Hugh Carlson, USA

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution 2010-2011

“The quality of instruction in Queen Mary’s LLM program greatly exceeded my already high expectations. I had the pleasure of studying under Professor Loukas Mistelis and Dr Stavros Brekoulakis, both remarkable in their command of the material and ability to effectively communicate it. I arrived after completing a law degree at Georgetown Law, and appreciated that the subject matter of the LLM complemented rather than merely reviewed that of my previous studies. While a student at Queen Mary I practiced international arbitration at a law firm in London. I was surprised to find that a good deal of my in-class learning overlapped with my work assignments, impressing upon me the practical value of my LLM education. Perhaps more telling is that I have continued to rely on my course materials for assistance with challenging legal questions. The relationships I formed while at QM will be another lasting benefit. The program attracts talented advocates from many parts of the world, and encourages the exchange of ideas with recurring seminar style classes and university-sponsored events. The result is a rich, diverse network of practitioners.This is especially valuable in a practice whose focus is necessarily international.”

Lucrecia Ortiz, Costa Rica

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution 2011-12

I obtained my degree in law at the University of Costa Rica as well as a specialisation in Commercial Law. I have had the opportunity to work as a practitioner in one of the most prestigious law firms in Costa Rica on international dispute resolution for the last three years, and also got involved in the academic field, collaborating as an interim professor at the University of Costa Rica in the area of Private Law of Obligations from 2004 to 2009. In the context of major economical changes in my country and new alliances for free trade, as well as the topical increase of arbitration in Latin America as one of the favourite dispute resolution methods, my personal involvement and interest in International Dispute Resolution have influenced my decision to apply for the International Dispute Resolution LLM programme at Queen Mary. The obvious link with London as a preferred seat of arbitration, as well as the involvement of highly qualified lecturers in the area made Queen Mary a natural choice. The programme has given me the opportunity to discuss and analyse the topical problems and challenges in International Dispute Resolution. The acquired comparative perspective of legal analysis is without a doubt an invaluable asset from this academic year. The collaborative attitude of Professors and their commitment to provide us with updated and high quality knowledge to approach the challenges of this fascinating discipline has made my experience at Queen Mary an exceptional one. Finally, the opportunity of sharing this year with students from the most varied cultures and traditions has definitely made this experience unforgettable.

Dalibor Valincic, Croatia

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution 2008-9

An absolutely unique experience! I chose Queen Mary because of its well-known School of International Arbitration, which is widely recognized throughout the arbitration community. However, I could not have expected to find myself in such a diversified community of students and teachers coming from literally every part of the world.

I completed my legal studies at the University of Zagreb, School of Law and started working as a legal trainee in a Croatian law office. After having spent three years as a legal trainee, I registered with the Croatian Bar Association and became a fully qualified lawyer. Having practiced for a year as a lawyer, I was determined to specialise in the field of dispute resolution, especially in international commercial arbitration. Since I was looking forward to coming to London, Queen Mary was a logical choice.

As our classes proceeded during the year, I began to realise why the School of International Arbitration is so renowned. Legal theory lectures were interwoven with practical issues, which was very useful for me as a practicing lawyer. On the other hand, lectures were balanced with table discussions with practicing lawyers and small group tutorials, which all gave me a thorough insight into the world of international commercial arbitration.

Having completing my studies at Queen Mary, I have now returned to Croatia and am continuing to work in my own law office. I am convinced that my LLM degree in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution will show to be an important asset both for myself and my clients.

Melike Tas, Turkey

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution

"After having studied law at Istanbul University, I was eager to complete my LLM degree in law. I was determined to be specialised in comparative and commercial law and following my research on this area, I was convinced that QMUL was the best option to apply for.

During my studies at the University, I realised I made the best choice. The course provided an excellent foundation for a professional career in International Arbitration, focusing on the key elements of practice and procedure in International Arbitration. I found a top-quality LLM program at QMUL. The university offers an excellent program and variety of different lectures as well as extremely reputable and well known academics. Direct contact with the professors, frequent tutorials, feed-back sessions with the students, individual research support and out-of-London inductions, parties, well located lecture venue and friendly staff, which gives a completely new meaning to the word administration. Following my graduation, my CV was found very attractive not only in London, but also in Turkey when I returned. My LLM degree from QMUL proved to be a great asset during my job applications and interviews. I am now an Attorney here in Istanbul at Paksoy & Co."

João Paulo Tannous, Brazil

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution 2008-9

João Paulo Tannous, Attorney, Litigation and Dispute Resolution- Souza, Cescon, Barrieu & Flesch Advogados, Brazil

"After facing the first arbitration disputes in my career and as arbitration is a recent subject in Brazil, I decided that it would be interesting to study the subject abroad, in a country where this sort of dispute resolution is traditional. Having those premises in mind, and after a brief research of the best Law Schools in Europe, applying for a place at Queen Mary was the reasonable thing to do.

When I arrived at the Queen Mary Campus I knew I had made the right choice. And, after the classes started, I was absolutely sure about it. Even having to adapt to a common law environment, I was amazed by the knowledge of the professors and their ability in transmitting it during a class. In addition, due to their availability and kindness, the professors also became good friends of mine outside College life. It is needless to say how important this is for someone who is living abroad and far away from his family and old friends. At the end of the course, I was quite surprised how fast everything happened - and how much I had learned in a short period - and a bit sad for realizing that my experience in UK was finishing.

Back in Brazil, I noticed how important the decision of doing the LLM at Queen Mary was. The knowledge I obtained has been very helpful and it is well valued by my colleagues at the law firm and by my clients. Today, grateful for the whole support I got from the Queen Mary staff, I definitely recommend the College and encourage my friends to apply for a place there too."

Mauricio Gomm Santos, Brazil

LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution

Mauricio Gomm Santos, Foreign Legal Consultant, Brazil

"In 1992, as a law professor of Commercial Law at the Catholic University in the State of Parana, Brazil, I was graced with a scholarship from the British Council to attend a Master's Degree Program (LLM), at Queen Mary and Westfield College, with a special focus on international commercial arbitration. It turned out to be an outstanding personal and academic experience because QMW provided me with accurate tools to obtain a substantial knowledge regarding international arbitration, at the moment where a new arbitration bill was being sent to Brazilian Parliament. Since then, I have been involved with international arbitration, as counsel, arbitrator and law professor. Currently, I teach Arbitration in Latin America at the University of Miami, School of Law, and serve as Foreign Legal Consultant at the prominent law firm of Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, PC, at Miami offices.

It is beyond any doubt that Queen Mary is in the forefront of the world's law schools; especially in the area of International Commercial Arbitration. It offers legal training, in a friendly atmosphere, for those who will be the architects of a changing and challenging world."