Season 3: Finale: Diego Durán de la Vega

Partner and Co-Chair of Latin American Disputes at Hughes Hubbard & Reed in Washington, DC

Diego Durán de la Vega

Partner and Co-Chair of Latin American Disputes at Hughes Hubbard & Reed in Washington, DC

How to make it as co-chair at BigLaw as an internationally trained lawyer?

Hear it from the hiring partner:

Diego’s legal career is adorned with prominent clients of fame and glamor. His clients include a famous Mexican anchorwoman, a Michelin Star chef, one of the most famous illusionists in the world, former governors and Mexican states and a businessperson who befriended Tiger Woods, Michael Schumacher and Fergie. Hailing from a family of lawyers, he successfully turned his international network of contacts into assets to the firms that hired him.Hailing from a long line of lawyers in the family, he successfully turned his international network of contacts into assets to the firms that hired him.

Diego believes there are three types of lawyers in the BigLaw ecosystem. As a Partner and the Co-Chair of Latin America Dispute Practice Group at Hughes Hubbard in DC, Diego has interviewed hundreds of internationally trained lawyers.

Let this hiring partner tells you: What is BigLaw looking for when hiring internationally trained lawyers?

What kind of candidates stand out in the interviews?

How did he transition from criminal defense work into international dispute resolution?

How to build your book of business from your network of contacts?

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Where did you grow up? Why did you study law?

By the way, we recruit Georgetown law graduates from LLM programs as part of our longstanding externship initiative. I am an advocate for the caliber of LLM students in law firms. I try to get my fair share of these brilliant people to join the practice.

I grew up in Mexico City, born and raised there until a decade ago when I relocated my practice to the US. The decision to study law was influenced by the fact that my father, brother, and uncle are all lawyers, though none of them exerted overt pressure or influence for me to become one myself. Observing lawyers in action firsthand, I came to appreciate the profession.

I recognized how well it equips individuals for various pursuits, even beyond practicing law. In Mexico, the educational path combines college with law school, commencing right after high school. This integration allows for exploration, considering many students may not be certain about their preferred field of study. I'm not sure what I want to be studying, studying law I reasoned that would provide a solid foundation, offering versatility even if I decided on a different career path.

Would you talk about your career trajectory?

Before coming to the U.S., I practiced full-time for about seven years after graduating from law school in Mexico, primarily in criminal defense at a boutique law firm. As many might imagine, criminal defense practice in Mexico can be gritty and challenging. While I could tolerate the toughness of the field. I decided one day that I was done with it—I hadn't invested years in law school and studies to deal with bribery demands, which became increasingly common.

I've always wanted to study abroad at a prestigious university, and despite being in my early thirties and on the verge of a partnership at the firm, I decided to pursue an LLM program in the US. Many questioned the practicality of it. My family was asking me: are you sure? I understand because this decision to pursue studies in the U.S. would mean discarding the career I had built in criminal defense.

However, I felt compelled to take this opportunity for personal growth and a break from my existing reality. My motivation for pursuing the LLM wasn't solely pragmatic; it was also an escape and a chance to embrace life experiences and interests beyond the legal realm. I never had time to play soccer, but resumed playing during my LLM year. Applying to eleven great schools, I was surprised that ten accepted me. I was like, maybe I completely overdid it this time.

Why did you choose to become a criminal defense lawyer? You mentioned that your father, uncle and brother are all lawyers. Did they inspire you to choose this career path?  

Criminal defense wasn't my initial foray into the legal field. In Mexico, law school students can work part-time throughout the year, not just during the summer like in the US. It's quite common to find students in Mexico starting part-time work around the midway point of their law school journey. During my fourth semester, observing peers joining law firms or companies, I began working at an IP law firm. Subsequently, I transitioned to Baker McKenzie, Mexico, where I delved into litigation, specifically tax and administrative litigation, and spent two years honing my skills. While I found fulfillment in litigation, my passion for criminal law persisted from my law school experiences and admiration for my criminal law professors.

A friend introduced me to a top law firm where he was working, describing the work they were doing. It resonated with me, so I decided to give it a shot. The funny is the hiring partner has known my dad for many years. But I didn't mention it to him during the interview. So he didn't know who I was until he had hired me. I really didn't want to get something because my dad. I think I earned a lot of respect from my then boss. I pulled that stunt.

I immersed myself in criminal law, enjoying it until I reached a point where it no longer resonated with me. These were formative years filled with both positive and challenging experiences. Eventually, I felt it was time to close that chapter and seek new opportunities. When I left, my boss expressed full support, even suggesting the possibility of partnership upon my return after completing my LLM. I liked the firm and my work. However, plans changed, and I never returned.

How did you get your first job in the U.S.?

Initially, I hadn't considered staying in the US for an extended period. In my mind, taking a year off for my master's and then returning to continue building my career in Mexico seemed like the plan. However, halfway through my LLM, as I heard fellow students discussing interviews, job fairs in New York, and post-LLM job strategies, I found myself reassessing my plan.

I decided to give it a try. I reached out to my former boss, attended job fairs, and leveraged connections. My former boss introduced me to a contact at Quinn Emanuel. I attended their interviews and I was fortunate to be offered a position. Quinn Emanuel recruited me directly out of my LLM, and I received the exciting news about landing the job just two weeks before the bar exam in July 2014.

Again my plan was to spend only one year at Quinn Emanuel because I wanted to return to Mexico. However, as I progressed through the foreign associate program, enjoying my work and developing a positive rapport with my team, my perspective shifted again. In December that year, my boss approached me, expressing satisfaction with my performance and proposing the extension of my status to a permanent, partnership-track associate position. This offer is like music to my ears. Having experienced the international nature of the practice and the unique cases handled by the firm, I found myself wanting to stay with them.

What practice did you start with at Quint Emmanuel and are you still in the same practice at Hughes Hubbard?

My practice is quite diverse. Having been a criminal defense lawyer in Mexico, it made sense for me to transition to white-collar defense and corporate investigations compliance when I joined the firm in the US. My partner who hired me led that practice, and it has been a significant part of my work, constituting about 40% of my current docket. I genuinely enjoy the complexities of white-collar investigations and compliance work, and I'm fortunate to continue practicing in this area.

However, something transformative occurred as I delved deeper into my US practice. I had the opportunity to work on a few commercial disputes, prompting me to proactively reach out to partners handling such cases. Rather than merely passing on these cases, I chose to learn and make commercial disputes a significant part of my practice. Over the past ten years, this area has grown substantially and now constitutes about 60% of my docket. Broadly categorized as commercial disputes, it's essentially divided equally between international arbitration and traditional litigation before US courts.

A notable aspect across all my work is its international nature, involving cross-border matters. Almost all my clients, about 99%, are based abroad, primarily from Spanish-speaking countries. To clarify my previous career trajectory in Mexico, the criminal defense work I engaged in wasn't limited to white-collar offenses as understood in the US. It encompassed a broader spectrum in criminal defense work. For instance, I recall being asked to assist a client involved in a bar fight, who happened to be the nephew of a former Mexican president. When you have a relationship, and someone's asking for your help. You're not going say that I'm a white-collar defense lawyer exclusively. You help when you can.

How did you transition from white-collar defense work and build your practice in dispute resolution?

My approach to building my career revolves around the belief that there are essentially three types of lawyers. The first type focuses solely on doing the work, the second excels in getting the work and delegating it to others, and the third is adept at both getting the job and effectively handling the work.

My aspiration has always been to fall into the third category—the lawyer who can secure the work and actively contribute to solving the problem or handling the case. During my time at Quinn Emanuel, I emerged as one of the top associates in originating new business for the firm. This position provided me with the opportunity to work on diverse cases, as I was keen on not just generating new business but actively participating in the work.

To bridge the gap in my expertise and ensure I wouldn't miss out on the action, I proactively sought out litigation and arbitration partners, as well as colleagues from my previous firm. I have this case I asked around: can we work it together? Do you have any needs for the Spanish speaking associate for your cases in the UK or Europe or Latin America? I worked with alongside with the best lawyers. And I learned a lot from them. I think how everything started.

Could you share any interesting stories you have encountered in your practice?

One of the most fascinating projects I had the opportunity to work on was related to the FIFA investigation during my time at my previous firm. Being part of the team involved in such a massive and globally recognized case, which implicated not only FIFA but also various financial institutions worldwide, was incredibly exciting. Despite the inevitable soul-crushing document review, the experience was thrilling.

Having an international practice and being multilingual opens doors to cases and opportunities that might be otherwise inaccessible and allows for extensive travel. Another story I can share is about an eccentric client I've worked with. He’s a wealthy businessperson from Mexico with a passion for sports paraphernalia and memorabilia. Our involvement centered around a criminal investigation where the Department of Justice was determining whether he would be a target or just a subject of the investigation.

During our initial meeting at his office, he led us to a unique meeting room that turned into a bar. I went with a summer associate and we were trying to make our way through the questionnaire that we had, we were interviewing him to prepare the case. And but he kept offering us cigars. He’s like, “here. You want a drink? You have to check out my draft beer machine I just got.” He was just testing in front of us. It wouldn't work and he would shout to summon his assistant. She barged in and checked out the draft machine. He showed us this incredible library that didn't have any books but had a lot of trinkets and images and pictures. We see pictures of him with Tiger Woods, pictures of him with Michael Schumacher and pictures of him with Fergie.

And when we finished work that day. The summer associate said to me: well, that has been the most interesting professional experience I've ever had. I was like, yeah, you and me both, my friend.

Who's your favorite TV lawyer?

I love Suits so much that I just finished rewatching all the seasons this week. The intensity and constant discussions and fights between the characters are incredible. I don't think I could handle that in real life. However, it does resonate with the fire in our bellies, the occasional desire to argue and fight, not every day, but occasionally.

As for my favorite TV lawyer, I'm torn between Mike and Harvey. I genuinely love both characters; they're cool in their unique ways. Harvey embodies the quintessential powerful, know-it-all lawyer, while Mike, with his photographic memory, adds a touch of humanity. It makes you wonder what you could achieve with such a gift. I have to take notes constantly, struggling to remember everything that happens in a day.

What are the important qualities international firms, like yours are looking for when they're hiring internationally trained lawyers like yourself?

I mean, obviously, language proficiency is crucial. Other than the language element, we're seeking well-rounded lawyers, individuals who can hit the ground running. While we don't expect them to know everything from the start, transitioning to a different legal system can be challenging, especially for those coming from a civil law tradition to common law. Starting afresh is unforgiving, demanding patience and a willingness to build from the ground up. Often, we LLMs need to work harder than JDs to prove ourselves, as doubts may linger.

In terms of technical qualities, we expect LLMs to possess the basics of being a good lawyer, with room to learn additional skills during their tenure. I often share my experiences with LLM colleagues, emphasizing the importance of creating value. LLMs have a unique international network that can be leveraged positively.

There are a few reasons why BigLaw hires foreign lawyers.

First, they want to improve or create a relationship with that LLM’s original law firm. They're interested in the law firm, not in the individual. In that case, the LLM needs to comply with the minimum requirements.

Second, the firm may have a very specific need. For example, they have a case where we feel it makes sense to hire someone licensed in Netherlands. In that case, the firm will have the lawyer meet a higher expectation given the specific circumstances that make them hire the lawyer.

Third, I’ve been trying to telling all the LLMs who have been reached out to me, all of us LLMs have something that JDs don't have, which is an international network of contacts. And we can leverage that in a good way, throughout the years, I've been able to refer work out to, to colleagues from my LLM or friends from you know, I refer a lot of words for to my colleagues in Mexico in the region, but also on the receiving end of those referrals. Put together a business plan of how they're going to add additional value, not only to show what the hours they can bill for the firm. Try to tell the firm, hey, these are the contracts that I have. This is the kind of initiatives that I would like to pursue. Essentially the firm is looking for baby partner type of person. They expect you to generate business and be entrepreneurial and develop business.

As someone who is in the hiring position, I’m sure you have interviewed many candidates who want a job at your firm. What kind of candidates stand out in your view?

Candidates who stand out to me are those with whom I feel a genuine connection, or individuals I click with. I’m hiring someone whom I’m going to spend a lot of time with. Establishing this rapport is crucial.

I firmly believe that a strong connection makes work more enjoyable and less like a chore. Additionally, a key criterion is a strong work ethic. Candidates must exhibit a willingness to work exceptionally hard, going the extra mile. Being away from our home countries and comfort zones implies a commitment to extraordinary efforts.

This is what I wish I realized earlier: to understand that I was starting from zero, it was my choice to start from scratch at a new country. And it would have avoided me a bunch of fights, and issues and problems and with others. Everyone has its own process of understanding this, but for me, it was like you're no longer a senior associate. You're no longer going to become a partner in the next couple of years. If you want to stay in the US, you need to swallow your pride and work hard.