August 11th, celebrated as Lawyer's Day, recognizes and values the importance of these professionals in society, who work in the defense of rights, the promotion of justice, and the strengthening of the rule of law. Celebrating this day highlights the fundamental role that lawyers play in the country. This is what Felipe Morales, a student in the 10th semester of the Law course at FGV Direito Rio, and Nicholas Guth, a student in the 4th semester of FGV Direito SP, did by emphasizing their parents as their greatest references who inspired them in the legal field.

Also known as "Hangman’s Day", the date is celebrated for a significant reason: in 1824, Brazil's first Federal Constitution was promulgated. This period tells the story of Dom Pedro I, the Emperor at the time, who established the first Law course in the country.

Lawyer's Day celebrates not only the professional but also the moment when legal knowledge began to be taught in Brazil. Beyond classroom teachings, the FGV Direito Rio student revealed his father, friends, and professor as his greatest inspirations and highlighted that he always wanted to be part of something of great impact. "Even before entering law school, I had the desire to work in the corporate sector, developing, modifying, and expanding corporate structures. I find it fascinating to participate in large-scale projects that impact the lives of a great number of people," said Felipe.

Nicholas, on the other hand, sees his mother as a daily example of strength for their family. "The decision to pursue a Law degree, especially at the Foundation, had my mother's full support because we both saw that this path aligned with my aptitudes and would bear fruit in my education," he emphasized.

Read the full interview below:

Who inspired you to study Law?

Felipe Morales: I cannot attribute my interest in studying Law to a single person. Although my father is not a lawyer, he always had substantial legal knowledge and many close friends who were lawyers. My interactions with them sparked my interest in the legal world and motivated me to pursue this career.

Nicholas Guth: My mother, Carla, is the reference I have for following the Law course, not because she works in the field—she is a psychologist—but because of the daily example of strength she is for me and my sister. The decision to pursue a Law degree, especially at the Foundation, had my mother's full support because we both saw that this path aligned with my aptitudes and would bear fruit in my education.

What reasons make them your inspiration?

Felipe Morales: They are people I admire both personally and professionally. Besides being technically excellent, they are concerned about others.

Nicholas Guth: My mother and I have always been very close, partners in all moments.

What is your relationship with this person?

Felipe Morales: Many of these people became mentors, people I look up to and admire, in addition to being friends.

Nicholas Guth: My mother was responsible for a large part of my and my sister's upbringing, working independently (as a psychologist) to ensure the best possible education for both of us. For this reason, her example of strength is an inspiration to me. We have always been very close, partners in all moments.

Do you remember any phrase you heard from these people?

Felipe Morales: "Knowledge is not subdivided into small boxes; it is not limited to isolated compartments; it is a unique and integrated entity." This phrase was said by one of the people who inspired me to study Law, Ary Azevedo. I heard it when I was about 15 years old, and since then, I have recognized the importance of exploring different areas of knowledge and integrating various disciplines that may initially seem disconnected in my studies. Ary is a professional of excellence, a great professor and mentor, and he makes it a point to pass on his knowledge to the next generations.

Nicholas Guth: "You are absolutely capable" is my mother's phrase that reminds me of situations where my ability to overcome certain obstacles is put to the test, including the very moment of the Foundation's entrance exam. And I have no doubt that the resilience I previously referred to as a foundation of a lawyer's work goes hand in hand with the confidence that is instilled in me by this phrase.

What are the motivations for the course?

Felipe Morales: I always wanted to be part of something bigger than an individual. Even before entering law school, I had the desire to work in the corporate sector, developing, modifying, and expanding corporate structures. I find it fascinating to participate in large-scale projects that impact the lives of a great number of people.

Nicholas Guth: The role of a lawyer as the legal representative of their client involves a series of skills, from the ability to resolve complex legal issues efficiently to the competence to deal with essentially human factors, so resilience is a very important value in the practice of this profession. In this sense, my mother's example motivates me to be that professional that others may need, also seeking to innovate and go beyond the situation that my client may be facing.

Participating in debates that are controversial and relevant to society is one of the opportunities I have by studying Law. Moreover, there is a lot of uncertainty about the future of legal science considering the advent of new technologies and AI, so it is necessary to constantly innovate in the profession, which is both challenging and motivating. Finally, the possibility of delving into so many different lines of legal study demonstrates the flexibility I have as a student of this course in being able to learn what fascinates me the most, identifying the segment where I can make the most impact through Law.

To find out more about the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School, visit its website.

To find out more about the FGV São Paulo Law School, visit its website.

This article is part of a special series called Inspiring Examples. Read the previous editions:

• World Communications Day
• Public Administrator’s Day
• Social Scientist’s Day