Filippo Furlano is a qualified lawyer in the province of Ontario, Canada, and a current candidate of the International Dispute Resolution LL.M. program at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Leicester, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History from McGill University.
Prior to his master’s degree studies, Filippo gained significant experience practising real estate, business, and commercial law in Toronto, where he successfully negotiated and drafted contractual terms for a variety of transactions. He then moved to the public sector, where he worked for several years with the Office of the Ombudsman of Ontario. During this time, he analyzed and addressed decisions made by provincial adjudicative tribunals, and he also played a key role in resolving a wide array of issues brought forward by the public against government organizations.
In his spare time, you can find Filippo running through the Schlossgarten Charlottenburg, watching AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund or Union Berlin matches, and listening to new music on his record player. Filippo is also working towards gaining proficiency in the German language.
We look very much forward to working with Filippo and have so many questions…
What was your first job?
Summer Camp Counsellor with the City of Toronto. It is a right of passage for many Toronto youth to work for the city’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division.
Breakfast or dinner?
Dinner. I like being able to relax with good food, family and friends in the evenings.
What do you cook when you spontaneously have friends over for dinner?
Rigatoni con funghi e mozzarella di bufala.
Mountains or Seaside?
Both. As someone who has only ever lived in flat places, they are both novel and exciting to me.
If you could meet someone famous, dead or alive, who would it be?
Lionel Messi. As a sports fan, it has been incredible to watch one of the most talented athletes to ever live progress through his career. I would love to ask him how it feels to bring so much joy to so many people around the world.
Which was your favorite place to live so far?
Berlin. Although I do miss the poutine in Montréal.
Digital or analogue?
Digital. But I do really enjoy my instant camera!
Favorite time of day?
Weekend mornings.
Window or aisle seat?
Window. I like a good view.
Country you wish to visit?
South Africa.
What song will always get you on the dancefloor?
Brighter – RÜFÜS DU SOL. Maybe my favourite band. They were incredible when I saw them live this past summer at the Zitadelle Spandau.
Good advice you’ve received?
Keep moving forward!
Most played on your music playlist right now?
Survive – Lane 8, Channy Leaneagh.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas. The delicious meals and quality time spent with family are perfect.
Last new thing you learned?
Blue skies do exist in Berlin.
Which movie can you watch over and over?
Interstellar.
Three words to describe Berlin?
Eclectic, entertaining, sleepless.
Three words to describe your hometown, Toronto?
Snowy, tasty, transforming.
Night owl or early bird?
Night owl. Nothing beats enjoying some nice cozy lighting at night.
Favorite pizza topping?
Mushrooms. Green olives and white onions are a close second and third!
