Why did you decide to pursue postgraduate study?
I’m from Uruguay. Before studying at King’s, I had been working at law firms over there, working my way up from trainee to senior associate. I was promoted just before I started my masters. In my last position, I worked with the employment department within the litigation team.
There were a few reasons I thought postgraduate study would be a good choice for me. It was mainly because I was determined to improve my career prospects and add value to my CV. But I was also eager to meet people. Working in law, you have clients from all over the world, so networking is really important.
How did you discover King’s?
I started looking at different opportunities and different universities. I decided to study in London as I wanted experience of living there. I started looking at what modules universities offered – I was keen to focus on arbitration and learn through mooting.
I also looked at the ranking, as well as the reputation of the professors and links to law firms. Then I came across King’s.
Why was studying in London important to you?
Once I decided to work abroad and go into arbitration, I knew London would be the perfect place as the best practitioners and top firms are there. It just made sense.
Why did you choose to study the LLM?
Although I had chosen to pursue a career in arbitration, I decided to study different modules covering areas that I perhaps hadn’t explored before. King’s had lots of different choices, so I picked modules that challenged me, including corporate governance and international investment law. We also benefitted from the links to law firms and mooting, a mock court proceeding where we presented our arguments.
What was the teaching like?
King’s taught me to be very detail-orientated. The practical way of learning helps you develop knowledge in the area. You won’t just learn what’s in the books – you learn the best ways to give advice to your clients.
For investment law, I had two amazing professors. I am so glad I took this module. All the teaching was very dynamic, and they covered a variety of cases. They were never the type of lectures where you just listen and leave – they challenged us throughout.
The module on negotiation was brilliant too. Each week we negotiated a different case using a different approach. That’s one thing I really can advocate about King’s is that you get practical experience.
Could you explain what you’ve been doing since graduating?
As soon as I graduated, I started working at Shearman & Sterling in Paris as an international arbitration trainee. I spent work six months working on cases and I’m now moving back to London where I’ve secured another contract.
I’m also now an international alumni leader for Uruguay. I wanted to stay part of the King’s community and it’s great that I get to represent my country and get involved with events.
Did you receive careers support while studying?
I’ve had so much support from King’s around employability and career advice. From the moment I arrived, they gave me advice on my CV and how to write my cover letter.
King’s Connect has also given me the chance to talk to people with a similar background to me – people from South America now working in Europe. This has really helped me a lot.
What are your goals looking forward?
I want to establish career in arbitration. My LLM gave me the skills to do this and a degree from King’s gives me a huge advantage. I’ve also started mentoring through OxWIB International Mentorship programme, which I want to continue so I can help other women like me. At some point, I can see myself teaching again too – I taught international law when I was in Uruguay.
Is there any advice you’d give to student considering this course?
King’s is the perfect choice if you want a career abroad. Or if you want to return to your home country with new skills. Studying the LLM, you’ll have a very challenging year and meet people from all over the world. At the same time, you are going to develop a different perspective and new approach.
Of course, you’ll also have the chance to live in London which is a great city. All the main institutions in the legal field are there – you’ll be extremely well-connected and have the chance to network.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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