Class of 2022

Radhika Mehta (International Law and Legal Studies LLM, 2022)

I never thought or dreamt of completing my Masters in Law in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary, 19 years after my Law graduation, but the professors and Queen Mary made it possible. I sincerely thank them all.

Lisa Kachina Poku (Human Rights Law LLM, 2022)

Graduated with an LLM in Human Rights Law from Queen Mary University of London. Officially a graduate! 

It has truly been a remarkable experience studying an LLM in Human Rights Law at Queen Mary University of London. I am humbled to have graduated, and to share this milestone with my family and friends. The LLM was very rewarding, and I am delighted that I made it. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience and class discussions. Queen Mary University is certainly a great institution, and I am honoured that I am now a part of the great alumni. It was certainly challenging at the beginning of the global pandemic. To the class of 2022 we certainly made it! 

Vasileva Delibaltova (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2022)  

After two and a half years, I successfully ended my second LLM at Queen Mary University of London. An incredible, yet challenging journey, that deepened my long recognised passion for international commercial arbitration and my knowledge and understanding of investment arbitration. Congratulations to all of my amazing colleagues, and huge thank you to all of our phenomenal professors and tutors, who always found the way to motivate and encourage us. 

Looking forward to the next chapter and to meeting all of you again soon. 

Zhara Marcelle (Criminal Justice LLM, 2022)  

So pleased to have graduated from Queen Mary University of London, having achieved a distinction on my LLM master’s degree in Criminal Justice. 
 
I am incredibly proud of my dissertation which achieved a mark of 78 and focused on state crime. It examined the Coalition forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan as a state crime due to the human rights violations against the Afghan women which resulted. It also looked at civil society’s labelling of the withdrawal as illegal and illegitimate, along with the Coalition forces’ misrepresentations of their aims when invading. 
 
I’m so grateful to all the people in my life who have supported me on this journey and I can’t wait to start the next chapter in my career. 

Nicholas Lenin Anane Agyei (Technology, Media and Telecommunications Law LLM, 2022) 

I received my first professional card in 2018. It had my name, list of academic qualifications and curiously, a comma after the last qualification. I asked my Senior why the comma and he told me that it was to remind me that becoming a lawyer is not the end of my academic pursuits.  

 And so here’s to an LLM with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London and another comma after that. This journey, albeit with the usual challenges, was more enjoyable than most. Technology, Media and Telecommunications law was a deviation from my law practice since 2018. But the contemporary and evolving nature of issues discussed in the program was riveting. 

I am glad to have made new friends, enjoyed a new environment and acquired new knowledge in areas spanning privacy, data protection, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, e-commerce, cybercrime and several others. I am grateful to my support systems—family, mentors and friends. 

Till the next comma, we bask in this joy.  

Daniel Ávila II (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2022) 

It was an honor to graduate from the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary University of London—a leader in international arbitration studies.  

The pioneers of the School of International Arbitration recognized international dispute resolution as a stand-alone substantive subject rather than a side-discipline of civil procedure, private international law, or comparative law. Soon after Queen Mary University of London created an LLM program specifically for international arbitration, many other universities followed suit.  

Queen Mary University’s truly geographically diverse community—drawing from over 170 nationalities—creates an atmosphere of practical rather than theoretical approaches to dispute resolution across the globe.  It was a pleasure meeting colleagues from all around the world and creating relationships that will last forever. 

Congrats to the rest of my colleagues and thank you to my esteemed professors! 

Satya Talwar Mouland (PhD in Law, International Arbitration and International Law, 2022) 

I am thrilled to have graduated with a Doctor of Law at Queen Mary University of London on 8th January 2023, after passing my viva in May 2022 with no corrections. My examiners were Professor Elaine Fahey and Dr Matthieu Burnay. 

The title of my PhD thesis was "The Lawful Scope of International Arbitral Authority as a Source of International Law: Common Approaches by National Courts to Enforcement Jurisdiction" and my supervisors were Dr Stephen Allen, Dr Paul Gragl and Professor Julian Lew KC.  

This was the fruit of an intense four years, which were some of the best four years of my life - I cannot recommend this experience enough. I could not have done this without my family and friends, especially my parents. 

I am delighted to now be training as a pupil barrister at 36 Commercial (the 36 Group, Gray's Inn), where I will focus on developing an international arbitration and international litigation practice. I will continue my arbitration interests by arbitrating the Willem C Vis Moot in Vienna this year in April. I am also working on turning my thesis into a book. 

Avantika Barua (Commercial and Corporate Law LLM, 2022)    

I am pleased to share that I graduated from Queen Mary University of London with an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law. 
 
This unique experience has helped me broaden my legal knowledge and perspective. I am glad to have come across extremely knowledgeable and wonderful professors and my colleagues who made this journey even more exciting. 
 
I would like to thank Anne Flanagan for her guidance and support,  Rodrigo Olivares-Caminal, Ioannis Kokkoris, Johanna Gibson and Uma Suthersanen for their wonderful lecture sessions, my mentor Abhijit Mukhopadhyay for his constant guidance and support and Dr. Mallikarjunaiah JM and Dr.Manojkumar Hiremath for their assistance and guidance during my initial application process. Last but not the least my parents and family without whose support I could not have done this. 

Oluwaseun Raji (Insurance Law LLM, 2022) 

I am truly privileged to say that I graduated from the prestigious Queen Mary University of London with a master's degree in Insurance Law. 

My time at Queen Mary was quite challenging due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the professors and staff members were very helpful and encouraging. They provided exceptional guidance throughout my course of study. I particularly enjoyed the learning aspect which I found to be an intellectually stimulating and engaging experience. 

Looking back at my time at Queen Mary, I can say that it was one of my most cherished moments. I am truly honoured to be a student at this prestigious university. 

Madina Sakhi (Tax Law LLM, 2022) 

Queen Mary has been a second home to me, providing me with the ability to learn and grow not just in the four walls of a classroom but from my fellow peers and those around the world. I am grateful and thankful to have studied in an institution that is inclusive and supports students learning and beliefs. Its been a memory I will forever cherish along with the close-knitted friends I have made.

Morgane Bourmault (Technology, Media and Telecommunication Law, LLM 2022) 

I am very honoured to announce my graduation with distinction from the Technology, Media and Telecommunications law LLM at Queen Mary University of London. This two-year journey was not without challenges, and I am very grateful for the knowledge and experience gained as well as the encounters I have made through this process. 

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue my work as a lawyer in a law firm in Paris all while attending the Technology, Media and Telecommunications law LLM at the same time, thanks to the excellent distance learning programme offered by Queen Mary. What a great experience that allowed me to acquire detailed knowledge in a fascinating field! 

Utkarsha Nikam (Commercial Law LLM, 2022)

I am thrilled to say that I've graduated from Queen Mary University of London! This year was difficult, but it was also a great learning experience! Getting my degree from Queen Mary University of London  was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and it's hard to believe that it's over. 
 
I am so grateful for everything that QMUL did for me during my time there—it gave me a place where I could explore different aspects of myself, cultivate new interests, and meet some incredible people who have become lifelong friends. 
 
This year has been an incredible learning experience and a major step forward in my career. I have had some amazing opportunities to work with truly brilliant minds and receive valuable mentorship along the way.

Last but not least, thank you to my lecturers and professors who have helped develop both my academic skills and character skills through their teaching methods as well as their caring attitude towards their students. 
 
I am so grateful for everything that has happened to me over the last few years, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead! 
 
Congratulations to the class of 2022, we did it! 

Félix Fernando Aguilera Revelles (Commercial and Corporate Law LLM, 2022)

I am truly honoured to say that I have graduated from the prestigious Queen Mary University of London in Commercial and Corporate Law with Merit (68.2). 

The past two years have been quite difficult for all students and professors around the world due to Covid. But, most of all, 2021 was a particularly tough and painful year for me as I lost my father in the middle of the LL.M. It was not easy to find the strength every day to focus and study during my mourning, and losing a parent at such a young age is particularly hard. 

Nonetheless, I am proud to have completed my LLM and I am sure my father is very proud as well. 
 
Getting my degree from QMUL was one of the best decisions I have ever made and it was such an incredible learning experience. Indeed, it gave me the opportunity to study modules in areas of law that I have always loved, such as Competition Law and M&A.
 
I would also like to say a big thank you to my all professors for their support and motivation throughout the LLM, for helping me improve my academic legal skills, for their incredible teaching methods, guidance, and caring attitude, and for their dedication particularly in such hard times (Covid) where all the lectures were online. Thank you! 

Sneha Palekar (Intellectual Property Law LLM, 2022)

I am delighted to share that after successfully completing two semesters at the Queen Mary University of London, I am finally on the last lap of my LLM programme. In all honesty, being an international student is not all about the London Eye and Big Ben, it is so much more about being your own cheerleader. It is about making it on your own and telling yourself every day that no matter what happens, you will be fine. Such has been my journey in London as well. Having said that, as challenging as the last 9 months have been, there is no doubt that they have been equally rewarding and evolving.

To begin with, as a January Intake student, I got the unique opportunity to be a part of two different and exciting cohorts. I immediately joined the Legal Projects Programme at qLegal through a series of competitive applications and successfully completed a consultancy project for Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre. The several networking events conducted by CCLS India Chapter, and the wonderful workshops conducted by the QMUL Careers and Enterprise Group in collaboration with leading law firms on different career opportunities in the legal field were extremely enlightening and helped me identify my calling.

In addition to this, I have been working part-time in Hospitality for months, which has immensely boosted my confidence and enhanced my soft skills. Lastly, the Academics and their par excellence expertise have certainly made this programme worth it.

I can surely say that it has definitely been a wholesome journey with incomparable experiences. As the last semester finally commences, I hope that it surprises me and that I complete this course in the finest way.

Loveth Okocha (Commercial and Corporate Law LLM, 2022)

Thrilled that I have graduated with Distinction in LL.M Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London. Con-grad-ulations to my cohort and I. 
 
I am extremely grateful to God Almighty for always granting me the grace to excel and be outstanding in all I do. I am also thankful for my supportive family, friends, mentors and professors at QMUL. You made learning worthwhile in the peak of the global lockdown, when everything looked bleak. 
 
I am incredibly proud of myself, this milestone, once again, reminds me that, with hard work, dedication and resilience, I could always achieve whatever I set my mind to. 
 
I look forward to translating my excellent academic and work experience to a more fruitful and challenging career in legal practice. 

Another great perk for being at QMUL is that in terms of post-graduate employment, employers are inclined to have conversations with an applicant once they learn you graduated from Queen Mary. To the glory of God, I have been able to receive multiple job offers and this is largely because of the prestige that comes with graduating from QMUL. 

Nithi Marlecha (Corporate and Commercial Law LLM, 2022)

I am happy to announce that I have successfully completed my Masters in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London by merit. I am extremely thankful to the university for giving me this great opportunity and guiding me through every stage. The professors at the university are the best and were always ready to help. I am honored to be a student of this university. 

Sataporn Samanyaporn (International Tax Law LLM, 2022)

I am delighted to announce that I have completed my Master of Laws in International Tax Law at with Merit Studying at QMUL was an incredible experience for me and it is the best decision that I have ever made in my life. I am very grateful for the opportunity to have met and learned from my professors and classmates. I am also thankful to the staff at CCLS who always support me during my studying. 

Khristine Jane Ejercito (Public International Law LLM, 2022)

Today, I officially completed my second Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Queen Mary University of London under a Chevening Scholarship. This past year has been tough. Thus, even though this is not the most ideal outcome, I have no regrets because I know I did my best. Let’s celebrate wins, no matter how big or small! 

Anastasia Dimitriadi (Commercial and Corporate Law LLM, 2022)

I’m truly honoured to announce that I have graduated from QMUL in Commercial and Corporate Law with Merit. 

Queen Mary enabled me to broaden my academic and interpersonal skills more than I could ever have thought. Not only did I gain legal knowledge essential for my future career, but I learnt how to be proactive, think creatively and remain motivated although any difficulties. Through different modules, all focused on commercial and energy law, I eventually built the legal foundation I was dreaming of in order to work hard and achieve my future career goals in London. 

I’m grateful to my parents for supporting me and giving me the opportunity to study at QMUL as well as to my professors and classmates for making this academic year so special. 

Aly Wael Aly Maged (International Business Law LLM, 2022)

I am happy to share that I have finally completed my LLM in International Business Law with Distinction from Queen Mary University of London. I am tremendously thankful for the experience, and immensely grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me this past year. 

Karina Sadana (Banking and Finance LLM, 2022) 

I am pleased to announce that I graduated from Queen Mary University of London with an LLM in Banking and Finance Law. I started my Masters journey in the outset of the pandemic and studied online over the period of two years. 
 
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all QM professors, teaching assistants and all other members of staff who made it possible to study during Covid. This wouldn't have been possible without your dedication and kind efforts. I wish to say a special thank you to Professor Rosa Lastra, Professor Rodrigo Olivares-Caminal, Alexander Herman and Emily Gould. Your teachings were fascinating, joyful and inspiring! 

Lara Sampaio (Human Rights Law LLM, 2022)  

I am beyond happy to share that I have received my Master of Laws award with Overall Merit and, particularly, that I have earned a Distinction in my dissertation. 
 
Writing this dissertation was bittersweet. At the same time I felt fulfilled to research and write about a theme that speaks so loud to my heart, it is difficult to face the long way that we still have in front of us for an equal society. 
 
However, paraphrasing the words of Érico Veríssimo, it is a job for people of willingness. Days like this bring hope and motivation to keep fighting for the world we want to live in. 
 
It was a journey. I want to thank my amazing supervisor, Dr Leila Ullrich for her rich, precise and thoughtful support, and to the Chevening Awards and Pinheiro Neto Advogatos for endorsing and assisting my studies regarding gender and women's safety from day one. 
 
Thanks to my interviewees for kindly sharing your rich and unique experiences and trusting me to write about them and invite other people to reflect upon real narratives. 
 
After all, as I quoted in my dissertation and quote again, in the powerful words of Nina Simone, "I'll tell you what freedom is to me. No fear. I mean, really, no fear". 

Estelle Udensi (Banking Law LLM, 2022)

Third times the charm! 
 
What a surreal experience to finally be on Queen Mary University of London campus after starting this Masters programme in September 2022. 
 
Thank you so much to all those who supported me during this time. 
 
I hadn’t even crossed the stage yet and my dad started talking about a PhD so who knows…this may not be the end! 

Shresth Vardhan (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2022)

It is a privilege for many to be able to have access to higher education,  and even more so at universities that boast strong lineage and stature. 
 
It feels amazing to have successfully completed my Masters in Law LLM in International Dispute Resolution (Arbitration) from Queen Mary University of London.  
 
Enrolling for the Masters program amidst Covid felt like a cry far from gratitude & belonging. Now,  it feels heaven-sent. This course aligned with my career goals and aspirations and turned out to be the best fit for me. 
 
I’ve grown immensely, in self-awareness and as a professional. Sharing the same academic space with such a diverse and magnificent cohort felt uplifting. 
 
I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me, especially my parents. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of my professors at the Center for Commercial Law Studies. 
 
Here’s to pushing through times when you’re swarmed with work, dealing anxiety and an uncertain future, and being challenged professionally. I have so much gratitude. 
 
I shall forever remain grateful and hold this experience in high regard. I look forward to starting a new and exciting and better chapter of my life. On to the next one.