Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network.

For our latest interview, we chose one of our newest ILN members, Miriam Machado of KLA – Koury Lopes Advogados in Brazil!

In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
Hectic and interesting! Everyday is crazy and busy and stressful, but there is no one day like the other. Never a dull moment!

Who would be your typical client?
CFOs, CEOs and CMOs of foreign (large and medium size) companies. I expressly mention the positions because at the end of the day, the people are really the clients in most cases.

What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
That I am practical and business oriented, focused on solutions. And that I have fun discussing complicated issues or putting intricate structures together.

What has been your most challenging case?
Every case that involves individuals. The negotiation of a large deal between a Brazilian company (infrastructure conglomerate) and a Japanese group (keiretsu). The cultural gaps were evident from the start and bridging them was an added challenge (especially being a woman). The closing was a very rewarding moment! I was very proud of all of us! And I fell in love with Tokyo!

What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
The first day of KLA as a law firm (May 13, 2002). I felt thrilled! We are a spin off of a traditional Brazilian law firm and most of us had worked there for many years. Leaving was not easy, but I guess I can now say we made the right choice.

What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
I try to spend as much as I can on the beach! I love it! It allows me to spend time outside São Paulo, outdoors, with my family and friends!

What would surprise people most about you?
That I am actually shy! (God, people will give me such a hard time for this!)

What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Did not have any yet since we just joined and were not able to not attend our first meeting in Costa Rica!

What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
I have absolutely no idea!!!! Which is probably good because on some days I would be very tempted to give it a try.

If a movie were made about your life, who would you want to play you?
Uma Thurman (with her Kill Bill costumes, vehicles and martial arts skills).

How would you like to be remembered?
As fun, charming and generous!