Why Relationships Matter in Law feat. Santiago Cueto
- 22 hours ago
- 3 min read
Santiago Cueto is an international business attorney, law firm owner, and author based in Miami, Florida. In this episode, Santiago shares how an interest in global affairs led him to law school, why he always envisioned owning a law firm, and how lawyers can build successful careers by combining legal knowledge with communication, leadership, and business development.
About This Episode
Background
Santiago Cueto’s interest in the law began with an interest in the world. After growing up in Miami and later moving to the Washington, D.C. area, he was exposed to a wide range of cultures, international perspectives, and global issues. That experience shaped his educational path and eventually led him to pursue a master's degree in foreign affairs before attending law school.
“I knew I wanted to do something that involved global politics and something that wasn't just the United States," shares Santiago Cueto on You Are A Lawyer.
Living in the Washington, D.C. area broadened Santiago’s perspective in ways Miami had not. While Miami introduced him to Latin American cultures, Washington exposed him to people from all over the world. That experience reinforced his curiosity about international relationships, cross-border disputes, and the ways different countries interact through business, politics, and law.
Why Law School
While studying foreign affairs, Santiago noticed that many of the international issues that interested him were ultimately legal issues. Trade disputes, business transactions, cultural conflicts, and relationships between countries often required legal solutions. Rather than pursue politics, he saw law as a practical way to engage with the international world while helping businesses solve problems.
“I thought law school and focusing on international law in law school would be a really cool thing for me to follow," explains Santiago Cueto on Episode 249 of You Are a Lawyer.
Unlike many law students who discover their interests during law school, Santiago entered with a fairly clear vision. He wanted to work in international law and eventually build a practice around cross-border business matters. Over time, that vision evolved into a career focused on international transactions, international disputes, and helping businesses navigate increasingly global markets.
What Can You Do with a Law Degree
Santiago’s career demonstrates how a law degree can serve as both a professional credential and a business tool. After spending roughly a decade learning from other firms, he launched his own practice and eventually shifted his focus from simply practicing law to building a business that could grow beyond him. Today, much of his role centers on leadership, mentorship, business development, and strategy.
“I've always seen myself as more of a businessman," shares Santiago Cueto on Episode 249 of You Are a Lawyer.
His work also highlights the versatility of legal training. Santiago handles international business matters, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, contract disputes, and strategic business counseling. While the legal issues may vary, the underlying skills remain the same: communication, analysis, negotiation, problem-solving, and the ability to help clients navigate complex decisions.
Lawyer Side Hustles
Beyond practicing law, Santiago has embraced writing, speaking, mentoring, and entrepreneurship. He recently authored Winning Lawsuits in Florida, a book designed to answer the questions clients most frequently ask about litigation and dispute resolution. The project grew out of a client handbook his firm had already developed and became a way to educate a broader audience.
“Writing is a good way to get yourself known,” Santiago Cueto expresses in Episode 249 of You Are a Lawyer.
Santiago is also passionate about helping younger attorneys develop confidence, communication skills, and professional judgment. Through mentoring his team and sharing practical business insights, he encourages lawyers to think beyond legal doctrine and focus on the traits that ultimately drive long-term success. His perspective reflects a belief that law school provides the foundation, but growth continues throughout an entire career.
About Santiago Cueto
Santiago is licensed to practice law in the state of Florida.
Learn more about Santiago.
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