FEATURING NCITD SCHOLARSHIP ALUMNI

Past International Trade Scholarship Recipients & Where They Are Now

How did the NCITD Scholarship help support you in your studies/prepare for your career?

The NCITD Scholarship was invaluable in supporting my studies and preparing me for my career. Knowing that there was an amazing organization of dedicated trade professionals who believed in me enough to award me the scholarship three years in a row was a huge boost to my confidence as I pursued my legal studies and started my career, and staying connected with NCITD throughout law school and now as a junior lawyer has helped me keep my finger on the pulse of trade news and events. This feels even more important in light of the rapid policy changes under the new administration.

As you are now working full-time in international trade at a major law firm in DC, can you share your experience on your journey from law student to where you are today?

I was lucky to have an early start to my international trade journey, which began back in 2018 via a college internship at Boeing, where I worked in the Global Trade Controls ("GTC") function. That internship led to a full-time job offer after I completed my undergraduate studies in 2019 and I worked full-time at Boeing for two years in GTC, learning as much as I could about international trade from one of the biggest and best shops in the industry. I continued working at Boeing during my first year of law school, as I began my legal studies in the evening program at GW Law in 2020. After my first year, I decided to leave Boeing and switch to the full-time program, where I continued to pursue coursework relevant to international trade and the practice of law more generally. My prior work experience helped me stand out during law firm interviews, and I was lucky enough to land a job at a major law firm that has an excellent international trade practice in DC, where I am an associate on the litigation and dispute resolution team. I focus on export controls and CFIUS, in addition to white collar investigations and financial crimes compliance due diligence.

I am currently on a secondment to my law firm's Singapore office, where I have been broadening my experience and learning about the Asia Pacific legal market. It's been an incredible experience and I am very grateful to work at a firm that allowed such a great opportunity to a junior associate!

Do you have any advice for future recipients/students considering applying for the program?

Absolutely apply. Even if you don't have direct work experience in international trade already, show the committee your interest and why. This field constantly needs fresh talent and it's an excellent way to develop a niche, in-demand skillset in a tight knit community of practitioners.

Bio: Erica Hackett is an associate at Clifford Chance. Originally from the Chicago suburbs and a proud graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business, she began her international trade career at Boeing after completing her undergraduate studies. She then completed her JD at the George Washington University Law School, where she was an Editor on the George Washington Law Review and earned a concentration in International Law. Now a second-year associate based in DC, Erica is currently on an international secondment in Singapore.

How did the NCITD Scholarship help support you in your studies/prepare for your career?

The NCITD Scholarship provided crucial financial assistance that alleviated the burden of tuition and educational expenses, allowing me to focus more on my studies. Additionally, it facilitated access to networking opportunities and resources that enhanced my understanding of international trade, equipping me with practical skills and connections essential for my career aspirations in this field. Overall, the scholarship played a pivotal role in fostering my academic development and professional readiness.

As you are now working full-time in international trade at a major law firm in DC, can you share your experience on your journey from law student to where you are today?

My journey from law student to an international trade attorney at a prestigious law firm in Washington, DC, has been both rewarding and transformative. Before pursuing my legal career, I spent seven years as an international trade analyst for the Brazilian government, where I gained a deep understanding of trade policies and regulations. My summer associate positions during law school further enhanced my expertise and facilitated my transition to the firm as an international trade specialist, ultimately leading to my current role. Each step has strengthened my dedication to advocating for clients in the intricate landscape of international trade, utilizing my diverse background and insights to make a meaningful impact.

Do you have any advice for future recipients/students considering applying for the program?

It is essential to cultivate a strong understanding of global markets and cultural nuances. Engage in relevant coursework, seek internships that expose you to international business practices, and stay updated on trade policies and news. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights and opportunities. Lastly, showcasing your passion and commitment to international trade in your application will help you stand out.

Bio: Victor Leite is an associate at King & Spalding’s International Trade team. Victor advises clients in actions before the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. International Trade Commission, and the EU Commission. Prior to joining King & Spalding, Victor worked for the Foreign Trade Secretariat in Brazil as the head of the Antidumping and Safeguards division, representing Brazil in trade adjustments negotiations with foreign governments and representing Brazil in trade remedy investigations conducted in many jurisdictions. He also supervised injury analyses and dumping margin calculations and assisted dispute settlement cases at the World Trade Organization involving trade remedies. Victor also worked for the Brazilian Antitrust Authority (CADE), advising the agency’s President on the adjudication of mergers and acquisitions, cartel investigations, and anticompetitive unilateral conduct. He has published a book and articles on trade agreements and on technical aspects of antidumping calculations. Victor graduated from Penn State Law in May 2024, magna cum laude. He earned a master’s in law from the University of Brasilia in 2022 and an LL.M. in Economic Law and Competition from Fundação Getulio Vargas in 2020. He earned his Bachelor of Laws in 2015 and his bachelor’s in international relations in 2011, both from the University of Brasilia in 2015.