On Thursday, April 24, a group of high school students from The Laboratory School of Finance and Technology stepped into the professional world of financial law with a visit to Barclays—a leading global financial services provider. The visit, held at the company’s New York office, offered a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from experienced legal professionals about the dynamic intersections of law, finance, and global policy. The experience highlighted Arete’s commitment to career connected learning and offering students exposure to diverse career pathways.
The visit kicked off with a warm welcome and pizza, giving students a chance to settle in before diving into an exciting lineup of presentations. Sheri Levine-Shea and Virginia “Ginny” Hildreth, two Financial Crime Lawyers at Barclays presented real-world case studies involving money laundering and fraud, walking students through the intricacies of compliance, due diligence, and cross-border investigations. Their discussion emphasized the global nature of financial crime and how international regulations shape the legal work they do.
Next, Felix Dubosse, a Litigation Attorney at Barclays, gave an insightful presentation on managing complex legal disputes in the financial sector. He highlighted the litigation process, emphasizing legal research, negotiation skills, and risk mitigation. Students learned how legal teams prepare for cases that span multiple jurisdictions and how firms like Barclays navigate the challenges of a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. To wrap up the visit, Barclays team member and Areté Board Treasurer Jared Steller chatted with the students and led a brief tour of the building. This offered a glimpse into daily life at a major financial institution.
Throughout the visit, students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and diving into lively discussions sparked by the case examples presented. It was an eye-opening experience for the students as they gain a deeper understanding of how legal professionals must not only understand the law but also navigate financial systems, international regulations, digital currencies, and cybersecurity. The visit also emphasized how success in this field depends on critical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to adapt within the industry.
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