Claudio Klaus is celebrating 75 years of modern legal education at the University of Toronto, one conversation at time.
“Attending the [U of T Faculty of Law] anniversary gala [in September] really showed me what a special place the law school is,” says Klaus, a student in the Global Professional Master of Laws program at U of T’s Faculty of Law.
Inspired by the many law students sharing their networking goals on LinkedIn, earlier this term, Klaus set a goal to meet with 75 legal professionals before he graduates in 2025.
“I feel lucky to be part of such a rich academic community where connections like these are possible. But I don’t want to just hit a number—my aim is to make each meeting meaningful and to form real connections. Each meeting brings new perspectives and helps me grow.”
An internationally trained lawyer, having worked as a legal extern at the Arizona Supreme Court and as judicial clerk at the Roraima State Court of Appeals in Brazil, Klaus is now transitioning into the Canadian legal market, exploring business and charity law. In addition to his studies, Klaus is an active volunteer, serving as communications officer for the law students’ section of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), and the newsletter editor of the student section executive committee of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA).
He also produces and hosts Studying Law Around the World, a podcast dedicated to exploring the global landscape of legal education and crafting content that bridges borders, connecting legal minds worldwide. So far, he has produced over forty episodes with guests from more than nineteen countries, including an interview with Erika Bailey, graduate program career advisor at U of T’s Faculty of Law.
Faculty of Law Alumni Engagement Officer, Devorah Lindsay, recently caught up with Klaus to reflect on his time at the faculty and his ambitious networking goal.
What has your experience at U of T Law been like so far?
My experience at U of T Law has been really enriching. The diversity of perspectives and the quality of discussions have really expanded my way of thinking. I have had the opportunity to learn from professors who bring not only deep knowledge but also practical insights into the legal profession, which has helped me feel more connected to the legal community here in Canada.
What has surprised you the most?
I was most surprised by how approachable and supportive the professors and alumni are. They are genuinely invested in students’ success, which I did not expect at such a prestigious institution. Also, the emphasis on professional development alongside academics has been a pleasant surprise, encouraging us to grow not just as students, but as future professionals. Beyond that, the beautiful downtown campus, facilities, support systems, and careers office have all been incredibly useful, and easily accessible.
What inspired you to set a goal of connecting with seventy-five lawyers?
I started connecting with alumni back in 2022 when I came to Toronto to do research at another law school. That is when I first learned about U of T’s GPLLM program and the incredible network it offers. Even before I set this goal, I had already met many amazing lawyers, thanks to those early connections. This year, attending the 75th anniversary opening ceremony gave me an even stronger sense of this wonderful community. Hearing from past deans and prominent alumni, and even enjoying the law follies inspired performance, really inspired me to make this goal more intentional and meaningful.
As someone who has really embraced the power of LinkedIn, I’ve had the chance to connect with professionals in the U.S. who told me about this idea – meet 100 lawyers before you graduate. It’s advice they give to JD students, and I’ve spoken with a lot of students who’ve actually done it. So, of course, I knew I wanted to do something similar here! Though, with the GPLLM being just one year (compared to the three years JD students have), I’ve got a different timeline to work with.
But for me, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the stories. Stories matter to me! As a podcaster, I’ve produced over 40 episodes (and counting) with legal professionals and students from 19+ countries. I really enjoy connecting with people, learning from their experiences, and sharing that with others. It’s something I’m passionate about, far beyond just hitting this numerical target!
How many legal professionals have you connected with so far?
So far, I’ve connected with 12 lawyers as part of this new challenge. But if I include the conversations I had before starting my 75-lawyer goal, I’ve probably met with about 40-45 lawyers in total. Every single one of those talks has been a chance to learn and grow, and I’m genuinely excited to keep going. To keep things fair, I decided to start fresh from zero, and it’s been an amazing experience so far!
From the conversations you've had so far, what is one piece of advice that has particularly resonated with you?
One piece of advice that stood out to me was to always stay curious and open to opportunities outside of your immediate goals. Many lawyers I’ve spoken to emphasized that you never know where a chance encounter or unexpected project might lead, and being adaptable is key to success.
Do you have any advice for other students looking to make meaningful connections and expand their networks?
My advice would be to approach networking with genuine curiosity. Rather than seeing it as just a way to find a job, think of it as an opportunity to learn from others' experiences. It takes time and it is a two-way road. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out—most people are happy to share their insights if you’re respectful and show genuine interest in their work.
If you are interested in connecting with Claudio as he works towards his special goal, please reach out to the U of T Law Alumni Affairs office at alumni.law@utoronto.ca
