From his earliest days beginning to understand Italian speaking with his grandfather and mastering Spanish in school, Tom Morante ’77 envisioned a life and career that crossed borders. Today, after nearly five decades practicing at the nexus of international business, insurance regulation, financial services, and foreign/cross-border investment, the Pierson Ferdinand LLP partner is widely recognized for his deep global expertise and an appreciation of the ever-evolving global regulatory framework. Yet the foundation for that expansive career was forged at American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL), where Morante discovered an academic environment that matched his ambition and ignited his focus on international practice.

Morante’s interest in international law began long before law school. Growing up in an Italian American family and studying Spanish through school and college with study abroad programs in Colombia and Spain, he found himself drawn to the idea of practicing across borders.

“I always envisioned something internationally… I had a sense that I was really wanting to focus on the whole legal experience of doing business in Latin America,” he said. “So, I knew a law degree would be the ideal vehicle for me.”

When considering where to pursue that degree, AUWCL stood out immediately.

“American University Washington College of Law is one of the preeminent international law programs in the country” Morante recalled. “American was the obvious choice. International was the primary reason, the outstanding law professors and being in DC was also quite attractive. And that would serve as the catalyst for developing an international practice.”

Once enrolled, Morante immersed himself in coursework that prepared him for the global legal career he hoped to pursue while enjoying the camaraderie with fellow students that is a hallmark of WCL.

“I embarked on the traditional classes that you take in your first year of law school and then began to gravitate in my second and third year to everything I could do that would prepare me for international business, international regulation, international compliance issues.”

At the time, AUWCL did not yet offer the extensive study-abroad opportunities students enjoy today. Morante sought out such experiences independently; and they became career-defining. He spent a pivotal summer studying at a law school in Mexico, an experience he described as “invaluable.”

“Going to a law school in Mexico that was affiliated with a U.S. law school really polished my legal Spanish,” he said. “Doing business in Mexico as a practical matter… became an important part of my practice in subsequent years.”

Beyond academics, Morante credits the AUWCL learning environment, particularly its culture of connection with faculty, students, and alums, with helping him build the mindset needed to succeed.

“One thing that I took away from my experience here is the friendship and the kinship that you make with your fellow law students that facilitates learning in an important way.”

He also found the faculty deeply influential. Morante speaks often about the mentorship of Professor Seymour Rubin, a pioneering figure in international trade law. Rubin’s impact helped lead Morante to pursue an LL.M. at Georgetown and ultimately shaped his trajectory in global regulatory work and his eventual move to Miami.

Morante’s early career began in litigation, a path he embraced even though it wasn’t his initial focus. He encourages today’s students to remain flexible.

“You may not get that summer clerkship that you desire,” he advises. “But look at the ways that you’re being given opportunities and then seize upon one of those.”

He attributes his own early success to understanding his strengths—research, writing, speaking, and connecting with people—and applying them strategically.

“If you have a sense of what your skills are, you need to find a discipline that helps to facilitate those skills,” he said.

Morante also urges future attorneys to think beyond practice areas and instead consider the industries shaping the global economy.

“Health care is an industry. Financial services is an industry. Hospitality is an industry. So you need to begin to think about ‘how does my practice skill set blend with particular industries’ and then begin to become specialized.”

Throughout his career, Morante has remained deeply connected to AUWCL, serving for more than fifteen years on the Dean’s Advisory Council. His pride in the institution is unmistakable.

“We came out of this law school very clearly focused on immediately being of help wherever we wound up,” he said. “I’m very proud of our school.”

Morante’s journey reflects the enduring power of an AUWCL education rooted in international perspective, experiential learning, and real-world readiness. His message to students today is both practical and encouraging: embrace challenges, stay adaptable, trust your skills, and seize opportunities wherever they arise.