When ABL launched its Secondment Program, the goal was simple: to give lawyers from member firms a chance to work abroad, learn from colleagues in another jurisdiction, and experience the rhythm of international practice.

This summer, Milena Berjanovic, from ABL’s Paris member firm Miguérès Moulin, spent a month at Rasco Klock in Miami. Her own words show how much this experience shaped both her professional and personal growth.

A month that felt both full and too short

Milena’s internship lasted one month, but as she described it, “a month that felt incredibly full and, at the same time, far too short given the richness of the experience.”

“I was fortunate to work across nearly all the practice areas that Rasco Klock offers,” she said. “In corporate work, particularly in taxation, mortgages, and bankruptcy I learned under the guidance of Andres Bazo, who acted not only as a supervisor but as a true mentor. I also gained insight into immigration matters, which exposed me to profoundly human situations requiring both legal precision and empathy. In litigation, I had the privilege of working closely with Alberto Orizondo and Ramón Rasco (including some work in family law), whose rigorous approach challenged me on each project and pushed me to sharpen my legal reasoning and analytical skills, encouraging myself to reach a higher work than I thought myself capable of.

In real estate, I collaborated mainly with Miguel de Castro and Irma Dewelde, discovering how property transactions are handled in the U.S. system.”

She continued, “Finally, I discovered criminal law alongside Joseph Klock and Rachida Overby, with whom I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a trial. Last but not least, I have worked with Melissa Soy on trusts and wills.”

Inside the courtroom
“The highlight of my internship was without doubt my participation in a criminal trial held at the Criminal Court of Justice of Florida,” Milena recalled. “This was not only thrilling but also transformative. Thanks to Joseph Klock and Rachida Overby, who welcomed me behind the scenes and guided me throughout, I was able to understand the inner workings of trial practice far beyond what one sees in the courtroom. Hearing the arguments, feeling the tension, and witnessing how strategy unfolded was an exceptional experience.”

She also described another key takeaway: “During the trial, I even had the opportunity to speak with the defendant himself. That exchange remains one of the most powerful moments of my internship, reminding me that behind every case there is a human being whose future depends on the quality of our work.”

The office in Coral Gables: the perfect setting
Her experience was also shaped by the city itself. “Coral Gables, where the firm is located, was the perfect backdrop: a peaceful, elegant neighbourhood that radiates professionalism and calm, a haven of balance in the heart of the city’s energy.”

She added, “Miami is vibrant, fast-moving, multicultural, and dazzling. Living there as a young woman alone was a challenge, but also a revelation. The warmth of the people made it easy to adapt and build connections.”

Professional and personal growth
 “What impressed me most was the unique atmosphere at Rasco Klock,” Milena wrote. “The strong Latino presence within the firm added not only cultural richness but also warmth and generosity. I discovered a double dimension: the rigor and fast-paced rhythm of international legal work, combined with the kindness, familiarity, and openness of a Latin American spirit.”

 “Over the course of this month, I grew enormously in terms of skills,” she reflected. “I improved my research and drafting techniques, sharpened my legal reasoning, and developed a much stronger ability to adapt to different legal systems. My legal English advanced significantly, and I even had the chance to practice Spanish.”

“This experience confirmed that I want to pursue an international career in business law. It gave me the confidence and rigor needed to face the challenges of a globalized legal world.”

The human dimension makes it extraordinary
Milena concluded with words that perfectly capture the spirit of the ABL Secondment Program:

“I would wholeheartedly recommend the ABL Secondment Program. The professional learning is unparalleled, but it is the human dimension that makes it extraordinary. Everyone at Rasco Klock went out of their way to make me feel welcome and supported. Andres Bazo, in particular, guided me as a mentor, ensuring that my internship was not only stimulating but also personally rewarding.”

About the ABL Secondment Program

A big thank-you to Rasco Klock for welcoming Milena Berjanovic from Miguérès Moulin and giving her a month packed with real work, real mentoring, and real courtroom experience. This kind of commitment to the ABL Secondment Program is what makes the initiative such a real success.

The ABL Secondment Program is designed to connect law students and practicing lawyers across our global network. Participants gain hands-on cross-border experience, build confidence in new legal systems, and grow international networks that last long after the secondment ends.

Placements have taken place in Chicago and Miami, with one currently underway in Washington, DC. New opportunities in Europe are planned for next year.

If your firm would like to host or send a secondee, contact Ana Sousa Amorim at ana@ablglobal.net.