Alumni Spotlight - Kansas CIty Office
Bernardo Zito Porto
Catch up with Bernardo as he reflects on his journey since Husch Blackwell, discussing his role at Energizer Holdings, balance between work and personal passions, the mentors who shaped him, his shift to in-house counsel, and the opportunities in his current position.
Could you share a bit about your time with Husch Blackwell?
My time at Husch Blackwell was one of incredible personal and professional growth. While working alongside some of the best attorneys I know helped me become the attorney I am today, the relationships I built made me a better person. My mentors, both official and unofficial, helped me learn how to balance life as a busy attorney and a husband/father.
Tell us about your current role/practice outside of HB.
I am currently an in-house counsel at Energizer Holdings, Inc., managing their domestic and international disputes and antitrust matters.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I play soccer and volleyball every week, which are the sports I played in college. I am also an avid Star Wars fan and have an awesome Star Wars toys collection.
What drew you to in-house practice?
The opportunity to work on matters from actual inception all the way to the end. In my role as in-house counsel, I get to influence how contracts are written, how employees are trained, and how strategies are set in order to avoid future conflict. And when conflict is unavoidable, I know for a fact I did everything possible to put the company in the best position to win.