Meet the 2024–2025 LL.M. Named Fellowship Recipients

Dominik Horodyski ’25 LL.M., a dispute resolution lawyer in Poland, earned a master’s degree in law, a master’s in administration, and a doctorate from Jagiellonian University, as well as a master’s degree in business law from the University of Orléans. Horodyski’s practice focuses on investment and commercial arbitration and litigation; he has represented both private and public entities before international tribunals and in Polish courts. Horodyski serves as an assistant professor at SWPS University, where he specializes in international commercial and investment arbitration.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Columbia Law School’s unparalleled reputation, particularly in the fields of international arbitration and public international law. The opportunity to learn from world-renowned professors like George A. Bermann and to participate in specialized courses and clinics aligns perfectly with my professional interests and aspirations.”

What do you hope your Columbia Law LL.M. degree and your fellowship will help you achieve? “The fellowship will enable me to deepen my expertise in international arbitration and expand my professional network. It will also support my goal of contributing to the development of international dispute resolution practices, in Poland and beyond, by integrating global best practices into local and regional frameworks. This fellowship underscores the value of my background and aspirations, providing a platform to elevate my impact on the global stage. It represents a bridge between my academic and professional goals, enabling me to bring my unique perspective as a civil law-trained lawyer into common law settings.”

Hayoung Lee ’25 LL.M. earned an LL.B. and later a J.D. from Yonsei University Law School. Before attending Columbia Law School, Lee served as a prosecutor in South Korea for nearly 10 years, focusing primarily on investigating white collar crimes, including tax fraud, embezzlement, and corporate misconduct. In 2021, Lee was selected as the best prosecutor for trial work by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office of the Republic of Korea. At Columbia Law, Lee has served as the LL.M. representative for the Society for Korean Legal Studies and has participated in the Columbia Business and Law Association, the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, and the Columbia University Club Tennis. She graduated with honors in May 2025.

What does the fellowship mean to you, and what will your LL.M. degree help you achieve? “Receiving the fellowship is an incredible honor, enabling me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and aspirations at Columbia Law School. [Columbia Law] is providing me with advanced training in international dispute resolution and regulatory frameworks, equipping me to address the complexities of cross-border business operations. It will enable me to contribute to shaping global legal standards and proactively resolving challenges in transnational enterprise relations. With my background as a prosecutor, I aim to bridge gaps between regulatory enforcement and private international practice, contributing to fairer and more accountable global markets.”  

What have been the highlights of your Columbia Law experience? “My experience at Columbia has been profoundly enriching, from engaging with peers from diverse legal backgrounds to participating in vibrant student organizations. It has deepened my appreciation for the power of collaboration and intellectual exchange in addressing global legal challenges.”

Nazar Solomakha ’25 LL.M. graduated with an LL.B. from National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and an LL.M. in English and North American business law from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University. Before Columbia Law, Solomakha worked with Upstaff, a British-Ukrainian startup, as well as with the International Partnership for Human Rights.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “When my family and I were trapped in the besieged city of Chernihiv, under relentless shelling and the threat of murder, I saw firsthand what happens when law and justice disappear. It occurred to me the price of having laws that are respected by everyone wasn’t just theory—it was survival. At that moment, I knew my path. Justice isn’t primarily just about courts and statutes; it’s about rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and creating the conditions for prosperity. I want to stand with those who have suffered, help rebuild what was lost, and strengthen the ties between Ukraine and the United States. A friend who shares this vision told me that if I wanted to do this work at the highest level, Columbia was the place—a minds-center for international law, a community of people who care, and New York, which puts you at the center of it all. I took that advice, and here I am.”

What else would you like to share about your Columbia Law experience? “The intellectual depth, the rigor, the energy of the campus—everything is amplified by an outstanding academic community and an incredible cohort of students. But beyond academics, Columbia gave me something even more valuable: lifelong friendships.” 

Alessio Vincenzi ’25 LL.M. earned a licentiate in law with honors for academic excellence from Universidad de Costa Rica. Vincenzi worked as an in-house lawyer for a telecommunications company in Costa Rica, where he was the antitrust specialist and the main legal counsel for matters related to the Costa Rican telecommunications regulator. 

What drew you to Columbia Law? “For many years, pursuing an LL.M. at Columbia Law School has been my dream, especially as an antitrust/IP-focused lawyer. I truly believe Columbia Law offers the best antitrust courses for students like me, and when I received the news that I had been granted the scholarship, I knew it was a sign that I was on the right path.”

What has stood out about your Columbia Law experience? “Columbia Law has not disappointed in any way. The difference in how professors teach and how they show not only their knowledge but also their passion for their classes has been fantastic. Learning about how such a different legal system works has also been very enriching.”

After Matias Chaves ’25 LL.M. earned a law degree from Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA), he worked as an attorney in Paraguay specializing in corporate law. He gained experience in employment law working at FERRERE Abogados and collaborating with the national government of Paraguay on regulatory and reform projects to advance labor rights and modernize the country’s legal framework to promote economic growth. He also served as an assistant professor of labor law at UNA. After completing his LL.M., Chaves will join a law firm (Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton) in New York City before returning to Paraguay.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Columbia Law’s global reputation, distinguished faculty, and strong focus on business and corporate law. I was particularly inspired by the diverse and dynamic LL.M. program, which allows me to engage with peers and professors from all over the world.”

What do you hope Columbia Law will help you achieve? “The opportunity to build a global network, deepen my expertise in corporate law, and gain new perspectives on the broad intersections of the law. I aspire to collaborate with international law firms and organizations on global projects that contribute to Paraguay’s growth and integration into the global economy.”

Sijiang Shang ’25 LL.M. earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law from Fudan University, focusing on corporate law, comparative law, and civil law. Before enrolling at Columbia Law School, Shang served as a law clerk at the Shanghai Financial Court’s district court from 2019 to 2024. In 2022 and 2023, she received the Top 10 Financial Cases in Shanghai award. Shang also drafted financial case instructions for the Shanghai High People’s Court and the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China. While at Columbia Law, Shang has been an editor of the Columbia Journal of Asian Law and earned the Parker Certificate of Achievement in International and Comparative Law.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Columbia Law School enjoys a global reputation for the academic rigor and expertise of its eminent faculty. Interacting with leading scholars in corporate governance, law and economics, and financial regulation presents a transformative perspective for advancing sustainable frameworks in legal studies and practice. The opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty in fields like financial law and corporate governance is unparalleled.”

What do you plan to do after receiving your LL.M. degree? “I plan to return to China and work as an associate. I hope to use my enhanced legal knowledge and international perspective to handle complex legal cases, especially in corporate and financial law. In the long run, I aspire to become a legal expert in these fields and contribute to the development of the legal system in China.”

Also recipient of the W. Bayard Cutting Jr. Fellowship.

Anna Carroll ’25 LL.M. earned a B.A. and an LL.B. from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University of Galway. After graduating, Carroll worked as a human rights intern with U.N. Women in Geneva and as a legal policy adviser at the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the U.N. in New York. At Columbia Law, she worked as a research assistant for TrialWatch with the Clooney Foundation for Justice and completed an externship with the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. She was awarded an LL.M. Pathways Fellowship to work with the U.N. Human Rights Office after graduation.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “I was drawn to Columbia because of its reputation as a leader in international human rights law. I was eager to learn from the expertise of the international lawyers and academics at the Human Rights Institute and meet other human rights advocates. I was also interested in Columbia’s practitioner-led approach to human rights law. I have taken classes on human rights advocacy, transitional justice, international criminal courts, and gender, conflict, and peacebuilding with very inspirational human rights advocates who have decades of experience in their respective fields.”

What has your LL.M. year meant to you? “I came to Columbia Law hoping to develop my knowledge of the branches of international law relating to the protection of human rights in armed conflict. Coming from a background in legal diplomacy, I wanted to learn new human rights advocacy skills. However, I did not anticipate how much I would learn from the critical, analytical, and self-reflective approach to human rights at the Human Rights Institute. The LL.M. program has transformed my perspective on human rights advocacy, and I hope that I will graduate as a more thoughtful, reflective, and effective human rights advocate.”

Muskan Manish Tibrewala ’25 LL.M. practiced law in the Supreme Court, high courts, and trial courts in India, litigating landmark public law matters such as the legalization of same-sex marriage, criminalization of marital rape, judicial review of state policy for COVID-19, and compensation for the survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy and Delhi riots. Later, Tibrewala joined the Centre for Justice, Law and Society—a leading queer intersectional feminist research center in India—as the assistant director of the Law and Marginalisation Clinic. They led the pro bono legal aid work of the center and assisted with research on gender and sexual equality in law and its intersections with marginalized identities. Tibrewala has also worked on reports with a number of international human rights organizations like the Asian-Pacific Resource & Research Centre for Women, International Bar Association, and Columbia Global Freedom of Expression.

What do you hope your LL.M. degree will help you achieve? “The LL.M. at Columbia is not just an academic endeavor; it is a commitment to an institution and environment that thrives on engaging with social impact, challenging the status quo, and molding its students to be leaders and innovators in their field.” 

Tell us more about what it means to you to receive the fellowship. “The fellowship provides me with the community and tools to be an impactful and effective human rights lawyer [and] it has made it possible for me to come to the United States to study at Columbia Law. I would also like to acknowledge the generous support of the American Association of University Women and the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust. The fellowship ensures that economic constraints do not hinder my continued work … and it provides exceptional support for building networks, careers, and expertise in human rights practice. It is an immense honor and privilege to be part of the community of Columbia Law’s Human Rights Fellows, many of whom are leading advocates in the field.”

Luisa Melendez Gonzalez-Pacheco ’25 LL.M. graduated from the Universidad de los Andes, Faculty of Law, with an LL.B. and a minor in anthropology. At the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), an international NGO that helps states transition out of war, authoritarianism, or crisis, she conducted research, drafted policy papers, visited regions, and participated in forums with international stakeholders striving for global peace.

What does it mean to you to receive the fellowship? “As a Colombian woman and transitional justice lawyer, this fellowship gives me the opportunity to represent my country’s peacebuilding efforts on a global stage. I am incredibly proud to share that experience and contribute to the advancement of human rights in other contexts. This fellowship has been meaningful because I have been able to connect with a group of incredible women fellows, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. Building a network of women with whom I can share challenges and opportunities for the future has added a valuable dimension to my experience at Columbia Law School.”

Tell us about your Columbia Law experience and the role the fellowship has played. “At Columbia Law, I have had opportunities to engage with experts in my practice area, expand my professional network, and deepen my knowledge and [discover] new perspectives. As a Human Rights Fellow, I have connected with Professors Sarah Knuckey and Kelsey Jost-Creegan, whose mentorship has helped me tailor my experience at Columbia to my goals. While here, I have been able to challenge my assumptions and deepen my understanding of my fields of interest.”

Marion Muringe Ogeto ’25 LL.M. earned a law degree from Strathmore University, based in Nairobi, Kenya. For more than five years, she worked in human rights, focusing on research, legal advocacy, and strategic litigation on women’s rights, including at Equality Now, an international NGO that works to promote and protect the rights of women and girls globally, and at a local NGO in Kenya to protect and promote health-related rights.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “I joined Columbia Law due to the extensive opportunities available for human rights practitioners, specifically the exceptional scholarship and training by experts in the field and the diverse experiential learning opportunities that provide students with the opportunity to gain practical skills, therefore putting into practice theoretical knowledge from class.”

What do you plan to do after receiving your LL.M.? “After graduating, I hope to continue promoting and protecting women’s rights, to become an expert on international standards concerning the development of laws and policies that touch on women’s rights, and to push for implementation through legal advocacy. I am keen on primary prevention and state accountability of sexual- and gender-based violence, reproductive justice, and how digital rights impact women’s rights. I am devoted to including themes of decolonization and Pan-Africanism in my work and to push for breaking patriarchal structures established during colonial regimes in Africa to prevent the perpetuation of oppressive laws and practices.”

Cara Shillingford ’25 LL.M. graduated from the University of the West Indies with an LL.B. She has 11 years of litigation practice, working within Dominica, Trinidad, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, where she heads the law firm Shillingford & Associates Inc. She focuses on civil litigation, particularly in the area of constitutional and public law. 

What has been meaningful about your Columbia Law experience? “It is a tremendous honor and opportunity, which came at a time when I had decided to embark on a journey of introspection, recalibration, strengthening, and improvement. The fellowship permits me to interact with and learn from scholars and experts who are highly respected in their various fields.”

What do you hope the fellowship and your time at Columbia Law will help you achieve? “New ideas and strategies to help me bring about necessary changes for the betterment of society.”

Chih-Chi Chang ’25 LL.M. received a Bachelor of Laws from National Chengchi University and a Master of Laws in 2018 from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. While pursuing her master’s, she interned at the Taiwan Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office. Since receiving her master‘s degree, she has worked as a litigator specializing in civil litigation with expertise in product liability, environmental issues, and government contracts. 

What do you hope Columbia Law and this fellowship will help you achieve? “Columbia Law’s diverse coursework, taught by top-tier practitioners, allows me to learn from the best in the legal profession. I hope to significantly broaden my legal knowledge, sharpen my analytical skills, and gain a more global perspective on legal issues. Beyond the academic benefits, this fellowship has given me the chance to form meaningful connections with my brilliant and kind classmates. The shared experiences and memories from this program will undoubtedly be among the most precious of my life. These relationships contribute significantly to my personal and professional growth.”

Anything else you would like to share about your Columbia Law experience? “I’ve been impressed by how much Columbia Law genuinely cares about its students. The supportive environment, coupled with academic rigor, has made my experience here truly enriching and rewarding.”

Jorge Luis Manrique de Lara Seminario ’25 LL.M. received a Bachelor of Laws from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú and a Master of International Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute at the University of Bern. Since then, he has worked in international dispute mechanisms. He has been an assistant legal counsel at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, a legal analyst and negotiator at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, and a professor and coordinator of international law at the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas. 

What do you hope the fellowship will help you achieve? “The fellowship helps me link different disciplines with international trade law and arbitration. It also allows me to connect with some of the most important scholars and practitioners in my fields. In this sense, the fellowship will help me continue building my career in international trade and arbitration.”

Why is this fellowship important to you? “It is a recognition of my work, but more importantly, it represents a commitment to Columbia University and the values behind this fellowship. Receiving this fellowship allowed me to achieve one of my biggest dreams. The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship is a highly distinguished award for trade lawyers. Jagdish Bhagwati is one of the most recognized contributors to the current trade regime. Thus, being granted this fellowship means becoming part of a legacy of trade lawyers.”

Giorgi Tshekhani ’25 LL.M. received an LL.B. from Tbilisi State University, an LL.M. from the University of Manchester, and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Oxford. Throughout his legal career, Tshekhani has combined private practice with public service. He served as CEO of the Georgian Bar Association, head of the secretariat of the Justice Coordination Council of Georgia, and chair of the Georgian Bar Pro Bono Center. Tshekhani currently serves as chair of the ESG Committee of the European Association of Lawyers and executive committee member of the International Section of the New York State Bar Association.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Columbia Law’s reputation for excellence in areas that align with my interests—such as international arbitration, corporate law, business transactions, and capital markets. The chance to learn from esteemed professors like George A. Bermann, John C. Coffee Jr., Jeffrey N. Gordon, Robert Smit, and other exceptional faculty members also played a key role in my decision to enroll. Additionally, the school’s diverse global community and focus on leadership development provide an ideal environment to enhance my legal expertise and professional skills. Lastly, I greatly appreciate the vibrant legal community in New York City, which offers countless opportunities for valuable professional connections.”

What does it mean to you to receive the fellowship and attend Columbia Law? “It is both an honor and a responsibility. I’m grateful, as the fellowship recognizes my dedication to advancing my legal practice in cross-border business transactions and my commitment to promoting the rule of law and human rights. At the same time, it’s a responsibility that motivates me to push myself and make the most of everything Columbia Law has to offer.” 

Mayya Pak ’25 LL.M. graduated magna cum laude from Kutafin Moscow State Law University, where she was awarded the university’s Grant Program, before earning an LL.M. with distinction at University College London. Pak began her career working in litigation and headed the legal department of a start-up accelerator in Russia before joining a multiregional IP law firm. In 2020, World IP Review recognized Pak as one of the 100 Influential Women in IP in the Trailblazer category. Pak is an active member of various IP advocacy organizations, including the International Trademark Association (where she currently serves as chair of General Trademark Enforcement Matters) and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. 
 

Why is this fellowship and attending Columbia Law meaningful to you? “It symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work and provides an opportunity to amplify a positive impact on IP law through my future work. It reflects Columbia Law’s confidence in my ability to contribute to its rich academic community and the broader legal profession, which is a big honor.”

What’s next for you after you earn your LL.M. degree? “I plan to stay in the United States to continue working in IP within the private sector while advocating for innovation and the protection of IP rights. In the long term, I aspire to lead initiatives aimed at removing barriers to IP ownership for underrepresented groups in science, technology, and the arts.”

Yonghui Tan ’25 LL.M. earned a Bachelor of Laws from East China University of Political Science and Law and a Master of Laws from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During her studies, she was awarded the Kobre & Kim LLP Scholarship, the Ge Jun Scholarship, the Academic Excellence Scholarship, and, twice, the National Scholarship. After graduating, Tan worked in the asset management group at A&O Shearman’s Hong Kong office, where she advised large institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds and asset managers. 

What drew you to Columbia Law? “I could see how it empowers its students for success: My supervising partner at Shearman, Lorna Chen ’99 LL.M., ’01 J.D., was educated at Columbia Law School and is now co-managing partner of greater China and regional co-head of funds & asset management at A&O Shearman. In addition, I was especially attracted to Columbia Law due to its broad curriculum and vast experiential learning opportunities for a funds lawyer. During my due diligence process, I found that Columbia Law provides a variety of funds-related courses, such as the Deals Workshop: Private Funds.”

What does it mean to you to receive the fellowship? “My first encounter with JunHe law firm was in 2017 during my first internship in Shanghai. I was not only impressed by their lawyers’ professionalism, efficiency, and collaboration but also JunHe’s culture and tradition of ‘harmony,’ which deeply resonated with me. This internship solidified my commitment to becoming a lawyer. Therefore, I have always regarded JunHe as the starting point of my career. Becoming a recipient of this fellowship has further strengthened my connection with the firm, making me feel that my journey with JunHe is an ongoing story that will continue to inspire and motivate me.”

Daniele Casà ’25 LL.M. earned a master’s degree in law from Luiss Guido Carli University and was admitted to practice in Italy in 2020. Casà has an extensive background in corporate finance, specifically in equity and debt capital markets. For six years, he worked at Linklaters in Milan as a corporate and capital markets associate, where he was involved in high-profile transactions.  

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Columbia Law School stood out to me for its unmatched strength in corporate and financial law. Its expertise in capital markets and global approach align perfectly with my career aspirations, especially given its prime location in New York, the heart of the financial world. What truly sets Columbia Law apart is the chance to learn directly from top legal professionals, including law firm partners, who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This unique exposure provides an invaluable bridge between theory and practice. I was also drawn to Columbia’s entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary mindset, particularly its focus on the intersection of law, finance, and business. The cross-fertilization of ideas between students, professors, and industry leaders creates a dynamic learning environment that goes beyond a traditional legal education.”

What area of law are you interested in pursuing? “I am passionate about how financial regulations shape global markets and transactions, and I aim to specialize in U.S. capital markets law while keeping a comparative perspective with European frameworks. Additionally, I am also deeply interested in fintech regulations, especially how they impact our everyday lives, from digital payments to open banking.”

Also recipient of the Catherine M. Karatzas ’88 Scholarship 

Rudy A. Villatoro ’25 LL.M. graduated cum laude from Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) and practiced law at Aguilar Castillo Love in its Guatemala City office and at Creel, García-Cuéllar, Aiza y Enríquez in Mexico City. He served as an assistant professor at UFM’s School of Political Studies and International Relations. Villatoro is an active member of nonprofit organizations focused on education, politics, justice, and human rights.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “The combination of academic excellence and professional opportunities. Columbia Law School has long been a global leader in legal education, renowned for its history, distinguished faculty, and influential alumni. Its exceptional course offerings and location in New York City—the hub of transactional law—make it an ideal place to pursue an LL.M. program.”

What do you hope the fellowship and your time at Columbia Law will help you achieve? “Receiving the fellowship was a dream come true. I feel deeply honored and grateful for this opportunity. [Columbia Law] is allowing me to learn from the brightest minds—both faculty and peers—who are accomplished legal practitioners. I am also connecting with a diverse and talented group of professionals, gaining insights and perspectives that will shape my career. In the future, I aim to give back and enable others to achieve the dream I am fulfilling now.”

Dana Graubart ’25 LL.M. earned a B.A. in economics and an LL.B. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While there, Graubart served on the editorial board of Mishpatim, the only student-run law review in Israel. Before entering Columbia Law School’s LL.M. program, Graubart clerked for Justice Alex Stein of the Supreme Court of Israel and worked as a litigation associate at Meitar, Israel’s largest law firm. 

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Its leading position and reputation, particularly in business and corporate law, and its location in New York City, the heart of the global business world. Additionally, I was encouraged by Columbia alumni who spoke highly of their experiences here.”

What has your Columbia Law experience meant to you? “Studying at Columbia has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me—getting the opportunity to learn from the leading scholars in my field, enjoying the abundant resources that an Ivy League university offers, and broadening my legal knowledge by gaining new perspectives on issues I encounter in my home country. Beyond the academic experience, I’ve also had the privilege of meeting people from all around the world, learning about their cultures and life in their home countries, and realizing how vast and interconnected the world truly is.”

Nicholas Francis Felstead ’25 LL.M. is a competition and regulatory lawyer from Australia who graduated from Melbourne Law School. Felstead worked as an antitrust associate at the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, a law clerk at the Federal Court of Australia and the Australian Competition Tribunal, and a regulatory litigation associate at the Australian Government Solicitor. At Columbia Law School, he externed with the Office of the New York State Attorney General, and he is also a research assistant to Professor Anu Bradford. 

What drew you to Columbia Law? “The faculty—nowhere else could I be discussing Supreme Court jurisprudence with a former solicitor general one afternoon, discussing competition policy with a former FTC chair the next, and in between, doing research for the world’s leading authority on international digital regulation.”

What do you plan to do after receiving your LL.M.? “I will continue to work in competition law and policy and advocate for a better, fairer society.”

Also recipient of the Catherine M. Karatzas ’88 Scholarship 

Fatima Ismail ’25 LL.M. graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa) with a Bachelor of Commerce (2016) and a Bachelor of Laws (2018) with distinction. Ismail was an associate at Webber Wentzel, a “Big Five” South African law firm, before joining Baker McKenzie’s IPTech team in 2022. She is passionate about social justice and is a member of the firm’s pro bono committee and sustainability and employment equity committees. 

How did your background inspire you to study the law? “I was born in 1994—the year the first democratic elections were held in South Africa. Growing up in post-Apartheid South Africa shaped me in many ways. Being one of a handful of people of color in both my primary school and high school and being raised in a family in which the anti-Apartheid resistance struggle ran deep, I was exposed to the effects of Apartheid, the complex legacy of racial segregation, structural and systemic inequalities, and the need to actively dismantle racism at all levels of society. My upbringing and family background entrenched in me a strong sense of social justice and was a factor in influencing my decision to study law.”

What has been meaningful about your Columbia Law experience? “Being part of a diverse LL.M. group has been the highlight of my experience. In addition, receiving these fellowships has made my dream of pursuing an LL.M. at Columbia Law School a reality. Pursuing this degree has allowed me to make lifelong friends from a myriad of countries I would have otherwise never been able to meet, and graduating from Columbia Law School will open so many doors and get me a seat at the table in rooms I previously would not have been able to get into.”

After graduating from Uganda Christian University and taking the Ugandan bar exam, Daniella Sarah Khanani ’25 LL.M. joined KPMG East Africa in the tax and regulatory department. At Columbia Law, Khanani was a staff editor for the Science and Technology Law Review, served as a board member of the Columbia Law Women’s Association, and worked as a research assistant for Sarah Knuckey, Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann and Bernstein Clinical Professor of Human Rights, and Hillel I. Parness, adjunct faculty for the seminar Intellectual Property in the Digital Age.

What drew you to Columbia Law? “The practical opportunities to learn and be a part of emerging technology discussions through externships and seminars, as well as the opportunity to meet and interact with well-known speakers in the field. The Kernochan Center for Law, Media and the Arts also drew me. Living and studying in New York City and engaging with scholars and practitioners at the heart of global changes were also key factors in coming to Columbia Law.”

What has been meaningful about your Columbia Law experience? “Receiving this fellowship to attend Columbia Law has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in academic scholarship from a very diverse and multicultural perspective. Interacting with fellow scholars in the LL.M. program who come from different backgrounds and jurisdictions and professors who have worked with different presidential administrations in offices that make domestic and international decisions has been very intellectually stimulating. The experience has also enabled me to engage not only academically but also socially through student organizations, networking events, and excursions into the city—which have been highlights of my time at Columbia.”

Anne-Marie Ayanru ’25 LL.M. received an LL.B. from the University of Ghana and has been a practicing attorney for over five years. She served as a state attorney at the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice. Ayanru also worked as a teaching assistant at the University of Ghana School of Law.

What has receiving the fellowship and attending Columbia Law meant to you? “Joining Columbia has been a life-changing experience. It came at a time when I was unsure about what lay ahead of me in life, but I can say without hesitation that this has been one of the best opportunities I have ever received. I have made friends from all walks of life and have experienced life in one of the greatest cities in the world. I have developed a love for Broadway, hiking, and basketball; I have tried out new cuisines and learned about different cultures; and I served as a staff editor of the American Review of International Arbitration.”

What do you plan to do after receiving your LL.M.? “I hope to transition into policy formulation of intellectual property. I would like to use my degree to help African countries bolster their intellectual property regimes to protect and benefit from the incredible innovations on the continent, especially in light of scientific and technological advancements [we have seen] in recent times."

As a lawyer in Peru, Susana del Rosario Santos Revilla ’25 LL.M. worked on domestic and international arbitration cases involving complex issues like commercial disputes, public contracts, expropriation, and construction. She also helped organize international arbitration events and took part in efforts to improve arbitration frameworks, including engaging in conversations on dispute resolution at the global level. 

What drew you to Columbia Law? “Its outstanding reputation in international law and arbitration and the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors like George A. Bermann and Alejandro M. Garro. Their expertise aligns with my goal of improving investment arbitration and dispute resolution, especially in Latin America. I was also excited about the hands-on opportunities here, like joining the Columbia International Arbitration Association. These programs have been a perfect fit for my passion to address legal challenges and build practical solutions. Columbia has been everything I hoped for—a place where I can grow as a professional and a person while being part of an amazing, supportive community.”

What does it mean to you to receive the fellowship? “It means a lot to be recognized for my dedication to international law and arbitration, especially given how much Professor Friedmann’s work has influenced the field. It inspires me to keep working on issues like ESG, human rights, and dispute resolution and reminds me of the importance of pushing for justice and collaboration across borders. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity, and it motivates me to keep learning, growing, and contributing to the international legal community.”