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Class of 2024

Class of 2024 messages

Read below the thoughts of some of our Class of 2024 who graduated on Tuesday 7th January 2025.

If you would like to share your message about your time at CCLS please contact us.

Bente van den Braber () 

I am proud to share that I have officially graduated with Distinction from my Master of Laws (LLM) at Queen Mary University of London. 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned during my LLM, it’s that curiosity, determination, and a willingness to embrace challenges are essential for success in even the most demanding areas of law. I’d like to thank Professor Duncan Matthews, whose teaching and discussions on intellectual property in the life sciences introduced me to this fascinating field. Graduating with distinction reflects the dedication and passion I’ve applied to deepening my expertise in this area, as well as in other areas of intellectual property and medical law.

Looking ahead, I am deeply honored to have been selected for the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO PatentX Course, offered jointly with Harvard Law School, starting later this month. This prestigious program focuses on how patent law can address global public health crises by stimulating the production and distribution of vaccines and medicines, particularly during pandemics. I am excited to engage with Professors William Fisher and Ruth Okedji, as well as experts from WIPO and other academic institutions. This opportunity builds directly on the research I conducted last year, allowing me to expand my expertise in how intellectual property can drive healthcare innovation.

Here’s to new beginnings and the next chapter of my journey in London. I’m excited to apply my knowledge in the field and continue learning while pursuing new opportunities. Grateful for the support of my professors, family, and friends—this is just the beginning!

Cheyenne Rai (International Business and Commercial Law) 

I am proud to share that I have graduated from Queen Mary University of London with a Master’s in International Business and Commercial Law, achieving a Merit. This program has been an incredible journey, providing me with opportunities to expand my knowledge, refine my skills, and grow both academically and professionally.

From serving as the Debate Team Captain and winning Best Speaker at the École de Guerre debate, to my time as a qLegal Legal Advisor and later as a Mentor, each experience has been pivotal. Winning first place at the Bloomberg Ropes & Gray Law of the Future Competition 2024 was a highlight, as was giving a talk at the Joint Research Seminar on International Arbitration 2024, co-organized by Queen Mary London and the University of Vienna, held at Sorbonne Paris.

I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support of my mentors, peers, and the incredible community at Queen Mary, all of whom have shaped this unforgettable chapter of my journey.

Abdullah Dashti (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law LLM) 

I graduated and finished my LLM in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law. Studying this module at Queen Mary University had been my dream, which came true, since 2011 when I attended a conference of UK universities in my country Kuwait. I was amazed at the module because it was new and QMUL almost the only university offered it. 

Coline Duch (International Public Law LLM) 

I'm delighted to announce that I'm graduating top of my class with an LLM in International Public Law, obtained with Distinction.

I gained a great deal from pursuing this course - legal knowledge and skills, of course, but above all certainty. My degree confirms my interest in geopolitics, international relations and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as my professional ambitions, namely legal research, which I intend to begin in the near future.

I would like to thank my teachers and fellow students for encouraging me to make more precise and critical analyses, to engage in debates that challenged my positions and to carry out always more in-depth and innovative research.

As to the next steps, I will keep on learning and improving during two exciting internships : one at the French Council of State in Paris and the other at the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Thank you all for your support!

Cecilia Wing Sze Leung (Banking and Finance Law LLM) 

I'm thrilled to share that I have officially graduated with a Master of Laws in Banking and Finance Law from Queen Mary University of London! This journey has been transformative, enhancing both my knowledge and technical skills in the field. Achieving this milestone not only deepened my expertise but also fulfilled a long-held personal dream.

I’m eager to apply what I’ve learned and contribute to the dynamic world of banking and finance. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way!

Josephine Concepcion (International Dispute Resolution LLM) 

I am absolutely pleased to finally graduate for the course LLM in International Dispute Resolution at Queen Mary. The journey wasn’t easy but definitely it was all worth it.

I thank my Lord Jesus Christ, above all else, for it is through HIM, with HIM and in HIM, all things are possible. “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” - Ephesians

Queen Mary has equipped me enough to paddle through. This is just the beginning, and God willing, I am determined to succeed more in the international arena.

I thank my family, Mother, Gina, Weng, Joyce, Horhe, Lala, Trixzy, my fur babies, Nik Nak, Nok, and Skye for the love and support.

To my QMUL Team Philippines, Tita Odette, Jane, Ian, Poy, and Rej, my heart goes with you. God bless us all always.

To Nora, Remy, Dennis, and Javier, cheers!

Ruihan Zhang (Intellectual Property Law LLM) 

Happy Graduation to me, to every graduates!
Last week, I officially graduated from Queen Mary University of London, with a merit degree in IP Law.
Looking back on this year, I’ve achieved significant self-improvement: studying and living alone abroad, dealing with difficulties I’ve never faced before, taking solo-trip multiple times, working at local companies
But the most important thing is that I’ve realised how brave I am. This courage isn’t just within me, but also among all of you international students. We may have deeply questioned ourselves about whether moving to another country was a right choice, but the truth is, we’ve already become better “us” through this challenging stage. It definitely deserves a “MANY, MANY congratulations “, doesn’t it? Just as what we were reminded at our graduation ceremony.
Welcome to the brand new future

Akriti Kaushik (Technology, Media & Telecommunications Law LLM) 

Completing my second master’s degree has been a journey filled with challenges, growth, and countless lessons. Studying at Queen Mary University of London specializing in Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law has been a dream come true—one that I first envisioned years ago. I think the appetite to learn more never dies.

Today, I have nothing more to say but a heartfelt thank you—to God above for His plans that are always greater than mine and to my parents and family below, whose unwavering love and support have been my greatest strength.

To new beginnings and whatever lies ahead!

Bharat Sharma (Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM) 

I am overjoyed to share that I have officially graduated from Queen Mary University of London with a Master of Laws degree in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution, achieving Merit!

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my professors Stavros Brekoulakis, Prof Loukas Mistelis FCIArb, David Brynmor Thomas KC, Marion Smith KC, Debbie De Girolamo, Dominic Spenser Underhill, Carlos Carvalho, Nicholas Lloyd and Maria Fanou and mentors at Queen Mary University for their unwavering guidance and support. Your insights and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping my academic and professional path.

As I move forward, I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills gained during this program to contribute to the field of dispute resolution. Here's to new challenges, opportunities, and growth!

Jasmine Hannah (Intellectual Property Law LLM) 

I’m thrilled to share that I have officially graduated with a Distinction in my LLM in Intellectual Property Law from Queen Mary University of London!

Last Tuesday marked the end of an incredible year filled with amazing opportunities and memories. I’m especially thankful to my professors and lecturers - Prof Johanna Gibson, Dr Anthony Catton, Apostolos Chronopoulos, Guan H. Tang, Uma Suthersanen and Florian Koempel. I am so grateful for all your support, encouragement and for everything I have learned from you.

This year, I was also honoured to be awarded the J.A.L Sterling Postgraduate Bursary by the British Literary and Artistic Copyright Association (BLACA) and The Stationers'​ Company. Their generous support gave me the opportunity to attend BLACA’s meetings and to connect with an incredible community of professionals. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved - I couldn’t have achieved this without your support.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Sophie J. Goossens for your invaluable mentorship this year. I deeply appreciate all of your guidance and feel truly inspired from all of your insights into copyright law and artificial intelligence.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my friends, both at Queen Mary and those who have supported me from afar. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Disha Bhardwaj (Intellectual Property Law LLM) 

Thrilled to share that I have recently graduated from Queen Mary University of London, completing my Master's in Intellectual Property Law! The past year has been a journey of immense learning and growth, filled with challenges that tested me more often than I was prepared for.

I am incredibly grateful to Apostolos Chronopoulos and Prof Johanna Gibson for their valuable guidance throughout the course, which helped me navigate the complexities of the subject with confidence. Your mentorship has been pivotal in shaping my understanding and passion for intellectual property law.

A heartfelt thanks to my family and friends, whose unwavering support made it possible for me to thrive in a new country while pursuing this academic milestone.

As I step into the next phase of my career, I am excited to apply the knowledge and skills I've gained and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the dynamic field of intellectual property. Here's to new beginnings and continued learning!

Harrison Ogalagu (Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM) 

I am thrilled to share that I have completed another significant chapter in my academic and professional career – Master of Laws (LLM) in International Dispute Resolution – at Queen Mary University of London. The experience has been transformative, both at personal and intellectual level. With almost two decades of practice of law as an advocate, the experience has challenged my assumptions, deepened my experience in arbitration – treaty and commercial – and given me a better perspective and approach to cross-border disputes.

I am immensely grateful to my family, Tope Adebayo LP and my wonderful lecturers - Norah Gallagher, Javier García Olmedo, Mohamed Mahayni and Denis Parchajev – for their support and encouragement. I will not fail to recognize the guidance offered by Mohamed Mahayni during the dissertation writing process. To my colleagues in the office and classmates, thank you for making the journey seamless.

Ankur Patel (Commercial Law LLM) 

On January 7th, I achieved a significant milestone by completing my Dual LLM in Commercial Law from Queen Mary University of London and Singapore Management University. Having celebrated the SMU leg of this program with a graduation ceremony on August 3rd last year, I have now completed this chapter with QMUL.

This incredible journey has been a transformative experience, giving me a global perspective on commercial law and allowing me to learn from two outstanding institutions. The academic rigor, diverse learning environments, and the opportunity to connect with brilliant peers and faculty have been nothing short of inspiring.

I’m immensely grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey—family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Sharing a few cherished moments from both institutions that marked this special accomplishment!

Excited to see what lies ahead as I apply this knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the field of law.

Inam Muheyeldin (Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM) 

I am pleased to share that I have officially graduated with a Master of Laws in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution with Merit from Queen Mary University of London!

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the esteemed faculty at QMUL School of Law, Centre for Commercial Law Studies, - Prof Loukas Mistelis FCIArb, Professor Dr. Maxi Scherer, Stavros Brekoulakis - whose guidance and expertise have profoundly deepened my understanding of International Arbitration and its legal frameworks. A special thank you to my dissertation supervisor Maria Fanou for her encouragement and support throughout the rigorous research and writing process. And I am especially grateful to my friends and family for their unwavering support.

As I step forward onto the next chapter of my legal career, I am excited to continue exploring the ever-growing field of arbitration on a global scale and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead as I begin to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination!

Rita Okolo (Human Rights Law LLM) 

I am wearing a new hat! The hat of a Master.

I am thrilled to share that I have officially graduated with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Human Rights Law from Queen Mary University of London, earning a Distinction!

This journey has been both challenging and inspiring, deepening my understanding of global human rights issues and strengthening my commitment to advocating for justice and equality, especially economic equality for African women.

Throughout my studies, I have had the privilege of learning from some of the brightest minds in the field, as well as engaging in thought-provoking discussions with peers from all over the world.

A big thank you to my professors, colleagues, and everyone who supported me along the way. Your encouragement has been invaluable.

As I reflect on this achievement, I’m excited about the future and eager to merge my six year experience in dispute resolution and apply the knowledge and skills I have gained, to make a meaningful impact in the field of human rights.

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