Ms. Caterina Caput (WOLEP member, Italy): ”I am looking to move away from the adversarial nature of litigation. In this sense, the Italian citizenship recognition project is an evolution, a tranquil niche”

Read here Part I of our WOLEP Talk with Ms. Caterina Caput

WOLEP: In your work on the citizenship recognition program, it is evident that a substantial bureaucratic effort is essential. Given our prior discussion about this project being an embodiment of the WOLEP philosophy due to its collaborative nature across international borders, leveraging the network's resources and colleagues is pivotal. How do you intend to generate interest among fellow network colleagues for cooperation on such projects?

Caterina Caput: Adelina and I have considered the prospect of drafting a letter to be sent by WOLEP to all colleagues. However, I have yet to initiate this process.

WOLEP: I agree, the idea of combining the publication of our WOLEP Talk with the proposed letter is indeed promising, particularly as it will expand the project's reach beyond the colleagues who have been contacted thus far in association with your project.

Caterina Caput: Undoubtedly, the Sports Law Practice of WOLEP presents an additional avenue for amplifying my  project's influence. Notably, it presents a favorable opportunity that stands to benefit all involved parties—myself, the colleague, and WOLEP as a whole.

WOLEP: Collaboration is not a predominant feature among lawyers; rather, they are often seen as competitors, a mindset likely instilled during their education. However, this project stands as a testament to the possibility of collaboration within the legal sphere. Our aim at WOLEP is to encourage and promote this shift in mindset. Hence, I believe that spreading awareness through the newsletter and fostering discussions around this, coupled with the distribution of your letter, can only yield positive outcomes.

Caterina Caput: I will draft the letter; however, I am uncertain about the timeline due to certain challenges I am currently facing. If you believe it would be more advantageous to synchronize the release of the WOLEP Talk publication with the letter, I can aim to have the letter which is timely prepared. Alternatively, we could consider publishing the WOLEP Talk first, followed by the distribution of the letter after a two-week interval.

WOLEP: Turning to one of the final questions, I am intrigued to learn about your long-term ambitions and aspirations within WOLEP, as well as your perspective on both your contribution and our collective contribution moving forward. This encompasses not only your participation in the citizenship recognition project but also your potential involvement in a range of other initiatives, including those related to real estate.

Caterina Caput: I also have a project in the real estate sector. However, before discussing it, I'd like to share my final thoughts on the Italian citizenship recognition project. My ambition is to focus solely on this area, gradually moving away from labour law and potentially delving into real estate law, with a target timeline of achieving this transition within two to three years. This shift aligns with my vision for the culmination of my career. At the age of 52, with around 15 years left in my professional journey, I am looking to move away from the adversarial nature of litigations and legal battles, seeking a more peaceful and harmonious focus within the legal field.

WOLEP: I wholeheartedly agree. The legal profession, as you underlined, can be demanding and stressful, making it particularly rewarding to find a niche that offers a more tranquil professional environment.

Caterina Caput: Indeed, my real estate project is still taking shape. Nonetheless, I am actively pursuing it. I believe that the real estate sector presents numerous opportunities for my investor clients, as I've observed during discussions within the WOLEP Real Estate Law Practice Roundtable.

Yesterday, I had a meeting with one of my significant clients and proposed the prospect of investing in and acquiring lands in Croatia and other Mediterranean countries. This suggestion stemmed from his previous ventures in constructing houses near the sea.

WOLEP: It's quite intriguing – over the past few months, I've engaged in several WOLEP Talks with colleagues, particularly lawyers from the countries in the Adriatic zone. It seems that there are abundant opportunities emerging in this region, as there is a notable demand for such investments.

Caterina Caput: I'm currently awaiting some documents from my Client, and once received, I plan to reach out to the WOLEP Real Estate Law Practice and draft the proposal. This opportunity appears quite promising. While I am also considering the prospect of opportunities in African countries, I suspect that Italian investors may not be fully prepared for such ventures. Investing in Africa often requires a certain level of courage and boldness.

In the coming years, I anticipate that there may be increasing opportunities in Africa, particularly in Central and Southern Africa, as opposed to North Africa. This is because North Africa grapples with the contrast between those desiring a more Westernized society, akin to America or Europe, and those striving for a more traditional Muslim-oriented culture. I believe that focusing on Central and South Africa may yield more favorable prospects.

I am determined to explore viable avenues and opportunities for my clients to venture into the African market, on the African continent.

WOLEP: That sounds promising. We certainly have members in WOLEP who can serve as valuable connections for this project.

Caterina Caput: I appreciate your support. Thank you.

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