Stenio Aladim brings global perspective, multi-jurisdictional expertise, and a deep commitment to client advocacy to the 8PP team. In this blog, he shares how his legal journey has taken him from Brazil to Liverpool, why English law felt like a natural next step, and what keeps him grounded – professionally and personally.
What first inspired you to pursue law?
I grew up in Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a beautiful coastal city in northeast Brazil. Law was a natural choice to me. I grew up hearing my Mum, who is a retired educationalist, praising my writing, communicating, and problem-solving skills. I guess, ultimately, I just believed her and realised that law was the right fit for me. I was admitted to UNI-RN, a top-rated university in my State, to study law at 17 and qualified as a Brazilian lawyer at 22, after passing the National Bar Exam in 2009. From there, I’ve never really looked back.
Law appealed to me because of the vast possibilities. In Brazil, where the legal profession is unified, you’re expected to conduct litigation and carry out advocacy work early on. Over time, I found my niche in strategic litigation, particularly in claims that involved wider implications – either commercially or structurally – for businesses and institutions.
What kind of work were you doing before moving to the UK?
During my 10-year tenure with Fonseca Advogados Associados, a prominent Brazilian law firm, I had the opportunity to manage the firm’s strategic caseload and to oversee complex litigation for clients across telecommunications, healthcare, food and textile industries. Two cases still stand out.
One involved a contract termination dispute between two textile industries. The original claim dated back to 1985, one year before I was born. When I joined the matter, nearly 30 years later, it had spiralled into a labyrinth of interconnected claims – around 20 in total – involving disputes in relation to royalties, properties, assets in general, and even the machinery. I played a leading role in the negotiations and eventual settlement. It took years, but we found a resolution.
The other was a really urgent mandamus action against Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture. A client’s cargo ship, carrying $3.2 million worth of wheat, was about to dock at the Port of Natal in the middle of an industrial action by the Ministry cargo inspectors. We needed the mandamus to guarantee that the cargo would be inspected and cleared in due course to avoid cargo spoilage and penalties. I drafted the pleadings, worked closely with the Court and secured the inspection just in time. That case required precision and the ability to work under immense pressure. It was one of a kind.
Alongside this work, I also collaborated with Martinez-Echevarría Abogados, a Spanish law firm, through an international partnership with Fonseca. I was responsible for developing the firm’s cross-border brand and client base – primarily advising British investors looking to buy property or establish businesses in Brazil. It was the first time I truly made use of all my language skills in a professional legal setting, and I thoroughly enjoyed the international dynamic that came with it.
Why England and why now?
From a young age, I knew I’d leave my hometown when the right opportunity showed up. Becoming an expat had always been on my horizon. In some ways, England always felt like a home away from home. I first visited well over a decade ago in 2009, staying with family in London. I remember that snowy winter vividly, grey skies, short days, and a kind of beauty that’s very different from Brazil’s tropical exuberance. I loved the cosmopolitan essence of what London represents, its historical legacy and the sense of tradition blending with modernity. It felt like somewhere I could build a future in.
I’d always been curious about the legal practice in common law jurisdictions. I’m qualified in both Portugal and Brazil, but I wanted to broaden my legal scope. England and Wales, with its dual-track barrister/solicitor system, offered something unique: the opportunity to focus on litigation and advocacy at the highest level.
In 2021, I became part of a team that would eventually evolve into 8PP. It was the right opportunity at the right time – enabling me to continue doing the work I’m most passionate about: appearing in hearings, drafting pleadings, and advocating for clients. In many ways, Liverpool chose me. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
How did you navigate the requalification process?
It’s been a long, focused journey. My first contact with English law was in 2012 when I studied Intellectual Property at the LSE Summer School. Then a few years after that I took a distance-learning course with University of London to deepen my understanding of English common law.
The pandemic was a catalyst – it gave me and my partner time to reflect and re-centre our goals. By 2021, I was registered with the SRA as a Foreign Lawyer and in April 2021 I started working with Craig Leigh who now heads up 8PP. I made an application with the Bar Standards Board as a Transferring Qualified Lawyer in the following year, which was approved, and in July 2023, I was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn. The Bar Standards Board recognised my experience and granted me a shortened three-month pupillage. Once complete, I’ll be authorised to practice as a barrister here.
The transfer process is not about simply ticking boxes – it’s about proving that you’re able to meet each of the extensive requirements within the Bar’s Professional Statement.
What sort of work are you doing now at 8PP?
I focus on litigation, advocacy, and advisory work. I act on cases involving undisclosed commissions, housing disrepair, and broader consumer finance disputes. These matters can be highly technical, but they often come down to something very human: vulnerability.
Clients tell me they appreciate how I centre their goals. Whether it’s litigation or ADR, I work to find the most efficient and effective resolution – one that serves their interests and upholds their rights. That’s what matters to me.
How do your roots shape your work?
I am a Brazilian, Spanish and Portuguese citizen. My family roots run deep, my great-great-great-grandfather, Antonio Aladim de Araújo, qualified as a lawyer in Brazil in 1852, and we’ve had generations involved in the civil service and as members of the Brazilian public prosecution service and of the Judiciary. After a couple of skipped generations in the legal industry, I’ve picked up the mantle.
My family remains in Brazil, but our roots trace back to Galicia in Spain – a heritage that continues to shape my identity. I try to return to Brazil when I can, usually once a year for a few precious weeks. The journey takes around 14 hours via Lisbon, so I make every visit count. Each trip is a careful balance of meeting old friends, revisiting my favourite places, and having quality time with my family. You learn to make the most of the time you have – and to treasure those connections all the more.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love travelling, cooking, reading, and collecting vinyl records. I try to stay active as much as I can and going to the gym is a habit that keeps me grounded. I’m also always exploring the culinary world – whether that’s discovering a new local restaurant, going to the same old ones, or experimenting at home. If you’re coming to Liverpool, you have to try Casa Italia and The Art School.
Besides London, Rome is one of my favourite destinations for a city break – its history, culture, and food are unmatched. I’ve also grown to love Liverpool. From walks along the River Mersey to the stunning cathedrals and vibrant music scene, Castle Street, Pier Head, and the Three Graces, it’s a city that’s full of strength and character, as are the Scousers. And yes, I enjoy the friendly football rivalry, too. I am and have always undoubtedly been a Red.
What’s next for you professionally?
Completing my pupillage is the immediate goal. Beyond that, I want to continue developing a practice that reflects my international background and my commitment to high-quality advocacy. I believe that the legal profession is ultimately about listening, responding, and doing your best for those who place their trust in you.
England has given me the opportunity to grow – not just as a lawyer, but as a person. I’m proud to be here, contributing to a legal system that values both excellence and integrity. I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made back in 2020.
Final thoughts?
Every part of my journey – every move, every challenge – has led me here. Everyone has their own route, there’s no less or more prestigious way of achieving a professional qualification. There’s simply the path that will work best for you. I’m grateful for my mentors, Craig Leigh and Priscila Fonseca, clients, colleagues and opponents who’ve shaped me along the way. And I’m excited for what’s still to come.
In the end, this profession is not a popularity contest as some believe. Competence and results are what really matter and what will make you stand out. To the next generation considering a career at the Bar, I’d say: if you don’t believe in your skills, no one else will. Value and embrace your story, your uniqueness, your roots. And don’t
be boring! Please, don’t be afraid of having a personality. That makes a huge difference in a courtroom. Bland advocates are easily forgotten in any jurisdiction.