What is the daily life of a specialist in Economic Criminal Law like? How to build a successful career in this field?
Ricardo Saadi, Liaison Officer at Europol, Federal Police Delegate, and Doctor of Political and Economic Law, builds his legacy in the fight against organized crime, asset recovery, and international legal cooperation.
IDP Online interviewed Dr. Ricardo Saadi about his career in Economic Criminal Law and the opportunities for professionals in the field. Check out the article and understand the challenges of the profession!
1. How did you choose Economic Criminal Law?
Dr. Ricardo Saadi explains that his entry into Criminal Law was by chance. However, the specialist holds two degrees: in Law and Economics. "I worked in a law firm, practicing in the area of Family Law. I even completed a specialization in Civil Procedural Law," he comments.
With a certain curiosity about working in public service, the specialist took the entrance exam for the Federal Police and passed. “I thought it was a sign. I decided to join the Federal Police and, due to my ranking in the exam, I went to São Paulo.”
Soon after, because he held a bachelor's degree in Economics, Saadi was assigned to the Organized Crime and Special Investigations Division, where his duties included investigations related to money laundering and embezzlement of public funds. "From then on, it was very interesting. I stayed and fell in love with a career in Economic Criminal Law."
2. What is your job like in practice?
"During my work at the Federal Police, I realized that, currently, no major criminal organization operates in only one country, and there is no possibility of an investigation in Brazil being carried out effectively without international cooperation."
As a result, in 2010, Saadi was appointed to head the Department of Asset Recovery and International Legal Cooperation, where he had the opportunity to learn about and work in international legal cooperation.
“Currently, I am at Europol, working directly in police cooperation. My day-to-day work involves identifying existing investigations in European countries that have some impact in Brazil and vice versa,” he adds. By identifying common interests, Saadi connects investigators from Brazil and Europe, encouraging global collaboration.
3. What does it take to be a good professional in Economic Criminal Law?
“First, you need to enjoy and feel comfortable working in the area of Economic Criminal Law. Second, you have to constantly update yourself. Sometimes a law doesn't change, but its interpretation does,” advises the expert.
According to Saadi, it's essential to always stay informed about legal discussions, take courses, and constantly monitor case law. "Third, have a lot of discipline, and lastly, be highly ethical in your actions, both with clients and with the government."
From the same perspective, Saadi emphasizes that professionals in the field should, above all, think first about their clients, not about remuneration. "Remuneration is a consequence of a job well done."
4. What opportunities do you see for specialists in the field?
"I'm going to toot my own horn, but I think Economic Criminal Law is the great opportunity of the moment," says the expert.
In this sense, Saadi comments that, despite Law No. 9.613 , concerning crimes of money laundering and concealment of assets, rights and values, being from 1998, it is still very relevant. "Crimes against the national financial system and the capital market are also very current."
“Beyond criminal prosecution, the preventive area is of great importance in Economic Criminal Law. Criminal lawyers don't necessarily need to work in criminal proceedings; they can also work in prevention,” he explains. The area of corporate compliance, for example, is a promising field full of opportunities for work.
5. What advice would you give to someone starting out in Criminal Law?
“I think this summarizes everything we've discussed so far. First, only pursue this career if you are truly happy with it. Personal and professional satisfaction should always come first. Second, always act ethically,” Saadi emphasizes.
How to become an expert in the field?
In conclusion, as Dr. Saadi highlighted during the interview, to be a good professional in the field, it is necessary not only to specialize, but also to seek to stay updated on the laws, look for new courses, and participate in current legal discussions.
Here at IDP Online , we are always helping professionals and students in the field through mini-courses, blog articles, and webinars. After all, our goal is to connect theory with real-world practice, which is extremely enriching.
Did you like the tips for excelling in Economic Criminal Law? Tell us in the comments what you're doing to become a reference in the field!