The University of Illinois College of Law is pleased to announce that Miguel Zaldivar (LLM ’88) will deliver the convocation address to the Class of 2025. The College of Law Convocation Ceremony will take place Saturday, May 17, at 4:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. 

Miguel Zaldivar is a partner and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Hogan Lovells, responsible for the firm’s overall global direction and strategic leadership. He became CEO in July 2020 and is one of only a handful of Latino leaders of any major global law firm.

As a practicing lawyer, Miguel is widely recognized as a leading lawyer in complex international cross-border transactions and has facilitated multi-billion-dollar investments and transactions in highly regulated markets. This continues to be a core practice for the firm and a key driver of success and growth. Miguel brings a unique multi-cultural and strategic approach to complex transactions and investments.

Miguel taught the “Project Development and Finance in Latin America” course at the University of Miami School of Law from 2003 to 2010, was a professor of law at Universidad Católica in Venezuela from 1991 to 1993 and has been a frequent lecturer at legal seminars.

Miguel is committed to a number of the firm’s philanthropic activities, including leading on the firm’s work with not-for-profit charity Santa Marta Group, which is focused on eradicating human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

He is passionate about collaboration, actively listening to clients’ needs, and mentoring lawyers to build enduring relationships. Pro bono work, community investment, and the creation of a diverse and inclusive workplace are also among Miguel’s top priorities. Miguel has put in place a plan to foster the development and progression of the firm’s diverse lawyers, and to increase the number of diverse lawyers the firm hires.

Before becoming CEO, he served as Regional Chief Executive for the Asia, Pacific Middle East region. He had been a member of the Global Board of Directors, served as Co-leader of the Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects practice area and co-founded Hogan Lovells’ Latin American Practice.

Miguel earned his LLM at the University of Illinois College of Law and his JD at University of Miami School of Law.

For more information about Convocation for the Class of 2025, please visit our website.