Catch up with Urbano Cinti, Reference Legal Counsel, A2A S.p.A.

Tell us about your career path.

After graduating in law, I started working at Barclays and in 2007 I joined the International Loan Department at Ashurst.  I was admitted to the Italian bar in 2009 and I continued my career at A2A S.p.A., gaining solid experience in M&A, Corporate and Finance. 

How did you develop an interest towards Energy/Environmental sector?

After 12 years, I am still trying to get to know how it happened! Jokes aside, I left the Firm in 2009 while the so-called “credit crunch” was biting hard on strategic projects worldwide: the multi-utility sector seemed to me a solid industry to invest in for my professional growth and a good work-life balance. 

What do you enjoy about your work?

Since the university period, I knew I would work as in-house lawyer. In this role, I learned the “practical science” of a complex business organisation and how to answer to the question "who does what and why". I do believe that the success of a project, whether large or small, depends on the legal background in which it is based.

What new skills do you think lawyers need to develop for the future?

It is commonly said that in-house lawyers support the “internal client” as a business partner. For this purpose, it is pivotal to involve the legal counsel in the decision-making process and ensure the development of interdisciplinary skills in information technologies, accounting and tax.

Did you always want to be a lawyer?

Yes! Also, I believed that legal knowledge could help me to run my own business one day due to the close connection between law and the economic sector. 

What were the most valuable lessons you learned while at Ashurst?

I do believe that the experience gained at Ashurst really fostered my career as an in-house lawyer. Integrity, rigour, the value of working as a team (I should better say, as an orchestra). Furthermore, no matter your seniority, each of us was in charge of certain specific tasks and responsible for their performance at the highest level.

Are there Ashurst colleagues who had, or continue to have, a significant impact on your life and career?

I have really good memories of those years where I learned “how” to work on very complex transactions. The managing partner together with my teammates were like a single “mentor”. I am still in touch with many of them even after more than 12 years.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Ashurst?

Many of them. Every “deal” was like a mission and we were all highly motivated. Working until late helped us to get to know each other better and, at “closing”,  we were ready for another mission.   

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Once graduated, I must admit, I was a bit disoriented about what to do next. For this, I would probably suggest to my younger self to start the career directly at Ashurst (and to prepare for this during the university period with less work experience and the stage abroad). And this is the kind of advice I used to give to young students.

What are your passions outside of work?

I have many passions. When I am into something new, I read everything about it and I study a lot and hopefully turn the knowledge gained into business. Recently, I've been interested in the house-flipping business, I love vintage cars and, last but not least, watches.

What's next for you?

Let’s see. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and I am just eager to make a fresh start where I can make a bigger impact as an individual contributor. Within two to three years, I see myself taking on greater responsibility and this will require a constant engagement in and outside of my role for gaining new perspectives.