How 75 conversations became my best classroom

When I first shared my goal of meeting 75 lawyers, I was balancing a lot. I had just started as a research assistant, was working part-time at a law firm, and adjusting to the pace of the Global Professional Master of Laws program (GPLLM ) at the University of Toronto. Even then, I knew my time there would be about more than earning a degree. I wanted to build something meaningful through my work and the connections I made.

As an internationally-trained lawyer from Brazil, I previously clerked at the Arizona Supreme Court and the Roraima State Court of Appeals. My first professional experience in Canada came in 2022, when I joined Osgoode Hall Law School as an international research trainee. That experience opened my eyes to Canada's legal landscape and planted the seed for my return. After clerking back home in Brazil, I was fortunate to be accepted into the GPLLM program. That moment felt like a turning point.

Shortly after classes began, I noticed U of T Law was celebrating its 75th anniversary. Attending the gala and Law Follies made me realize the incredible reach and strength of the school's alumni network. Seeing justices, ambassadors, professors, and professionals from every area of law come together inspired me to find a way to contribute to this community.

Around the same time, I noticed JD students in the United States were setting goals to meet 100 lawyers before graduation. I decided to create my own version of that challenge: 75 conversations to match the 75th anniversary.

With the help and encouragement of the advancement office, I set my plan in motion. The conversations that followed were far more meaningful than I could have imagined. They went beyond professional advice to talks about life, resilience, handling disappointments, and navigating change. Each meeting left me feeling energized and grateful.

Throughout the project, I shared weekly updates on LinkedIn and built a supportive network there, too. Ultimately, I spoke with more than 75 lawyers. Some conversations happened over coffee or lunch, others on Zoom. A few turned into lengthy discussions and led to introductions to others. No matter the format, one thing stood out: the generosity of spirit in every conversation.

Much of the advice I received overlapped: stay open, take risks, get comfortable with discomfort, and focus on building genuine relationships. Other pieces were especially memorable. Benjamin Iscoe at Dentons reminded me not to lose sight of the basics we learn in kindergarten: be kind, be respectful, and listen. Marco Falco at Torkin Manes emphasized reasonableness, hard work, and the importance of mentorship. ICON Talent Partners’ Derrick Raphael shared a powerful message about living authentically and prioritizing health early on.

The U of T alumni network stretched far beyond Toronto. I connected with lawyers in Australia, England, Switzerland, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S., including New York, California, and Florida. Surprisingly, many had ties to Brazil or colleagues there, making the experience even more personal.

This project was never just about numbers. It became a journey of building relationships and learning how to spark genuine conversations, organize meetings thoughtfully, and navigate different professional cultures. I realized that not every connection needs an immediate result to have value. Showing up consistently, following through, and being kind are what build a strong reputation over time.

As I close this chapter, I am taking more than just new connections with me. I have found mentors, made friends, and started conversations that will continue to shape my journey. I have seen what being part of a generous, active, and global legal community means.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, shared advice, and welcomed me with kindness. You made this year unforgettable.