From Combat to Counsel: Being a Business Enabler with Eugene Matos De Lara

 

ISSN 2819–733X

This week on Studying Law Around the World, I sat down with Eugene Matos De Lara PhD,MBA,JD,LL.L, a lawyer with a career that spans the International Court of Justice, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

We discuss his incredible journey from leading tank regiments to drafting international trade policy, and how a combat mindset applies to legal risk management. Eugene breaks down why lawyers need to stop being roadblocks and start being business enablers.

What you will learn:

• Civil vs. Common Law: How training in both systems changes the way you interpret policy and negotiate.
• The Business Enabler: Why Eugene believes lawyers should focus on options, not just risks to support entrepreneurship.
• Beyond the Firm: How to leverage an MBA and military experience to build a career in international diplomacy and trade.

Clients do not want a lawyer who simply lists every possible way a deal could fail. They want a partner who can navigate the risk to get to yes. Eugene explains how to combine legal precision with business strategy to become an asset rather than an expense.

Three takeaways:

• Change your risk philosophy. Stop being risk-avoidant. Use the business enabler mindset to find creative solutions that allow the client to move forward.
• Diversify your education. Understanding the business side (via an MBA, for example) softens your legal counsel and makes it more palatable and practical for commercial clients.
• Embrace intensity. Whether it is skydiving or courtroom advocacy, high-pressure environments teach teamwork and adaptability that you cannot learn in a library.

Guest: Eugene Matos De Lara, Senior Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Representative for National Defence. He holds a JD, LL.L, and MBA and is a PhD candidate in Legal Philosophy, amongst other various degrees. His background includes serving as a Combat Armour Officer, working at the International Court of Justice, and advising on global trade strategies.

Where to listen

Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.

I am very grateful to share that Studying Law Around the World received the 2025 Canadian Law Blog Award for Best Canadian Legal Podcast.

The Canadian Law Blog Awards have marked twenty years of recognizing Canadian legal voices who take the time to share ideas, explain the law, and speak honestly to the public. To be included in this group, especially in such a meaningful anniversary year, is something I take seriously.

Thank you to the judges and organizers of the Canadian Law Blog Awards for the care and intention behind this recognition. Thank you to every guest who trusted me with their story. Thank you to everyone who listened, shared an episode, or sent a note saying a conversation helped them see a new path!

Selected episodes of the podcast are accredited for Continuing Professional Development hours:

• How to find episodes accredited by the Law Society of Ontario: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claudioklaus_studying-law-around-the-world-podcast-lso-activity-7399201470396633088-jS9a?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABJUgcoB-0Q_8k_8YgukxKq-XGmIKkDq4yU
• How to find episodes accredited by the Law Society of British Columbia: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claudioklaus_studying-law-around-the-world-cpd-lsbc-activity-7399548759098953728-ULZG?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABJUgcoB-0Q_8k_8YgukxKq-XGmIKkDq4yU

Curiosity, Courage, and Connection: Henaa Mall on Building a Meaningful Legal Career

 

I spoke with Henaa Mall, a lawyer who has built a remarkable career by following her curiosity, embracing vulnerability, and connecting deeply with others.

Henaa shared how a small, deliberate act, subscribing to over 100 municipal newsletters, led her to her articling position with the Region of Durham after applying to nearly 150 roles. That story shows how curiosity and persistence can turn unexpected opportunities into career-defining moments.

We also explored how she approaches challenges with courage and openness and how being authentic and proactive has shaped her professional growth. Her insights are especially valuable for anyone navigating the legal profession, whether starting out or seeking to expand their impact.

Some of the lessons we discussed:

• How curiosity can uncover opportunities that traditional approaches miss
• Why vulnerability is a form of courage in building connections and resilience
• Practical steps for publishing your first legal article or newsletter piece
• The power of community involvement in creating both support networks and career opportunities
• How to identify and leverage your unique strengths to stand out in a competitive profession

Thank you, Henaa, for showing that a successful legal career is about curiosity, courage, authentic connections, and the willingness to take unconventional steps that create meaningful impact.

This season is sponsored by:

• Grammatika International helps lawyers around the world succeed in their careers through legal writing courses and coaching. Learn more: grammatika.co
• Rev.com — The go-to AI transcription platform for lawyers and legal researchers. Secure, accurate, and easy to use. Learn more: rev.com

Where to listen: Search Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.

Talk soon, Claudio

New Episode: Peter Hawkins on LinkedIn, Networking, and Building Human Connections

 

The Power of Showing Up (and What It Means for Your Legal Career)

This week’s podcast guest is someone who truly understands what it means to build real, lasting relationships, especially across borders.

Peter Hawkins is co-owner of Mellohawk Logistics and co-chair of the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce. But more than titles, he brings a mindset of kindness, focus, and action that anyone building a career in a new place can learn from.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How to make your LinkedIn profile feel real and relatable
• Why your photo, tone, and timing all matter
• How to connect with purpose instead of pressure
• The balance between helping and asking when you reach out
• What newcomers often miss when networking

Peter also shares why no one should be standing alone at a professional event, and how simple acts of kindness can leave a lasting mark.

Listen to this episode of Studying Law Around the World on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Rev. Rev is the AI-powered workspace trusted by lawyers, educators, and podcast creators to transcribe interviews, add captions, and organize legal materials. It converts your spoken content into searchable text, saving time and making your work more accessible to a broader audience. Learn more at Rev.com.

Question for you: What is one small change you made in how you connect with others that had a big impact on your career?

I would love to share a few responses in the next edition. Just reply to this email or send me a message.

More stories ahead,

Claudio

Career Lessons from a Legal and People Leader

 

This week, I sat down with someone who has helped shape the conversation around leadership in the legal profession.

Fernando Garcia is the Chief Legal and People Officer at Opta Group. Born in Argentina and raised in Canada, Fernando built a career that brings together legal work, human resources, and business strategy. He did it all without following a set roadmap.

In our conversation, we talk about:

• How he moved from labor relations to law to executive leadership
• What lawyers can learn from working with HR teams
• What it actually means to be a people-first legal leader
• Why he believes curiosity is more useful than a master plan

This episode is a reminder that careers don’t have to be perfectly planned. Sometimes the most powerful legal paths come from being flexible, open, and willing to grow outside of labels. That’s something I’ll carry with me.

Thank you to our sponsor: This season is supported by CONTENDER, the agency that helps lawyers build a presence on LinkedIn that actually works. If you’re ready to be known for what you do, check them out here: https://contenderllc.com/work-with-us

Where to listen: Search Studying Law Around the World on any major podcast platform.

Question for you: Has your legal career followed a plan or taken a few unexpected turns?

Talk soon, Claudio

Podcast

Estudar Direito na Albânia (Episódio de Podcast)

 https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fu7bgkJo8xNBwCQqvpX4d

Dr. Jodan Daci graduou-se com honras pela Universidade de Tirana em 2002. Em 2003, completou seu Mestrado Europeu em Democracia e Direitos Humanos na Universidade de Bolonha, Itália. Dr. Daci concluiu seu doutorado em Direito Público na Universidade de Tirana em 2010. Tem mais de 12 anos de experiência profissional e acadêmica, particularmente nas áreas de administração pública, ensino superior, pesquisa, organizações internacionais, direito, ONGs e etc. Trabalhou como consultor/coordenador e Relator Nacional sobre o Judiciário Albanês para a Iniciativa de Estado de Direito da Ordem dos Advogados Americana (ABA Rule of Law Initiative) em Washington D.C. Atualmente atua como advogado e reitor da faculdade de direito da Qiriazi University.

Ouça agora no Spotify!