The Advocate Next Door®

Hernando Otero, abogado colombiano especializado en arbitraje internacional, nos abre una ventana a su trayectoria y a los retos del oficio. En la conversación comparte cómo inició en el arbitraje a partir de oportunidades concretas y circunstancias económicas, y cómo evolucionó de su experiencia en el sector público en Colombia hacia una carrera consolidada en el ámbito privado en Estados Unidos. Habla sobre su estilo de enseñanza, centrado en transmitir conocimientos de manera clara y memorable, y destaca la importancia de la persistencia, la creación de oportunidades y el valor del networking en esta disciplina. Además, reflexiona sobre el papel de la mediación, sus aprendizajes como árbitro en paneles internacionales y brinda consejos prácticos para quienes desean abrirse camino en este campo. La entrevista cierra con una invitación a valorar la buena enseñanza y las estrategias efectivas como pilares para el éxito en el arbitraje.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Bienvenida

02:15 El Camino hacia el Arbitraje Internacional

05:47 Desafíos y Oportunidades en la Carrera

13:07 La Importancia del Networking

14:15 Consejos para Aspirantes a Árbitros

25:41 Dinámicas entre Árbitros

29:52 El Futuro de la Mediación

45:34 Conclusión

BIOGRAFÍA

Hernando Otero es un abogado especializado en arbitraje y mediación internacional con amplia experiencia como apoderado y árbitro en controversias bajo el Convenio CIADI, el Mecanismo Complementario del CIADI y las Reglas de Arbitraje de la CNUDMI, en casos relacionados con tratados bilaterales y multilaterales de inversión, así como en acuerdos comerciales. Ha actuado como árbitro en el Centro Internacional de Arreglo de Diferencias Relativas a Inversiones (CIADI) del Banco Mundial y ha sido designado por instituciones de renombre como la Cámara de Comercio Internacional (CCI), la Corte de Arbitraje de Londres (LCIA), el Centro de Arbitraje Internacional de Hong Kong (HKIAC) y el Centro de Arbitraje y Conciliación de la Cámara de Comercio de Bogotá, entre otros.

Además de su práctica, Hernando es Fellow y profesor en el Centro de Arbitraje Comercial Internacional de la Facultad de Derecho de Washington, donde dirige el curso anual de mediación ofrecido conjuntamente con JAMS. También se desempeña como mediador acreditado ante la Corte Superior del Distrito de Columbia y como Mediador Asociado en MarksADR.

Está admitido para ejercer la abogacía en Colombia, Nueva York y el Distrito de Columbia. Obtuvo una Maestría en Derecho Internacional (LL.M.) en la Escuela de Derecho de la Universidad de Nueva York (NYU) y el título de abogado en la Universidad de los Andes en Bogotá, Colombia.

LINKS

American University Washington College of Law: https://www.american.edu/wcl/faculty/otero.cfm

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernandootero/

Javier Augusto Sarmiento Olarte, ex-Ministro de Justicia y del Derecho Encargado, Procurador Delegado para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos en la Republica de Colombia los visita. Javier debate sobre su rol y sus responsabilidades, como la cooperación con autoridades norteamericanas y la defensa de derechos humanos en territorios apartados en Colombia. También explica el funcionamiento de la Procuraduría en Colombia y cómo ésta opera de manera autónoma e independiente para vigilar a servidores públicos y prevenir actos de corrupción. Sarmiento comparte detalles personales sobre su familia, los retos de su trabajo, y su pasión por la defensa de los derechos humanos, así como su trasfondo profesional y académico. Además, menciona la importancia del derecho a la migración y cómo Colombia es un pionero en proporcionar apoyo a migrantes, especialmente a venezolanos. La conversación también abarca las amenazas y desafíos que enfrenta en su labor, destacando la necesidad de tener pasión y sensibilidad para llevar a cabo este tipo de trabajo.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introducción

02:13 El Rol del Procurador Delegado

02:43 Desafíos y Viajes en el Trabajo

04:00 Familia y Vida Personal

06:01 La Procuraduría en Colombia

07:32 Migración y Derechos Humanos

23:00 Experiencias y Amenazas en el Trabajo

27:13 Consejos para Futuros Abogados

32:49 Reflexiones Finales

BIOGRAPHY:

Javier Augusto Sarmiento Olarte es un abogado colombiano especializado en derechos humanos, política criminal y justicia transicional. Ha ocupado altos cargos en el gobierno, entre ellos Ministro de Justicia, Viceministro de Política Criminal y Justicia Restaurativa, Director General de la Agencia para la Reincorporación y la Normalización (ARN) y Procurador Delegado para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos, en la Republica de Colombia. A lo largo de su trayectoria, ha liderado políticas públicas sobre desarme, desmovilización, reintegración, política de drogas, reforma penitenciaria y justicia transicional, con énfasis en el fortalecimiento institucional y la protección de los derechos fundamentales en contextos de posconflicto. Además, es un académico activo, conferencista y autor del libro La Proporcionalidad de la Pena en la Justicia Transicional.

LINKS:

Wikipedia; https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javier_Sarmiento

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javier-augusto-sarmiento-olarte-71b938151/?originalSubdomain=co

Mallory Silberman is a prominent figure in the international arbitration field. Silberman shares her journey from a first-year associate to founding her own company, MS Arbitration. She discusses the importance of flexibility in career planning, the value of learning languages, and the evolving landscape of legal training. Topics include her academic background, mentors, the significance of international arbitration, and her passion for training young lawyers. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, such as Mallory's unique role as a flower girl at Kelby's wedding, her teaching experience at Georgetown Law, and the critical need for comprehensive training in law firms.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Introduction

02:09 Mallory's Career Journey

03:13 Early Influences and Education

05:20 Entering the Legal Profession

14:31 Challenges and Mentorship

18:00 Practical Skills and Training

20:05 Language Skills in International Arbitration

22:05 Debunking the Myths of Partnership

22:23 The Reality of Being a Partner

22:52 The Importance of Asking Questions

24:06 Transition to Academia

26:06 Introduction to International Arbitration

27:30 Investment Arbitration Explained

29:05 Challenges in International Arbitration

33:15 The Apprenticeship Model in Law

37:22 Starting a New Business Venture

40:08 The Flower Girl

42:19 Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

BIOGRAPHY:

Mallory Silberman is a renowned advocate and professor of international arbitration, recognized by Who’s Who Legal as “one of the best advocates” and “among the world’s most experienced young practitioners of investment arbitration.” Over more than a decade in private practice at Arnold & Porter, she served as counsel in nearly 50 disputes across 17 countries, shaping the field of treaty-based arbitration. Today, Professor Silberman shares her expertise by training students and practitioners worldwide in advocacy, project management, cross-examination, and hearing preparation. A prolific author and speaker, she continues to mentor the next generation of advocates while advancing excellence in international arbitration practice.

LINKS:

MS Arbitration: https://www.msarbitration.com

Georgetown Law: https://www.law.georgetown.edu/faculty/mallory-b-silberman/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorysilberman/

We all have our own story to tell. Each story is special. Each story inspires.

Meg Kinnear is not only an accomplished arbitrator and lawyer, but also a mother whose story shows the power of perseverance and balance. In this episode, she takes us on her journey from studying law in Montreal, to serving the Canadian government, to becoming the first full-time Secretary General of ICSID at the World Bank. Along the way, she shares personal anecdotes—like once dreaming of becoming a veterinarian—and the challenges of managing a demanding career while raising a family. The conversation explores the evolving world of international arbitration, the importance of building efficient systems, and her bold new step of launching her own arbitration practice with partner Lucinda Lowe. Meg’s reflections on stepping outside of comfort zones, tackling stereotypes, and valuing personal connections offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone navigating their own career path.

HIGHLIGHTS:

00:00 Warming Up

01:46 Meet the Guest: Meg Kinnear

03:39 Meg's Background and Career Beginnings

04:32 From Veterinary Aspirations to Law

05:27 Early Legal Career in Canada

10:32 Government Litigation Experience

16:59 Transition to International Arbitration

22:36 Joining ICSID (World Bank)

23:17 Applying for the Dream Job

24:16 Defining the Role of Secretary General

24:49 Challenges and Changes at the World Bank

26:27 Managing People and Systems

27:37 Expanding the Team and Technology

28:45 The Importance of ICSID Facilities

33:43 Balancing Work and Family

35:54 Starting a New Business

37:25 Choosing the Right Business Partner

40:00 Stereotypes in Arbitration

44:28 Innovations in Arbitration

46:16 Personal Life and Hobbies

48:21 Advice to Younger Self

49:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Meg Kinnear is a distinguished arbitrator and the former Secretary-General of ICSID (2009–2024), where she presided over record-breaking expansion and procedural modernization of the leading institution for investor–state disputes. Prior to that, she served the General Counsel (1999-2006) and then Senior General Counsel (2006-2009) of the Trade Law Bureau of Canada (JLT), and was deeply involved in early NAFTA investment arbitrations and trade negotiations. Now a founding partner of LKDR LLC, Meg provides arbitration, mediation, and fact-finding services, building on decades of leadership in international dispute resolution.

LINKS:

Website: https://lkdr.global/meg/#meg-story

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-kinnear-371643168/

We reflect on a wonderful season of Advocates and hint about what may come next in Season 3.

Shaun Vodde, Senior Vice President of Forensic Technology and Consulting Operations at TransPerfect Legal, shares his fascinating journey from studying engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to entering the world of digital forensics in the wake of 9/11. He unpacks the intricate world of forensic technology—explaining everything from chain of custody and data artifacts to the evolving challenges of e-discovery. With decades of international experience, Shaun reflects on real-world use cases involving criminal investigations and legal proceedings, emphasizing the ethical responsibility and collaboration required in the field. This insightful conversation also highlights the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and problem-solving in navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital forensics.

STORY:

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Meet the Forensics Expert

01:15 Understanding Digital Forensics

01:45 Journey into Forensics

02:55 The Role of Forensics in Legal Cases

05:53 Challenges and Ethics in Forensics

08:04 Global Forensics and TransPerfect's Role

14:50 The Impact of AI and Technology in Forensics

15:40 Streamlining Forensic Processes

18:39 Team Dynamics in Digital Forensics

18:58 Team Structure and Workflow

19:42 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

23:11 Metadata and Privacy Concerns

24:27 Career Path in Forensics

27:11 Forensic Specializations

29:23 Work-Life Balance in Forensics

33:28 Client Interactions and Expectations

35:32 Final Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY:

Shaun Vodde is the Senior Vice President of Forensic Technology and Consulting Operations at TransPerfect Legal, based in Washington, D.C. With over two decades of global experience in digital forensics, e-discovery, and litigation support, Shaun has led major forensic investigations across six continents for law firms, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. His expertise spans from network engineering and incident response to complex server and data storage investigations. Recognized as an expert witness both in the U.S. and internationally, Shaun continues to lead high-impact forensic teams and deliver world-class advisory services around the globe.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-vodde-3412027/

Transperfect: https://www.transperfectlegal.com/services/forensic-technology-consulting

We meet Alexandra Solórzano, a private investigator and CEO of Owl Consultancy Group. We dive into Alexandra's fascinating career tracing illicit activities, corruption, and organized crime. Born in the U.S. but raised in Nicaragua, Alexandra sheds light on her unique upbringing amidst political turmoil, which steered her towards a career in fighting corruption. She discusses her breakthrough with Crowell & Moring LLP, where she transitioned from a practice group coordinator to a specialist in international trade and anti-money laundering. Alexandra also explains the genesis of her business, the nature of her investigative work, and shares intriguing cases and challenges faced in the field. The conversation highlights her methodology, the importance of critical thinking, and her advice for aspiring investigators. She concludes by sharing the story behind her company's name, inspired by her Pomeranian Husky, underscoring her belief in the symbolism of eyes and insightfulness, akin to an owl.

STORY:

00:00 Introduction

02:26 Career Beginnings and Education

04:51 First Job and Non-Profit Experience

05:46 Entering the World of Investigations

07:14 Career Growth and Key Opportunities

13:05 Transition to Anti-Money Laundering

15:56 Starting Owl Consultancy Group

17:21 Starting a Business in Charlottesville

19:02 The Role of a Private Investigator

19:40 Due Diligence and Background Investigations

21:02 Challenges in Criminal Investigations

23:50 International Investigations and Networking

33:42 The Evolution of Investigative Work

36:25 The Story Behind the Owl Name

37:41 Conclusion and Podcast Plug

BIOGRAPHY:

Alexandra Solórzano is the CEO & Founder of Owl Consultancy Group, specializing in deep-dive investigations to detect, prevent, and dismantle illicit activity. With expertise in financial crimes, bribery and corruption investigations, and international trade compliance, she helps clients safeguard against financial and reputational risks. Alexandra conducts comprehensive due diligence, monitors global regulatory developments, and provides strategic insights on economic sanctions and geopolitical risks. Her work extends to assisting clients with internal investigations, government inquiries, and international litigation and arbitration.

LINKS:

Owl Consultancy Website: https://www.owlconsultancygroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefowl/

Alex's Podcast is "Lurking in the Fog": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lurking-in-the-fog/id1717701004

Aura Colmanni is an expert translator and interpreter in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. She shares her journey into the field, highlighting the rigorous education, cultural awareness, and deep empathy required to excel in translation and interpretation. She breaks down the key differences between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting, the challenges posed by machine translation, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Listeners will also hear about Aura’s passion for continuous learning, her experiences studying at the Sorbonne, and practical advice for mastering new languages. Plus, she reveals how music not only helps her unwind but also deepens her linguistic skills.

STORY:

00:00 Introduction

00:51 Journey into Translation

03:22 Career Beginnings

06:13 Challenges and Realities of Translation

08:02 The Importance of Research in Translation

09:28 Simultaneous vs. Consecutive Interpretation

11:58 The Human Element in Translation

19:26 The Role of Empathy in Interpretation

20:36 Challenges in Court Interpretation

22:32 The Nuances of Different Languages

28:20 The Impact of AI on Translation

34:55 The Joy of Communication

BIOGRAPHY:

Aura Colmanni is a seasoned translator and interpreter with a lifelong passion for language and communication. Aura is currently the “Foreign Languages Specialist”, working as the in-house translators and interpreter at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP. Having started in the field at an early age, she has built a career dedicated to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps across industries. With a strong academic foundation, including studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, Aura emphasizes the necessity of mastering multiple languages, understanding cultural nuances, and continuously adapting to industry changes. Her expertise spans high-stakes legal, business, and diplomatic translations, where precision and empathy are paramount.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aura-colmanni-0741b19/

Jason Froehlich, Director of Business Development at WeLocalize, discusses the complexities of the language services field, particularly in legal translation and localization. He recounts his career journey from aspiring rock star working as a legal assistant, to law school, and eventually transitioning into business development and e-discovery. The conversation touches on the importance of asking the right questions, the impact of AI and machine translation, and the personal and professional challenges in the field. Jason also shares insights on work-life balance, hobbies, and networking.

STORY:

00:00 Introduction

00:48 From Rock Star Dreams to Language Services

03:26 From Law School to Legal Assistant

05:25 Transition to E-Discovery and Vendor Management

12:08 The Future of Translation: AI vs. Human Expertise

13:29 Understanding the Translation Process

16:36 Building Trust in Business Development

17:18 The Challenges of Legal Translation

18:20 Balancing Work and Personal Life

20:28 Networking Tips and Strategies

26:10 Career Opportunities in Business Development

27:06 Common Challenges and Solutions

BIOGRAPHY:

Jason Froehlich is a dedicated client service professional with over 15 years of experience in legal and professional services. As Director of Business Development at WeLocalize, he specializes in providing language translation solutions to top law firms and legal departments worldwide. Jason’s expertise lies in strategic planning, managing complex projects, and fostering long-term client relationships to ensure seamless multilingual legal support. His passion for client service drives his commitment to delivering exceptional results, helping legal professionals navigate language barriers in an increasingly globalized industry. Through his work, Jason plays a crucial role in bridging communication gaps and enhancing the efficiency of international legal operations.

LINKS:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfroehlich/

WeLocalize: https://www.welocalize.com