From the moment he was a baby in a tiny cap and gown at his father's law school graduation, Carlos E. Nuñez's path seemed set. His father, a Venezuelan lawyer, instilled in him the passion for the legal profession from an early age. "Being a lawyer has been ingrained in me since I was little," Nuñez recalls. This early influence, combined with a deep love for his adopted city, would shape his future.
Nuñez's family moved to Miami from Venezuela in 2000, and the city quickly became his home. When it came time for law school, his choice was clear: the University of Miami School of Law.
Internships and Moot Court Develop Advocacy Skills in Law School
At Miami Law, Nuñez took advantage of the school’s strong offerings in litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution. It was in the International Moot Court program, guided by director Paula Arias whom he affectionately calls his "law school mom," that Nuñez found his footing. As a 3L, he became president of the program and competed in Spanish-speaking international commercial arbitration competitions in Buenos Aires and Madrid, and in a competition in English in Vienna. Upon graduation, Nuñez was recognized with the prestigious Order of the Barristers for excellence in oral advocacy.
These experiences were crucial, but so were his in-house internships and externships at companies like Telemundo, Yahoo!, Bacardi, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. These were eye-opening for Nuñez, who initially wanted to be an immigration lawyer. "I had no idea that the in-house profession existed," he said.
From Litigation to Tech Pioneer — Finding a Niche In-House
After graduation, Nuñez spent two years gaining hands-on experience in litigation, learning the ropes of active trial work. He then pivoted back to in-house law, joining American Express in 2016. In 2019, a friend's recommendation led him to Airbnb, where he joined the Latin America Legal team. Over the past six years, he's navigated significant company milestones, including the pre-IPO, COVID-19, and post-IPO periods. He is currently a key member of the Core Commercial Legal team, supporting technology and services procurement.
Nuñez credits Miami Law's strong community and network, as well as its broad curriculum, for his success. The city itself, he says, creates "an interesting pot of communities and cultures to live and work in," forming an ecosystem that prepares graduates for a thriving career. He remains actively involved with the school, speaking to Startup Clinic Director Jaime Vining’s Trademark class and coaching the Transactional Skills Program’s Canes Contract Challenge. He has also helped establish an internship partnership between Airbnb and Miami Law, aiming to increase the visibility of Miami Law students in the technology law world. He calls Miami Law a "fantastic partner."
Outside of work, Nuñez finds joy in running, cooking, and most importantly, his family—his wife, son, and daughter. "They make my life amazing and beautiful," he reflects. "Everything I do is for them."
Advice to Follow for Law School and Life
When Nuñez was considering where to attend law school, he followed a simple piece of advice: attend either a top 10 school or the best one in the city where you plan to live and practice. For him, that was the University of Miami. His connection to the school was cemented by a neighbor who gifted him and his father tickets to a University of Miami game at the Orange Bowl. "I vividly remember how fun (and crazy) the Canes chant sounded at the stadium," he says. "If you love Miami, you have to go here."
His advice to aspiring lawyers is simple: focus on the power of compounding. "The power of compounding is real," he says, comparing it to cooking. "I started cooking and had no idea what I was doing, but practicing every day has been essential. A little practice every day will make a huge difference." He also emphasizes the importance of networking, being responsive, and stepping outside your comfort zone. "It’s cliché, but magical things can happen if you put yourself out there and are out of your comfort zone. Be ready, and be humble."
Read more about Miami Law’s alumni.
