Episode 14 - Italy - Interview with Francesco Portolano

Today I am happy to welcome Francesco Portolano as my guest. Francesco is based in Milan, Italy and is a name partner with the firm Portolano Cavallo, a leading boutique firm specializing in the digital, media and technology sectors. Portolano Cavallo also is expanding into the life sciences field. Francesco’s work focuses on mergers and acquisitions, and his expertise comes from many years advising international clients in the media sector. Francesco studied law in Italy and began practicing for an international firm in Rome. He then spent 3 years in Chicago, IL where he worked at a firm and studied for an LLM at the University of Chicago . His time in the US taught him a very pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to legal problems. He returned to Italy and started his firm 16 years ago. During our interview, Francesco shares his observations about how the ever-changing technology field challenges lawyers to come up with creative solutions to legal problems, as the legal framework often cannot keep pace with the changes in the industry. He also talks about how Portolano Cavallo works hard to adapt their methods of giving advice to fit the needs of digitally focused clients. Francesco also shares with us his insights into the value that studying or working abroad brings to becoming a better local lawyer; by learning to understand the legal system and customs of another place, a lawyer becomes more adept at advising both international and local clients in the home jurisdiction. At the end of our discussion, Francesco gives us some tips to consider when working with Italian colleagues or clients. You can contact Francesco via email at: [email protected].