Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alejandro Rodriguez Vanzetti

1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? In college, I found myself drawn to international politics and law, especially as they relate to Latin America. Growing up in Miami, I was always exposed to these conversations, but studying them at an academic level gave me a deeper appreciation for the region’s complexities. Over time, I realized I wanted a career where I could combine these interests with my passion for writing, one where I could make a meaningful impact. Cliché aside, law felt like the natural path: a way to advocate for others while shaping real outcomes in people’s lives.

2. Why did you choose the areas of law that you practice? In a previous role before law school, I was introduced to evidence gathering and asset recovery and was immediately drawn to the work. What captivated me most was the cross-border nature of these cases—collaborating across jurisdictions (often with foreign-trained lawyers) and learning the legal frameworks of other countries. The shared goal of securing critical evidence for foreign proceedings and recovering assets for victims of fraud made the work feel both challenging and meaningful.

3. What skills do you draw upon when it comes to your specific practice areas? I often draw on the persistence I developed early in my career, those moments when I had to go above and beyond. Whether it was crafting a seemingly impossible argument or navigating an unfamiliar area of law, I learned to dig deep and push through challenges. That mindset—doing whatever it takes to reach the right outcome—continues to guide my approach today.

4. What is the most rewarding part about your job? Two parts: Contributing to developing areas of the law that have a global impact and finding creative solutions to complex problems. That combination is what makes this work so fulfilling.

5. Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had many mentors. What they all had in common was their belief in my potential, often seeing something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. Most recently, Magistrate Judge Lisette M. Reid, my former boss, did just that: trusting my abilities while consistently challenging me to grow and learn.

6. If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing? I’d likely be working in journalism.

7. What might people be surprised to learn about you? I can recite the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence. For some reason it has stuck with me ever since 7th grade civics class!

8. What is a good book or article you read recently? An article by Yves Klein published by Chambers and Partners on tracing the evolution of asset recovery over the years titled “International Asset Tracing and Recovery at 25: Where Do We Stand?”