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.
Under Miguel’s leadership, Hogan Lovells has achieved record financial results. In 2025, the firm achieved nearly US$3 billion in global revenue, charting steady growth year-on-year. In recent years, Hogan Lovells has also strengthened its investments in top-tier legal talent, sector leadership, and critical advancements in AI.
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 totaling in excess of US$75 billion across the world. Successful negotiation and execution of deals in highly-regulated markets continues to be a core practice for the firm and a key driver of growth
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 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. Under Miguel’s leadership, Hogan Lovells also joined forced with the international charity WaterAid in a three-year partnership to support water, sanitation, and hygiene projects across the world.
He is passionate about collaboration, actively listening to clients’ needs, and mentoring lawyers to build enduring relationships. Pro bono work, community engagement, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all lawyers can thrive are among Miguel’s top priorities. He has championed efforts to support the development and advancement of the firm’s lawyers from all backgrounds.
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.