Member Voices: Maria Eugenia Lacerda

Maria Eugenia Lacerda
WLG | exchange Intern
TozziniFreire (Brazil) → Interned at Bae, Kim & Lee LLC (South Korea)

Tell us about a stand-out moment from your WLG | exchange so far?

I attended the 47th Global Privacy Assembly in Seoul, themed "AI in our Daily Lives”. During the event, I had the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world and listen to cutting-edge discussions on the regulation of AI. I made it a point to attend as many panels as possible to gain insights into the Asian perspective on the issues at hand. The Assembly was eventful and engaging. For example, I had a pleasant conversation with the legal department of a Japanese startup and a Korean IP professor about content boosting and echo chambers. One night, I was invited to attend the dinner party held by Bae Kim & Lee for its clients and foreign law firms, during which I met a Taylor Wessing TMT partner. This internship eases and strengthens connections in all directions, not only between the hosting firm and the intern.

What’s one striking similarity or difference you’ve noticed between your home and host jurisdiction?

At BKL, each attorney has an individual office, while at TozziniFreire, we operate in an open-plan environment. I enjoyed working in a quiet and peaceful setting, which enhanced productivity and allowed me to take calls without disturbing others. Conversely, the open-plan layout at TozziniFreire promotes spontaneous interactions with my team, facilitates management and orientation, and fosters a more collaborative, multidisciplinary atmosphere with other practices. Although I personally prefer the latter, I have to admit I will miss the silence on the busiest days.