Featured Lawyer: Aleida Ortega Conners
Aleida Ortega Conners
Associate
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
What is your area of practice?
My main area of practice is in international and corporate transactions. This includes both domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, with the cross-border component focused on Latin America. I also assist clients in setting up and maintaining operations abroad. Most of my work in this regard centers around companies manufacturing in Mexico or operating through sales and distribution networks throughout Latin America.
I do a great deal of pro bono work as well, including volunteering with VLN to assist in custody cases related to obtaining SIJS status for undocumented children in Minnesota, and attending clinics through Fredrikson’s pro bono program aimed at assisting small businesses with discrete transactional and corporate matters. I currently serve on the firm’s pro bono committee.
Why are you unique?
I grew up in a truly bicultural environment. This helps me fully understand the demands of clients in the United States and reconcile those demands with the very different expectations of their business counterparts in Latin America. I enjoy being able to combine my experiences with American and Hispanic cultures to help my clients establish and grow their businesses abroad.
How did you do it?
I don’t believe I’ve “done it” yet and that is part of the reason I am where I am today. The ambition to continue to climb has played a big role in my achievements so far. The rest has been a mix of hard work and good luck. As with any career, a great deal of hard work is required of the individual, but opportunities arise in unexpected places. It is important to be ready for those opportunities when they arise. In addition, I think a lot of younger professionals underestimate the impact mentors can have on their careers. Having an experienced professional guide you is invaluable.
What do you do outside of the law?
I love to travel. The experience of learning about a new culture or the history of a new place is exhilarating. Aside from that, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Who were the people critical to your success and who do you want to thank?
When I was young, my parents made the difficult choice of leaving their friends and family in Cuba behind to start a new life in the United States. Without that opportunity and the upbringing they provided, no amount of hard work on my part would have gotten me where I am today. I am also fortunate to have a number of mentors at Fredrikson and in the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association who have taken an interest in my career and continue to fight in my corner day in and day out. Finally, my husband is indispensable to my success. From being a sounding board when I face difficult legal questions to helping with dinner when I am working late, he makes each day easier and more pleasant.