Kate is in Curtis’ headquarters in New York, the city where it was founded nearly 200 years ago. Today, Curtis occupies several floors of a prestigious heritage building just a few steps from Grand Central Station. As you’d expect of the firm’s headquarters, and the largest of all Curtis offices, it has the full range of international and U.S. practice areas: Jonathan Walsh, co-managing partner and the firm’s compliance partner talks New York litigation, acting for Brazilian clients, professional services litigation, representing the boxing promoter, Don King over decades and other surprising firm clients; andCorporate lawyer and co-managing partner, Val Hing talks about the international flavor of her broadly based corporate practice. She advises on corporate, commercial, finance, corporate finance and even some regulatory. She also explains why pro bono publico work is an important part of her professional life and how the firm supports that.

    14 min
  10. Curtis Law in Washington DC

    10/10/2024

    Curtis Law in Washington DC

    The White House is moments from Curtis' Washington D.C. office – and Kate is there to speak with managing partner Claudia Frutos-Peterson, who teaches international commercial and investment arbitration alongside her thriving practice, and Marija Ozolins, an associate within that practice. Claudia Frutos-Peterson explains the attraction for young attorneys of these dynamic areas of the law and why advising sovereign clients is particularly interesting. She also talks about how the international nature of a firm like Curtis sits perfectly in D.C. – where life is truly multicultural and multilingual.Marija Ozolins is an associate in DC whose practice focuses on international investment and commercial arbitration. She speaks about working at Curtis with its truly international environment and what it's like to develop a career in international arbitration as a young attorney. On Tour with Curtis is a Fresh Air production. The producer is Jack Soper.

    13 min

  11. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Introducing On Tour with Curtis: Inside an International Law Firm

    Are you considering a career in the law? Join host Kate Fairweather for an insight into working in a unique law firm, which combines a storied tradition with an international outlook and entrepreneurial smarts.  Meet our lawyers and find out what they think of Curtis and what it’s like to build a practice here.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Are you considering a career in law? Come visit our offices to hear from our lawyers on what it's like to work in one of the world's longest established international law firms. With market-leading international practices, Curtis punches well above its weight. It does outstanding work for fascinating clients, but it's not a "shouty" culture. For all the firm’s international outlook, it retains a family feel; with fewer than 300 attorneys, so you're never just a number. Curtis’ legal DNA goes right back to 1830, when it was founded in New York City. Today, the firm has 19 offices across 15 countries. So when you join Curtis, you gain an international network of co-workers, from Bogotá to Brussels, Milan to Muscat. And New York and London, of course! Join Kate Fairweather to hear an insight into working in a law firm, which combines a storied tradition with an international outlook and entrepreneurial smarts. Meet our lawyers and hear what they think of Curtis and what it’s like to build a practice here.

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