Duke Law Life: Meet Gustavo De Toni Uchoa
Gustavo De Toni Uchoa
CLASS OF 2027
Prior Education: University of Houston
Hometown: Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
Professional Interest: Still considering but looking at emerging companies / venture capital, tax, tech (transactions and AI regulation)
Previous Work Experience: Worked in tech at AMD on the business side
My Duke Law Life
- Business Law Society
- Texas Club
- Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA)
- LEAD Fellow
I wanted a top school with a national reach, alongside a collaborative, engaging, and inspiring student body. Between the schools I was choosing, Duke ultimately stood out because of the great sense of community it has, the ease of access to work in the Research Triangle for my significant other, and the beautiful nature and weather of the region.
Learning about how AI is shaping the legal field has been very rewarding. Having worked in the field, I was very happy to see AI development being explored even in doctrinal classes, which you rarely see in other law schools.
What unexpected lesson did law school provide?
That lawyers serve as way more than mere “law knowers”, but as dedicated counselors and advisors of relationships, complex situations, and human behavior.
What essential career skill did you gain at Duke Law?
Problem solving, such as counseling and advising clients beyond just what the law is. By this, I mean helping clients navigate their choices with their best interest in mind. Just because lawyers know how to take someone to court doesn’t mean that’s the only time we’re needed.
- Do the things you usually put off (e.g., taking your car for maintenance, booking that doctor’s appointment, etc.) before starting law school.
- Know when to focus (and learn how to focus) but also know when to stop or take a break. Go walk the Duke campus and call your loved ones.
- Don’t compare yourself to others too much. Sure, it can serve as a benchmark, but everyone here is very impressive and the standard you set will be very daunting. Just try to keep your head down, do your work, and discuss the content with your classmates.
- Carry an umbrella in your car or backpack.
- Make time to do the things you love. An hour of this is usually more beneficial than an extra hour of studying.
3 great things about living in Durham
- We have the best of every season here and the weather is phenomenal most of the year.
- We have so much nature around. We have a plethora of trails and lakes nearby while the mountains are 3 hours away and the beach 2 hours away.
- If you have a significant other that works, there is no shortage of opportunity in the Research Triangle for them.
How to get the most out of law school
- Ask your mentors for advice whenever you need.
- Form study groups. Some people do it throughout the semester, while others (me included) do so to prepare for finals. Either way is great as long as you actually do it and engage in them.
- Talk to professors. Every professor at Duke is passionate about what they do and are more than happy to explain it to you again. They are also very accessible.
My advice if you are thinking about law school
It’s a big decision and law school is hard, so go somewhere where you won’t feel alone in this new stage.
Ask questions to as many people as you can/want. When I visited Duke, I stopped multiple people in the hallway the day after Spring Break was over and everyone was more than happy to stop and talk to me, which assured me Duke was where I wanted to go.
Meet more of our JD students who make this a great community. They offer great advice if you're thinking about law school.
Employment opportunities available to graduates of Duke Law School consistently rank among the most prestigious and sought-after.
At Duke Law, you'll join a community of peers from different geographic regions, cultures, professional paths, and interests.