Clara Brillembourg '97, partner at Foley Hoag LLP in Washington, D.C, spoke with the junior class about her career in international litigation and arbitration. Clara represents foreign states in international treaty disputes and has represented countries such as Ghana, Georgia, and Ecuador.
One of the most important cases of Clara's career involved her representing Uruguay in a five-year international lawsuit against Phillip Morris. The lawsuit commenced when Uruguay passed one of the first anti-tobacco legislation in the world and Phillip Morris felt that this law negatively impacted the company's investment and trademark to sell tobacco products successfully. Conclusively, the case settled in favor of Uruguay and Phillip Morris was ordered to pay the legal expenses of the country and the court. Clara discussed how an international case like Phillip Morris vs. Uruguay involved multiple implications outside of law, including politics, language, and knowing social customs to effectively understand the case in its entirety.
Clara passionately expressed how two-thirds of the time you should follow your bliss and one-third of the time, you should do things that will build your credentials - which will ultimately lead to your bliss. Clara's visit to Holton was part of the Global Perspectives class that many juniors take part in as a requirement of Holton's Global Education curriculum.
Thank you Clara for visiting and sharing your myriad of international experiences with our students!