Partner Spotlight: Ruti Smithline

During Latinx Heritage Month, we celebrate the many contributions Latinx individuals have made throughout history. In recognition of Latinx Heritage Month, we honor Ruti Smithline, co-chair of the firm's Investigations + White Collar Criminal Defense group and co-chair of the firm's Latin America Practice. Her practice focuses on complex litigation, with an emphasis on white collar criminal defense, SEC enforcement, and corporate internal investigations.

Ruti is a member of the firm's global FCPA + Anti-Corruption Task Force. She regularly advises clients on cross-border investigations, global compliance programs and anti-corruption due diligence for acquisitions, joint ventures, and private equity transactions. Ruti has represented individual and corporate defendants in cross-border criminal investigations, SEC enforcement matters, and other regulatory proceedings, including matters related to trade sanctions and anti-money laundering. She has experience conducting corporate internal investigations both domestically and internationally, often advising clients on remedial measures responsive to the issues investigated.

As co-chair of Morrison Foerster's Latin America practice and a partner in the Investigations & White Collar practice, how do you leverage your expertise to address the unique challenges faced by clients in the region?

In my white collar criminal defense practice, I leverage my deep understanding of Latin America's legal and cultural landscape, along with my U.S. legal training, to address the needs of our clients. Having been born and raised in Colombia and being a native Spanish speaker, I am well versed in navigating nuances of Latin America business practices, regulatory environments, and cultural differences. This background enables me to communicate effectively-without the need for translation-with local stakeholders and authorities, ensuring that our clients receive tailored advice that takes into account both local and international legal standards. My expertise in U.S. law further allows me to guide clients through cross-border issues, providing a strategic advantage in investigations, compliance, and risk management. My familiarity with the local business, economic, and political climates across the region, in addition to my language capabilities, has really helped me help clients bridge the gap between the compliance and enforcement landscapes of the U.S. and a variety of jurisdictions in the region.

During your in-country visits to key markets such as Colombia and Brazil, what are some of the most pressing legal issues you have encountered, and how has your team addressed them?

Given my practice, I see clients across the region being particularly focused on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and sanctions compliance and enforcement. Clients are constantly challenged by the complex legal, economic, and political realities of the region, which can be in tension with global regulatory and law enforcement expectations. For example, recent years have seen a backsliding of anti-corruption enforcement in Brazil and stalled enforcement in Mexico, while Latin America continues to be a key focus of U.S. enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. We have also seen countries develop hyper-technical regulatory requirements that present challenges for companies looking to implement and operationalize global compliance programs. Likewise, while the United States continues to enforce and tighten significant sanctions against Venezuela, countries like Colombia are redeveloping their relations with Venezuela, bringing both potential opportunities and significant risks. We are helping clients navigate these issues from proactive compliance counseling to reactive investigations as issues arise. By combining the team's regional knowledge with a global perspective, we help our clients navigate complex legal landscapes and achieve their objectives efficiently and effectively.

As we celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, what message would you like to share with young aspiring Latinx legal professionals?

I want to share a message of encouragement and pride. Our heritage is a source of strength and helps us bring unique perspectives to the legal profession. Remember that cultural background, language skills, and life experiences give us a distinct edge, allowing us to analyze and address complex legal issues in ways that others may not. I encourage you to embrace your identity and let it be a guide in your career. Never underestimate the value of your voice and use your unique voice to provide excellent client service and drive change in the legal profession. Remember to lift others along the way and help create a more inclusive and diverse legal community.