Interview with Roberto Velasco

Roberto Velasco’s career as a lawyer presents a vivid picture of how the legal profession can extend far beyond courtrooms and traditional practice. Originally from Peru and trained across multiple countries, Velasco's journey reflects the evolving landscape of international law, global finance, and cross-border business. Through a unique combination of personal resilience, academic excellence, and cross-cultural experience, his story is not only inspiring but also serves as a valuable guide for future law students considering a global path in legal practice.

Velasco began his academic journey in Peru in 1972. However, it was in Spain that his legal education truly took form. He studied at the Universidad Central de Barcelona, where he earned a master’s degree in law. During his time there, Velasco developed a strong interest in the financial and regulatory aspects of international trade. He became deeply involved in understanding how currency exchange worked across European markets—an area that would become central to his professional identity. Interestingly, he never initially aspired to be a lawyer. His true interest was in business, but strong family expectations pushed him toward the legal field.

After graduating, Velasco began working in banking, where he focused on currency exchange and international financial operations. His early responsibilities included understanding and navigating export-import regulations, as well as analyzing the credit systems of various countries. His career took a significant turn when he returned to Peru and joined the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAFF), a regional development bank. There, he had the opportunity to merge his legal background with his business ambitions, handling corporate and trade-related legal matters. This phase was the highlight of his career. 

However, Velasco's path was not without challenges. Political and economic instability in Peru eventually forced him to leave his home country. He moved to the United States, where he enrolled at New York University to study international business, finance, and traffic management. Transitioning to a new country and system was difficult, but he adapted and successfully rebuilt his professional life in the U.S. financial sector.

During our conversation, Velasco offered advice that deeply resonated with me: “Tienes que aprenderte a ti mismo”—you have to learn about yourself. He emphasized that self-awareness is essential for building a meaningful and satisfying career. Understanding your own interests and values is the key to shaping your professional direction.

I chose to interview Roberto because his story challenges the traditional view of a legal career. Rather than working as a courtroom attorney, he applied his legal knowledge in global trade and finance. His experience opened my eyes to the versatility of a law degree. One major insight I gained is that continuous learning and intellectual curiosity are essential, no matter your chosen path.

Ultimately, Roberto Velasco’s career illustrates that being a lawyer doesn’t have to mean litigation. His global experiences demonstrate how legal training can serve as a powerful foundation for careers in international business, banking, and trade. His story is a reminder that with adaptability and vision, a legal education can lead to many exciting and meaningful opportunities around the world.