Meet the 2025–2026 LL.M. Named Fellows

The fellowships enable students to pursue their LL.M. degrees at Columbia Law and expand their expertise in their chosen fields.

Lawn and picnic tables

Each year, select members of the incoming LL.M. class receive merit-based named fellowships recognizing their academic excellence, professional achievements, and commitment to shaping the future of law. This year’s fellows, members of the LL.M. Class of 2026, specialize in an array of legal disciplines—including international arbitration, human rights law, financial and corporate law, trade law, copyright, dispute resolution, and litigation—and have worked with the United Nations, national and international advocacy organizations, and leading law firms, as well as appeared before supreme courts in their home countries.

“Every single one of our fellows is impressive due to their many years of experience, their hunger for knowledge, and their commitment to advance the legal field around the world,” says Julie Sculli, assistant dean of the Office of Graduate Degree Programs. “They have used the LL.M. program to explore practical application of law and theory, work with faculty to advance research, and lead organizations and projects. We are proud to support their intellectual growth and professional journeys.”

Below, meet a sampling of the 2025–2026 LL.M. fellows, and learn what drew them to Columbia Law School and their goals for their LL.M. year.

Interviews have been edited and condensed. 

Appel Fellowship on the Regulation of the Multinational Enterprise

Hosun Jeong ’26 LL.M.

Hosun Jeong ’26 LL.M. earned her J.D. from Ewha Womans University Law School in Seoul, South Korea, where she was the chief editor of Ewha Law Review. She has more than a decade of legal experience as both a litigator and in-house counsel. Prior to attending Columbia Law School, Jeong served as corporate counsel at Amazon Web Services Korea, where her core practice focused on privacy law. She also led legal initiatives involving emerging technologies, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and fintech.

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“My primary goal is to deepen my understanding of how legal systems respond to emerging technologies in a globalized economy. Through my coursework, I aim to strengthen my foundation in U.S. law while developing advanced expertise in privacy, cybersecurity, antitrust, and AI governance.”

Why is this fellowship important to you? 

“The fellowship enabled me to fully dedicate myself to academic engagement, research, and active participation in the Columbia Law community. More importantly, it represented recognition of my professional experience working in the regulation of multinational enterprises. This recognition gave me confidence that my work studying innovative legal frameworks for emerging technologies can be meaningful and impactful, and it strengthened my motivation to contribute at a higher level. The fellowship also has strengthened my determination to use my LL.M. experience not only for personal growth, but also to contribute to broader institutional and societal impact.”

Shiela Marie Loma Rabaya ’26 LL.M.

Shiela Marie Loma Rabaya ’26 LL.M. completed a J.D. at the University of the Philippines College of Law, where she graduated with the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence and served on the editorial board of the Philippine Law Journal. Rabaya passed the Philippine bar with an exemplary performance distinction. She worked as an associate in the Dispute Resolution Group of Quisumbing Torres, the Philippine member firm of Baker McKenzie International, where she handled litigation and arbitration matters involving antitrust, intellectual property, infrastructure, energy, and other cross-border commercial disputes. 

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law?

“My goal for my LL.M. is to broaden my understanding of international arbitration, antitrust, and the regulation of multinational enterprises, while refining the analytical and practical skills necessary to handle complex cross-border disputes. I also hope to contribute to the academic community by bringing a perspective shaped by practice in a developing jurisdiction. Through coursework, research, and editorial work, I aim to better understand how international legal frameworks can be strengthened and made more responsive to the realities faced by emerging economies.”

What has stood out about your time at Columbia Law? 

“What has stood out most is the depth of intellectual engagement within the community. Classroom discussions are rigorous and thoughtful, and there is a strong culture of openness to diverse professional and jurisdictional perspectives. It is an honor to learn from professors who are the absolute best in their respective fields. The experience of living in New York and making lifelong friends from different backgrounds is also something that I will treasure forever.”

Baker & McKenzie Endowed Scholarship

Eustorgio Antonio Dominguez Diez ’26 LL.M.

Eustorgio Antonio Dominguez Diez ’26 LL.M. graduated with an LL.B. magna cum laude from Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua in Panama City. He worked as secretariat assistant at the Supreme Court of Panama, primarily handling cases related to the legality of administrative acts and tort claims against the Panamanian State, which he found to be a valuable opportunity to understand how the administration of justice operates and the many areas in which it could be improved. 

Why did you choose Columbia Law? 

“Few law schools in the world are as dynamic as Columbia Law School. In the morning, you might take a course with a leading scholar in a particular field; at lunchtime, you could be visiting the offices of a top law firm; and later in the day, you could attend an event at the United Nations headquarters. New York City is a truly unique place to study law, meet people, and create lasting memories.”

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law? 

“My time at Columbia Law School has been marked by my professors and classmates. Having the opportunity to learn from some of the most renowned scholars in the world is something that does not happen every day. I’m truly grateful for the level of openness and interest that professors have shown on every occasion. I really think that those traits are the ones that make Columbia Law different. They increased and strengthened my intellectual curiosity in every class and office hour.” 

Catherine M. Karatzas ’88 Scholarship

Sergios Gkolfinos Lamnidis ’26 LL.M.

Sergios Gkolfinos Lamnidis ’26 LL.M. graduated summa cum laude with an LL.B. and an LL.M. from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece. Prior to Columbia Law School, Lamnidis worked in private practice and advisory roles on corporate structuring, M&A due diligence, and high-value transactions in the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. He credits his service in the Greek Special Forces with shaping his discipline, leadership skills, and ability to perform under pressure.

What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship? 

“It provides crucial support that allows me to fully immerse myself in Columbia Law’s rigorous academic environment and to take full advantage of its offerings in corporate and transactional law. Beyond its financial significance, the fellowship represents a strong vote of confidence from the Law School, reinforcing my commitment to excellence and to contributing actively to the Columbia Law community.”

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law?

“The intellectual intensity of the classroom and the practical orientation of discussions around real-world transactions have definitely stood out. The opportunity to engage with faculty and peers who have firsthand experience in complex deals has also been especially meaningful. Classroom discussions that connect doctrine to M&A and capital markets issues have been among the most impactful aspects of my time so far.”

Catherine N. Niarchos Endowed Scholarship

Oshin Johari ’26 LL.M.

Oshin Johari ’26 LL.M., an international human rights lawyer and researcher, earned a B.A. LL.B. degree from the National Law Institute University in Bhopal, India. She works with the United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre, where she supports risk analysis, early warning assessments, and regional monitoring for senior U.N. leadership. 

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“I hope to deepen my expertise in public international law and international human rights law while developing the advanced analytical, research, and policy skills necessary to contribute effectively to international institutions and justice mechanisms. Ultimately, I view my time at Columbia Law as a platform to prepare for long-term service within international and multilateral institutions, where I aim to contribute to institutional reform, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the development of effective legal responses to large-scale human rights violations.”

Why is this scholarship important to you?

“It represents recognition of sustained, field-based human rights work grounded in service to vulnerable communities, and it affirms the importance of linking rigorous legal education with practical commitment to human dignity and justice. This fellowship makes it possible for me to pursue advanced legal training at Columbia Law School while remaining committed to public interest work. In this way, it is not only a form of support but a foundation that enables meaningful academic and professional growth.”

Charles B. Bretzfelder International Law Scholarship

Miguel Zajia ’26 LL.M.

Miguel Zajia ’26 LL.M. earned a law degree from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello and a master’s degree in finance from the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración, both in Venezuela. His practice focused on corporate and energy law, particularly in Venezuela’s oil and gas sector, and his work has involved advising private investors and negotiating with government-owned entities on complex, high-stakes transactions. He is currently on leave from Maurel & Prom, where he is head of legal. 

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law?

“My main objective is to strengthen my training in corporate governance, cross-border transactions, and emerging markets practice. I want to refine the analytical tools needed to advise companies and investors operating in complex jurisdictions and to bridge legal, financial, and policy considerations more effectively in my work.”

What does it mean to receive this scholarship?

“Receiving support from the Law School has been deeply meaningful. Beyond the financial assistance, it signaled trust in my academic and professional trajectory and allowed me to pursue the LL.M. with greater focus and less hesitation. That support has had a real, practical impact on my ability to be here and make the most of the program.”

Haroon Zaman ’26 LL.M.

Haroon Zaman ’26 LL.M. received a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence from the University of Oxford in England before training and qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales at Travers Smith. At Columbia Law, Zaman has served as a research assistant to George A. Bermann, Walter Gellhorn Professor of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Union Law, and Kabir Duggal, lecturer in law. Zaman is a board member of the Columbia Business and Law Association and a member of the Arbitration Committee of the New York City Bar Association.

Why is this scholarship important to you?

“The funding helped me a great deal in supporting my time at Columbia Law and allowing me to make the most of the opportunities on offer without being concerned with securing further funds to support my studies.” 

What has been the most meaningful Columbia Law experience? 

“The most meaningful experience has been my time as a judicial extern at the United States Court for the Eastern District of New York, facilitated by the LL.M. program. As a qualified lawyer in England and Wales, it was fascinating both to see the American legal system up close as well as to sit on the other side to see how judges and clerks consider cases and manage caseloads. I had the opportunity to assist on some fascinating, high-profile cases, to help with the drafting of judgments, and to learn from senior judges and practitioners.”

Eric M. Rosof Scholarship

Maitreya Subramaniam ’26 LL.M.

Maitreya Subramaniam ’26 LL.M. earned a B.A. LL.B. from the National University of Juridical Sciences in India. After graduation, he briefly worked as a corporate associate at leading law firms before transitioning to litigation. His practice has since focused on public interest, constitutional, criminal, and commercial matters, including high-profile white collar cases and indigent defense. Subramaniam also has experience in appellate work before the Supreme Court of India and various high courts. 

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“I chose Columbia Law for the opportunity to study with leading figures in commercial law and constitutional law. After several years in practice, across both transactional and disputes work, I was keen to return to the classroom. Columbia’s academic rigor and faculty strength along with the international exposure the program offers made it an easy choice. I also wanted to experience U.S. legal pedagogy, which differs in many ways from the more lecture-based models found in India.”

What has been the most meaningful part of your Columbia Law experience?

“As is often the case, the most meaningful aspect of my time at Columbia Law has been the people. Learning alongside classmates from diverse jurisdictions and professional backgrounds, and engaging closely with faculty, has been a defining part of my experience. The lasting friendships I have made here have been an important part of my time at Columbia.”

Eugene and Barbara Rostov Scholarship

Diego Canepa Fernandez ’26 LL.M.

Diego Canepa Fernandez ’26 LL.M. graduated with honors from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City and later completed a master of corporate law at the University of Cambridge in England, where he ranked second in his class. He practiced for several years at White & Case in Mexico City and New York before joining BlackRock in New York. Canepa serves as head of legal for Latin America (excluding Mexico and Brazil), advising on asset management, capital markets, and complex transactions across the region.

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“I chose Columbia Law because it combines intellectual rigor with deep engagement in real-world legal and financial problems. Columbia’s strength in corporate, securities, and international law—together with its location in New York—made it the ideal environment to deepen my understanding of U.S. law while remaining closely connected to practice. Having previously studied at Cambridge, I was particularly drawn to Columbia’s emphasis on practical insights alongside theory, and to the opportunity to learn from faculty and practitioners who are shaping global markets.”

What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship? 

“I am acutely aware of how transformative access to education can be, and this scholarship allows me to dedicate myself to my studies while making the most of the LL.M. experience. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that generosity and institutional support can have. It reinforces my commitment to paying that opportunity forward.”

Fubon Fellowship

Wenqian Tan ’26 LL.M.

Wenqian Tan ’26 LL.M. graduated with an LL.B. from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in China. Before coming to Columbia Law, she worked for seven years as a transactional and regulatory lawyer at leading Chinese law firms, counseling corporations on cross-border M&A, regulatory compliance, and corporate finance. Earlier in her career, she worked in-house at investment firms and served as a judicial clerk.

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“What I value most in legal education is its connection to practice. Columbia combines academic excellence with something rare: a large yet close-knit community sitting at the center of one of the world’s most dynamic legal markets. As a lawyer whose work has spanned both cross-border deals and regulatory compliance, I wanted to be in a place where I could engage with U.S. law not just in the classroom but through the practical experiences that Columbia and New York make possible. I was also fortunate to receive encouragement from a Columbia alumnus who guided me on cross-border compliance in my career, which reinforced my decision to come here.”

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“I want to build a rigorous U.S. law foundation under the regulatory frameworks I’ve spent years advising on from the Chinese side—particularly export controls, sanctions, and cross-border data governance. I also hope to develop a comparative perspective on how multinational companies structure global compliance programs across jurisdictions. Ultimately, I intend to use this knowledge to enhance my ability to design practical legal solutions for multinational clients and complex corporate challenges.”

Human Rights Fellowship

Mreganka Kukreja ’26 LL.M.

Mreganka Kukreja ’26 LL.M. is a litigator from India who specializes in appellate and trial practice in New Delhi, combining rights-based advocacy and criminal defense. Kukreja began her career in the disputes practice at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, a leading law firm in India, and has worked at the United Nations International Law Commission on the draft articles on the jus cogens norms. At Columbia Law, she is also an LL.M. Human Rights Leader, a Salzburg Cutler Fellow, and a David W. Leebron Human Rights Fellow.

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“Through my practice, I found myself increasingly drawn not only to what the law could accomplish in the courtroom, but to why certain doctrines were failing, why rights were eroding, and how these shifts mirrored deeper political and structural currents. I wanted to connect my experience with broader international debates and understand how similar issues unfold across institutions and jurisdictions. Columbia felt like the natural next step. Since arriving, I’ve found faculty members whose guidance has been extremely generous, and peers who push against the status quo with an effortless conviction.”

Why is this fellowship important to you?

“Receiving this fellowship provides significant financial relief and is a meaningful recognition of my work in the human rights field. It affirms the value of the paths I have chosen and motivates me to approach my time at Columbia Law with even greater purpose, responsibility, and ambition.”

Javier Urizar Montes de Oca ’26 LL.M.

Javier Urizar Montes de Oca ’26 LL.M. graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in law and social sciences from Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala. Before attending Columbia Law, Montes de Oca worked for the International Service for Human Rights, an NGO dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights, as a programme officer, and for Be Just, a nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen justice institutions and anticorruption initiatives, as a legal and communications consultant. 

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“Growing as a person; developing more empathy, respect, and solidarity; getting to know different cultures, viewpoints, and perspectives; and learning from my peers and creating meaningful connections and friendships. Academically and professionally, I aim to significantly develop my knowledge and skills on constitutional, human rights, and international law, as well as on litigation and artificial intelligence.” 

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law?

“I’ve been quite impressed by the extraordinary quality of the professors at Columbia. I took a political philosophy class with Seyla Benhabib, and it quickly became the best class I’ve ever taken—it was demanding, but I learned so much, and it changed my perspectives on the world.” 

Clinton Gekara Nyamongo ’26 LL.M.

Also recipient of the Judith R. and Michael E. Thoyer Scholarship 

Clinton Gekara Nyamongo ’26 LL.M. graduated from the University of Nairobi in Kenya with a Bachelor of Laws degree and was later awarded the institution’s dean’s scholarship to pursue a Master of Laws degree. Prior to attending Columbia Law, Nyamongo worked in the human rights sector, focusing on advocacy around social and economic rights in Kenya, and at the Economic and Social Rights Centre (Hakijamii) as a sexual and reproductive health and rights program officer. He was also an assistant lecturer at the Co-operative University of Kenya.

Why are these fellowships important to you?

“Beyond my personal and professional development, these fellowships have strengthened my capacity to contribute meaningfully to human rights scholarship and practice in Kenya and across the Global South. It has reaffirmed my commitment to using legal education as a tool for social justice, and I am deeply grateful for the confidence and support this fellowship has provided.”

What has stood out about your time at Columbia Law? 

“Being at Columbia Law has been a phenomenal experience. What has stood out most is the school’s unique approach to combining rigorous legal scholarship with experiential learning, enabling students to engage meaningfully with pressing global issues in human rights and social justice. I have greatly benefited from learning from professors who are leaders in their fields, collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, and participating in clinical and research projects that translate theory into practice.”

JunHe Scholarship

Weining Ge ’26 LL.M.

Weining Ge ’26 LL.M. completed a dual degree in journalism and law at Renmin University of China, followed by a Juris Master in economic law at Peking University Law School. Ge began her legal career in capital markets at Kirkland & Ellis in Beijing. Later, she joined JunHe, where she worked in corporate M&A, focusing on cross-border investments, joint ventures, and private equity transactions.

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“Beyond technical training, my goal is to reflect more carefully on my long-term professional path and the values that guide my work. Through sustained engagement with faculty, instructors, and classmates from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds, I hope to broaden my perspective and develop a more integrated approach to law that balances professional excellence with social responsibility.”

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law? 

“One of the most meaningful experiences for me happened during course selection. I was interested in exploring tax, but I realized that almost no one around me was planning to take the course. That made me hesitate—I began to wonder whether I should choose a ‘safer’ option instead. I brought these concerns to my academic adviser, expecting a straightforward recommendation. Instead, she encouraged me to separate my genuine interest from my fear of the difficulty or the pressure of comparison. That conversation shifted my mindset: I learned to make decisions based on purpose and curiosity. I try to be more intentional in my choices, more open to uncertainty, and more focused on what I truly want to learn and how I want to grow as a lawyer.”

Lawrence A. Wien Corporate Responsibility Fellowship

Valentina Pawlow ’26 LL.M.

Valentina Pawlow ’26 LL.M. obtained a law degree from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina. She focused her practice on M&A and debt financing at Beccar Varela in Buenos Aires. While there, she demonstrated a commitment to pro bono work, handling matters across corporate, criminal, and family law. In addition, Pawlow served as a teaching assistant at the University of Buenos Aires in two courses on criminal law and litigation. 

What does it mean to you to receive the fellowship? 

 “It not only removed the economic barriers I faced but also gave me the encouragement and means to take this important step toward fulfilling my long‑standing goal of studying at Columbia and gaining professional experience in the United States.”

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law?

“My goal is to deepen my knowledge of M&A and debt financing and to broaden my professional network by connecting with lawyers from around the world and with professors who are leaders in the corporate field. In addition, the Columbia Law LL.M. offers the opportunity to be eligible for professional experience at a U.S. law firm, an ideal setting to further develop the transactional skills that will be essential for my career.”

Morris Fellowship

Maja Dahl-Jessen ’26 LL.M.

Maja Dahl-Jessen ’26 LL.M. graduated from Aarhus University in Denmark, with an LL.B. and an LL.M. She came to Columbia Law with more than six years of experience as a corporate lawyer at Plesner, a top Danish law firm. Dahl-Jessen specializes in high-scale, global transactions in the areas of M&A, investment, financing, and corporate restructuring. She was also a lecturer at Copenhagen Law School, where her courses focused on company law, accounting law, and capital market law. 

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“Working with clients from all over the world has motivated me to obtain comprehensive insight into the U.S. perspectives of corporate and business law. My motivation is driven by the ambition to further enhance my skills in meeting clients’ needs and providing excellent advice on complex, global transactions. The LL.M. program at Columbia Law was the ideal choice for me due to its focus on corporate, business, and transactional law; its status as one of the top law schools in the U.S.; courses taught by the world’s best legal professors; and an international alumni network of top lawyers and legal advisers.”

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law? 

“Besides further development of my understanding of U.S. corporate practice and perspective on transactions, I expect that earning my LL.M. degree at Columbia Law will expand my international network and support me in further exploring the global business scene.”

The Norman E. Alexander Scholarship

Pranjali Kanel ’26 LL.M.

Pranjali Kanel ’26 LL.M. received a B.A. LL.B. from Kathmandu School of Law in Nepal, where she was an Academic Excellence Award scholarship recipient in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Kanel, who competed in and won the Nepal National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, fostered a mooting culture among high school students in Nepal at Kathmandu School of Law through Nepal School Moots on Human Rights. Kanel interned at the Supreme Court of Nepal and, following that, worked with an NGO in Nepal to combat domestic child sex trafficking, leading to the successful prosecution and closure of more than 10 criminal networks and advancing systemic accountability. 

What are your goals for your LL.M. year at Columbia Law?

“I am here to upskill in adaptability and deepen my expertise in international human rights law and international law while gaining different perspectives on topics that interest me from law practitioners around the world.”

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“Columbia Law School’s exceptional faculty and courses were the primary reasons to choose it. The opportunity to be in New York, with experiences I would never have had back home, brings me one step closer to realizing my dreams through Columbia.”

Amnon Tsafrir ’26 LL.M.

Amnon Tsafrir ’26 LL.M. graduated magna cum laude with an LL.B. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he had been on the editorial board of the Hebrew University Law Review. After graduating from law school, Tsafrir spent several years working as a corporate/M&A associate at S. Horowitz & Co., one of Israel’s leading law firms. At Columbia Law, Tsafrir serves as a research assistant to Zohar Goshen, Jerome L. Greene Professor of Transactional Law.

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“Mainly for its outstanding offerings and reputation in corporate law. I was inspired to study law in the U.S. by my supervising partner back home, after seeing how that experience shaped his career. He was actually educated at another great U.S. law school just a subway ride away. For me, when it came time to choose, something about Columbia’s heritage and its unique place global academia simply stood out.”

What has made an impression on you about your time at Columbia Law? 

“What stands out to me most here is the seamless combination of legal academia and practice. Many professors have held key positions in the public and private sectors, both in the U.S. and abroad. Others have been involved in high-stakes litigation. It is not uncommon to learn in class about a landmark Delaware Supreme Court decision and then discover that the professor was counsel on the underlying transaction.”

Robert J. Burton Memorial Fellowship

Eva Wickerath ’26 LL.M.

Eva Wickerath ’26 LL.M. is an M&A and corporate lawyer in Germany. She studied law and business at the University of Mannheim and completed her legal clerkship in Berlin. She received her doctorate summa cum laude from the University of Osnabrück with a comparative thesis on copyright licensing in Germany and the United States. 

What drew you to Columbia Law?  

“I admire how Columbia Law’s LL.M. curriculum bridges academia and legal practice. The courses are highly practical and led by world-class scholars and practitioners, creating a great environment to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.”

What has stood out about your Columbia Law experience?  

“What has stood out is being surrounded by genuinely kind and supportive people. From classmates and professors to lecturers, administrators, and alumni, everyone contributes to a truly inspiring and collaborative community.”

Smith Family Opportunity Scholarship

Maria-Fernanda Uzcátegui Vasquez ’26 LL.M.

Maria-Fernanda Uzcátegui Vasquez ’26 LL.M., a lawyer and commercial law specialist, graduated from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Venezuela. She practiced law at Baker McKenzie Venezuela, where she advised on complex domestic and cross-border transactions in corporate, finance, energy, and infrastructure. At the same time, Uzcátegui pursued academic work, including teaching legal English at Universidad Monteávila in Venezuela and serving as a teaching assistant at her alma mater.

What does it mean to you to receive this scholarship? 

“It represents both the recognition of my professional and academic trajectory and the critical support that enables me, as a lawyer from a country facing significant economic and institutional constraints, to pursue advanced legal training abroad. It allows me to devote myself fully to my studies and research while reinforcing my commitment to apply the education and ethical standards I acquire at Columbia Law.”

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law? 

“What has stood out most is the depth of intellectual engagement among professors and peers, where excellence is the rule rather than the exception, and where faculty are genuinely committed to helping students become better lawyers in every class. The most meaningful aspect of my experience has been the relationships I have built thus far, as meeting people from such diverse professional and cultural backgrounds has been both personally enriching and formative in shaping me as a lawyer.”

W. Bayard Cutting Jr. Fellowship

Celia Cañete ’26 LL.M.

Celia Cañete ’26 LL.M. earned a law degree and a master’s degree in Spanish legal practice from the University of Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. She practiced at Pérez-Llorca in Madrid and Archipel in Geneva and has over six years of experience in international arbitration. Her work includes pro bono initiatives, such as co-founding the Sports Arbitration Moot and serving as secretary general of International Arbitration Seminars & Courses. 

What does it mean to you to receive this fellowship? 

“It represents both recognition of the work I have pursued over the years and encouragement to continue striving for excellence. I see it as a gesture of trust from the Law School, and I am committed to living up to that confidence and contributing meaningfully to the Columbia community.”

What has stood out to you about your time at Columbia Law?

“One of the most meaningful experiences of my time at Columbia Law has been representing the Center for International Commercial and Investment Arbitration (CICIA) in the 82nd session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Working Group II: Dispute Settlement in Vienna last October. I am deeply grateful to Professor George A. Bermann and Lecturer in Law Kabir Duggal for that extraordinary opportunity.”

Wolfgang G. Friedmann Fellowship

Marta Luiza Trebacka ’26 LL.M.

Marta Luiza Trebacka ’26 LL.M. graduated summa cum laude from the University of Warsaw in Poland with a master’s degree in law. Three years later, she also earned a master’s degree in applied sociology and social anthropology from the University of Warsaw, with a focus on gender studies. While a student, she worked at an international law firm advising on some of the largest cross-border transactions in Central and Eastern Europe. Following graduation, she continued to build her career as a transactional lawyer at the leading international law firms in Poland. At Columbia Law, she serves as a co-president of the Columbia European Law Association, as a staff editor for the Columbia Journal of European Law, and an LL.M. senator on the Columbia Law School Student Senate.

Why did you choose Columbia Law?

“Once I decided to apply to an LL.M. program, I knew that I wanted to focus on schools with an interdisciplinary approach. I wanted to develop my skills as both a transactional lawyer and a gender and sexuality law advocate. I was looking for an interdisciplinary curriculum and inspiring scholars. With its global outlook, Columbia Law School is one of the world’s best law schools and the perfect place for professional and interdisciplinary growth.”

What does it mean to you to receive this fellowship?

“I see this fellowship as confirmation that gender and sexuality law is an important legal field. This fellowship is an encouragement to stand for these values, to continue fulfilling the dual roles of transactional lawyer and gender and sexuality law advocate, and to support others in forging their own career paths.”