Today, we welcome a guest post by Gordon Oduor, a member of the University of Georgia School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) class of 2020. Oduor, who was recently named a Senior Associate in International Arbitration for Baker McKenzie in their Johannesburg, South Africa office, received a Fulbright grant for his LL.M. degree at Georgia Law. He is a first-generation university student and an honors graduate of the University of Nairobi Law School. He also holds a diploma in Business Administration with distinction from the Institute of Advanced Technology. Oduor, who is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb), wrote a thesis on international arbitration in eastern and southern Africa under the supervision of former Dean and Talmadge Chair of Law Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge. Oduor is currently an adjunct professor of international arbitration at Strathmore Law School in Nairobi, a Member of the African Arbitration Association, a member of the International Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the ICC Kenya Commission on Arbitration and ADR.

Oduor’s reflections are part of the Dean Rusk International Law Center’s ongoing Alumni Spotlight series, through which we highlight the achievements of the Georgia Law community’s internationally-inclined alumni. Some responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What organizations, journals, clinics, or extra-curricular activities had the greatest impact on your experience at Georgia Law? Was there a class, professor, mentor, or administrator who had a lasting impact on you? How so?

I was involved with international law activities through the Dean Rusk International Law Center, and this re-affirmed my drive for a foot into international private law practice, especially international arbitration. The other members of my LL.M. cohort and the program’s administrative team, especially Dr. Laura Tate Kagel and Ms. Mandy Dixon, were also very supportive and provided the necessary resources for me to thrive in my pursuit of a career in international arbitration. In particular, I enjoyed attending the Atlanta International Arbitration Society (AtlAS) annual conference. I also completed a thesis focusing on COMESA International Arbitration Court under the supervision of former Dean and Talmadge Chair of Law Peter B. “Bo” Rutledge.

How has international law or global engagement shaped your career? Why do you think global perspectives are important for today’s legal professionals?

The world has shrunk into a global village: we now have a greater sense of interdependence and collaboration that is necessary to keep humanity going. To give perspective, I deal with commercial & investment disputes with parties from different jurisdictions, states, and countries. To effectively do my work, I often need to collaborate with a team made up of individuals in Johannesburg, New Yok City, London, and Dubai.

What is your advice for current law students?

Keep at it! It all comes together at some point; resilience is key!

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The application for the LL.M. Class of 2028 is now open; for information or to apply for LL.M. studies, visit our website and attend an upcoming recruiting event.

Have a professional achievement, new role, award, or other milestone you’d like to share? Complete this Google Form to be considered for an upcoming Dean Rusk International Law Center Alumni Spotlight.