Federico Vasoli has never seen himself as a traditional lawyer. From the very start of his career, he was drawn to an international stage, exploring opportunities far beyond his home country of Italy. Admitted to the Bar of Milan in 2006, he had already built experience abroad, working in China during his university years and later in Belgium and Spain. His early exposure to diverse legal systems shaped his mindset and set him on a path to become a lawyer who thrives on global connections. For him, the law is not limited to borders, but a bridge that connects cultures, economies, and people. We at CIO Global are proud to introduce Federico Vasoli as one of the 05 Most Influential Legal Professionals to Follow in 2025.
His journey began with a sense of curiosity, a strong belief in the rule of law, and a passion for helping entrepreneurs and businesses navigate complex landscapes. He often says that life is too short not to be curious, and that the law is present in almost every part of human activity. This approach gave him the drive to keep expanding his reach. By 2007, he had already opened a branch of his Italian firm in Vietnam, a country that fascinated him and where he continues to build meaningful professional ties. Over time, he relocated to Malta and later Singapore, founding his firm dMTV, which carries forward the name and values of the practice his mother had founded in Italy.
“Curiosity about the world and a sense of coaching businesses continue to drive me every day.”
Federico describes himself as a product of the optimistic wave of globalisation that marked the late 1990s and early 2000s. Even though today’s world is more turbulent, he believes that businesses will always operate internationally and therefore need solution-oriented lawyers who understand not just the laws but also the consequences of financial and strategic decisions in more than one jurisdiction. He continues to commute between Europe and Southeast Asia, serving clients who operate across different markets, and he is open to expanding further as opportunities arise. For him, law is not static; it evolves with societies, technologies, and economic forces.
As he reflects on the role of lawyers in 2025 and beyond, Federico points out that the profession cannot remain stuck in old models. Technology, artificial intelligence, and shifting political and economic dynamics are transforming the way lawyers work. Those who resist these changes risk becoming irrelevant, while those who embrace them can thrive. He has always been inclined toward adopting tools that improve efficiency, recalling how his mother was one of the first lawyers in Italy to buy a personal computer for her firm in the 1980s. For Federico, AI is just the latest step in a long tradition of technology shaping the practice of law.
“Those who master new tools and trends will grow, while those stuck in old positions may be swept away.”
But while he embraces innovation, Federico also values tradition. He believes the two are not opposites but complementary. Tradition gives lawyers their roots, their grounding in values, history, and legal principles. Innovation, on the other hand, ensures that they remain relevant and able to respond to the present and future. His own work in Vietnam is an example of this balance. He retains his Italian legal foundation while actively engaging in a market that is dynamic and full of growth opportunities. He believes that countries like Italy can even play a role in Vietnam’s environmental challenges, such as pollution and waste reduction, showing how tradition and modern needs can come together.
Federico’s approach to leadership is shaped by his passion for mentoring. He enjoys guiding younger lawyers and believes in giving them the chance to learn by working alongside him. This not only builds their confidence but also ensures clients receive the best service. He sees mentoring as a two-way street: while he passes on knowledge, he also learns from the fresh perspectives of young professionals. For him, leadership means fostering an environment where growth, curiosity, and integrity go hand in hand.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring lawyers, Federico stresses the importance of travel and open-mindedness. He encourages young professionals to experience different cultures, learn about diverse legal systems, and avoid overspecialising too early. For him, a holistic approach is far more valuable in today’s interconnected world. He also underlines the importance of ethics. Staying aligned with one’s values may not always be the most profitable choice in the short term, but it leads to peace of mind and long-term respect from clients and colleagues.
“Being aligned with your values may cost financial gains, but it rewards your conscience and reputation.”
Federico’s career has been shaped not only by his own choices but also by the influence of mentors and role models. His mother, a dedicated and innovative lawyer, remains one of his strongest inspirations. His classical education also left a mark, instilling in him an appreciation for history, languages, and tradition. Senior mentors like Daniel Vedovatto in Brussels and Gianfranco Negri-Clementi in Milan further guided his development, showing him the value of pragmatism, elegance, and finesse in the legal profession.
Looking to the future, Federico sees himself continuing to bridge worlds, combining his international experience with his passion for coaching and problem-solving. He does not claim to have all the answers but remains committed to being present, engaged, and adaptable as the legal landscape evolves. Whether advising on digital assets, compliance with strict EU regulations, or new methods of dispute resolution, he brings both vision and practicality to his work.
In a profession often accused of being rigid, Federico Vasoli stands out as a lawyer who embraces change while staying rooted in core values. His story is one of curiosity, resilience, and global perspective. For him, law is not just about solving disputes or drafting contracts – it is about helping people and businesses navigate an ever-changing world with clarity, fairness, and integrity.