Last month, the University of Georgia School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) class of 2025 traveled to Atlanta for a professional development trip organized by the Dean Rusk International Law Center’s director of international professional education, Dr. Laura Tate Kagel. Students were accompanied by Dr. Kagel, International Professional Education Manager Mandy Dixon, and Center Associate Director Taher Benany.
The group of foreign lawyers was hosted by the law offices of Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP for lunch and a lively discussion with legal practitioners. Abe Schear, a partner in the Real Estate and Leasing practices at AGG, offered the students sound career advice and discussed how his involvement with the International Bar Association helped him grow the firm’s international practice. Theresa Kananen related her career journey and described her current role as partner and co-chair of the Payment Systems & Fintech industry team, offering compelling illustrations of the types of cases that arise in her practice area. Glenn Hendrix, a partner in AGG’s Healthcare Group and the founding president of the Atlanta International Arbitration Society (“AtlAS”), recounted the challenges and advantages of dispute resolution in a global society. Teri Simmons (J.D. ’89), a partner and chair of the firm’s Global Mobility practice and an adjunct professor of law at UGA, and her team members Dorothea Hockel and Naina Bishnoi (LL.M. ’24), explained how they help foreign businesses avoid legal pitfalls when bringing their operations to the United States.
Professional development trips are among many opportunities offered to Georgia Law LL.M. students to foster career connections and gain insight into potential career paths.
To learn more about the LL.M. program, click here.
Today, we welcome a guest post by Pace Cassell, a member of the University of Georgia School of Law class of 2026. Cassell is the eighth Georgia Law student to participate in a semester-long international externship and the second recipient of a grant from the Halle Foundation to support her externship in Germany. The semester-long externships overseas initiative is an extension of the Center’s existing Global Externships Overseas and is offered jointly between the Center and the law school’s Clinical and Experiential Program. Cassell’s post describes her experience as a legal extern with Baker Tilly, a global professional services network specializing in advisory, tax, assurance, and legal services. Cassell is based in Hamburg, Germany, where she works under Georgia Law alumnus Dr. Christian Engelhardt (LL.M., ’01). Dr. Engelhardt is the Head of IP/IT Legal at Baker Tilly.
Living in Hamburg
I am going to miss so many things I’ve gotten used to during my time here in Hamburg – living on a cobblestone street, taking the U-Bahn all over the city, grabbing a Franzbrötchen on the way to work, and having everything I could need within walking distance.
Hamburg is located on the Elbe River, which connects the city to the North Sea. The Hamburg port is the largest in Germany and has driven much of Hamburg’s industrial and economic development. Within the city are the Alster Lakes, which are surrounded by walking paths and cafes. The swans on the Alster are protected by law and taken care of by the city; Hamburg legend says as long as there are swans on the lakes, the city will be free and prosperous. Due to these bodies of water, Hamburg has more bridges than any other city in the world, and more canals than Venice and Amsterdam combined.
Navigating a new city where you know no one can be daunting, especially when there is a language barrier. I took German classes from elementary school through college, but classroom learning truly does not compare to being immersed in the language the way I have been in Hamburg. The real-life context and direct association of words to concepts allows for faster understanding and retention and makes the learning process feel more intuitive and natural.
While I am still far from fluent, I’m proud of how far I’ve come with my German in such a short time. As philosopher Tomáš Masaryk put it, “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.” Language shapes our perception of reality, and learning how another culture expresses thought has been transformative.
Substantive Work and Comparative Perspective
Baker Tilly is an international law firm and has 698 branches, with eleven in Germany alone. The partner I work under, Dr. Engelhardt, focuses his practice on intellectual property, information technology, and data privacy. During my placement, I’ve been able to undertake research assignments ranging from analyzing European Court of Justice opinions, to investigating U.S. sanctions on foreign companies, and comparing American and European policies on artificial intelligence and data privacy.
Prior this experience, I had a vague interest in the General Data Protection Regulation, but I never considered my personal data important enough to merit much consideration. I felt little concern about the use of this data by large companies. However, understanding the principles of transparency, democratization, and fair competition embodied by the European data privacy regime has shifted my thinking and awakened an interest in a new area of law. Data privacy is much more than an abstract policy issue. The collection of our personal information, who can access it, and how it’s used to influence decisions can have significant implications on daily life – from targeted advertising to employment opportunities and even political influence.
More broadly, gaining a comparative perspective has allowed me to not only learn more about German culture but has also provided greater context for understanding my own. Seeing the practical effects of European and German regulations and policies on everyday life has been invaluable, and I never would have been able to gain this perspective had I not spent my semester here. This exposure has deepened my appreciation for the role legal frameworks play in shaping societal norms, and the value in evaluating the law through a global lens, both in a legal workplace and daily life.
Takeaways from the experience
I’ve always been curious about international law, and how American jurisprudence compares to that of other countries. I would recommend a global externship to anyone who shares this fascination. Outside of what you may learn about a legal system directly through doing legal work, living in another country allows you to experience firsthand the nuances of how its laws interact with society at large. Living in Germany has been a dream come true for me, one I’m sure I will continue reflecting on for years to come.
As Graduate Editors, each LL.M. student conducts citation checks and writes a Comment or Book Review on the legal topic of their choice. The Graduate Editors further facilitate the Journal’s commitment to “including a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds within [its] membership,” according to the Editor in Chief, Jasmine Furin (J.D. ’25).
The Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law is a preeminent forum for academic discussion on current international subjects. From its inception in 1971 as a student initiative supported by former U.S. Secretary of State and Georgia Law Professor Dean Rusk, the Journal features work by legal scholars and practitioners and student notes written by Journal members.
University of Georgia School of Law Master of Laws (LL.M.) student Michael Faleye was selected as a recipient of the Personal Travel Allowance Scholarship from Education African Scholars Global Connect. This organization is dedicated to supporting African students pursuing higher education abroad and to impact their home and host communities. They provide resources and support to help students secure admission and scholarships, and they encourage students to use their education and skills to contribute to the development and nation-building efforts of their home countries.
Below is Education African Scholars Global Connect’s vision statement:
Our vision is to become the leading resource for African youths seeking higher education abroad and to inspire a new generation of leaders and change-makers in Africa. We believe that investing in the education and development of African youths is the key to a brighter future for the continent, and we are dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential and make a lasting impact on their communities and nations.
Michael, who is from Nigeria, earned his law degree with honors at the University of Lagos and completed his legal training at the Nigerian Law School. As a student, he was actively involved in student parliamentary politics as senate president of the Law Students Society. After being called to the Nigerian bar in 2019, he began his legal career in Lagos at Wole Olanipekun & Co., a leading litigation law firm, and then practiced at Fides and Fiducia LP, a full-service law firm, from which he was placed on secondment to Eroton Exploration and Production Company Ltd/Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Ltd. In 2022, he transitioned to an in-house position with one of Africa’s premier financial institutions, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc. Michael’s expertise encompasses commercial law, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and holds certifications in EU privacy law (GDPR) compliance and Intellectual Property “Copyright X” from Harvard Law School’s Berkman Klein Center. His goal is to work in the areas of business law that revolve around mergers & acquisitions, venture capital, and privacy law.
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at the University of Georgia School of Law offers foreign law graduates opportunities to learn about the U.S. legal system, deepen knowledge of an area of specialization, and explore new legal interests at one of the nation’s top law schools. The ten-month program provides individualized support through the Dean Rusk International Law Center and prepares international students for a globalized legal market. Applications are open now for the class of 2026. More information about applying to the program can be found here.
University of Georgia School of Law student, rising 3L Erin Nalley, recently attended the University of Liverpool School of Law and Social Justice’s second annual Summer School in partnership with the Council of Europe. This year’s Summer School took place in Liverpool, UK from July 8-19 and centered on the theme “Council of Europe at 75: Protecting Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in a Rapidly Changing World.“ Below, Nalley reflects on her experience as the first Georgia Law student to attend the Summer School. The University of Georgia and the University of Liverpool are institutional partners.
I have been very fortunate this summer to have the opportunity to represent the University of Georgia School of Law at the University of Liverpool’s second Summer School in the Law of the Council of Europe. This year, the Summer School celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe and focused on Protecting Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in a Rapidly Changing World. This included focusing on emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and Neurotechnology, and their interaction with human rights. This is only the second year the University of Liverpool has hosted this Summer School. Still, their unique connection and work with the Council of Europe allows them to provide students and working professionals from around the world with an amazing opportunity to learn not only about the Council of Europe but also about emerging human rights challenges.
As this Summer School focuses on issues that come before the Council of Europe and other European Committees and Tribunals, attendees are mainly from European countries, although not all are European Union countries. I met colleagues from over 20 different countries including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, and more. This year there was especially great representation of Balkan states like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia. There were also other participants from countries outside of Europe, including India. This experience was truly diverse and allowed me to make many connections and friendships with those around the world.
For two weeks, I attended lectures on a variety of issues including topics such as AI technology, organ trafficking, the Venice Commission, and counter-terrorism laws. Our lectures were given by practicing lawyers, judges, and academic professionals. There were around 3-4 lectures a day from Monday through Friday. The last day included closing remarks and talks about the future of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. All attendees were awarded a certificate for our participation in the Summer School as well.
Although I was the only participant from the United States, I found a lot of common ground with my cohort. I was able to travel around the city and try new restaurants with the same people I could sit with and have a deep and meaningful discussion on human rights issues around the world. My experience was not just academic, but it was also cultural and communal.
Within the city of Liverpool, there are many museums and landmarks. There are many connections to American history, Irish culture, and of course, the Beatles throughout the city. Liverpool is also a great location for trying new foods and drinks. Because of their proximity to Ireland, Irish culture and food is very prominent in Liverpool which means you can experience both English and Irish cuisine in one town. Because of its location on the western coast of England, Liverpool also situated visitors well for additional travel. I was able to take a day trip over one of my weekends to Dublin, and some of my colleagues traveled to Wales and Scotland in their free time.
The University of Liverpool Summer School has been a wonderful experience. Liverpool’s location is great not only for learning more about European and international law, but for getting to experience other countries and cultures as well. The University of Liverpool works hard to use its connections with the Council of Europe to promote and help build the networks of its Summer School participants. It is a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with legal professionals from all over the world in a short amount of time.
I hope to pursue a career in international law after graduation, and this experience will assist me in reaching that goal in many ways. It has allowed me to network with professionals and learn about human rights issues I may hope to work on after law school.
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For more information about attending Liverpool Summer School, please email the Center: ruskintlaw@uga.edu
The University of Georgia School of Law’s Dean Rusk International Law Center has received a grant from The Halle Foundation to support six law students in semester-long externships in Germany over the next three years.
“Germany is a country where our students are showing increasing interest,” according to Dean Rusk International Law Center Director Sarah Quinn. “Since 2022, three UGA Law students have participated in for-credit, semester-long externships with German law firms. This new partnership with The Halle Foundation will enable more students to immerse themselves in the heart of Europe and grow their international and legal skill sets, giving them the tools to succeed in the globalized practice of law” she said.
Reflecting on her externship with the German law firm Bodenheimer in fall 2022, alumna Emily Crowell (J.D. ’23) stated:
My externship…absolutely enhanced my legal education. I gained a much more holistic perspective on international arbitration, was exposed to laws from many different European countries, and worked alongside lawyers from different backgrounds and countries. Further, the attorneys at Bodenheimer allowed me to join teams involved in ongoing arbitrations and gave me substantive projects. The practical experience I gained at Bodenheimer was one of my most useful and enjoyable experiences of law school.
Alumna Meredith Williams (J.D. ’24), who externed with the German firm Weickmann in fall 2023, had a similarly transformative experience during her time abroad:
The opportunity to network and meet attorneys who work abroad is invaluable. I learned a lot about German and EU trademark law as well as had the opportunity to provide insight into the American system. Learning how to interact with international attorneys and international law in this way is certainly not something I would be able to do if I remained in Athens. Finally, Dr. Udo Herberth (LL.M. ’96) is not only an excellent mentor who has plentiful exciting work but is a great person to know.
More about Williams’ experience with Weickmann can be found here.
Based in Atlanta, The Halle Foundation seeks to promote understanding, knowledge and friendship between the people of Germany and the United States.
For more information or to set up an advising appointment, please email: ruskintlaw@uga.edu
Global Externships Overseas (GEO), 4-12 week placements for rising second- and third-year law students in private-sector and public-sector law placements around the world.
Global Governance Summer School
This year’s Global Governance Summer School will focus on comparative administrative law. It is set to begin this month, when students will travel to Belgium for a week of lectures led by Georgia Law Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law Kent Barnett, as well as professors from partner university KU Leuven. The first week of this for-credit course also will include professional development briefings at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, private law firms, and NGOs.
Then, programming shifts to The Hague, Netherlands, where Barnett will lead briefings at the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and the U.S. Embassy in The Hague. Center director Sarah Quinn and Global Practice Preparation Assistant Catrina Martin will provide logistical assistance during the program.
Our Center’s Global Externship Overseas initiative places Georgia Law students in externships lasting between four and twelve weeks. It thus offers students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a variety of legal settings worldwide. This summer, three students have opted to combine the GEO opportunity with participation in GGSS: Emily Munger, Karlie “Kara” Reed, and Benjamin Privitera.
This summer, sixteen Georgia Law students are set to pursue Global Externships Overseas, in practice areas such as privacy and technology law, intellectual property law, cultural heritage and historic preservation, environmental law, international arbitration, corporate law, and human rights law.
This year’s GEO class includes these private-sector placements:
Andrew Miller (rising 3L) – Weickmann & Weickmann; Munich, Germany
In the article, Quinn discusses the Center’s focus on providing Georgia Law students with opportunities to globalize their legal education. She highlights the Center’s student-facing programming, including Global Governance Summer School, Global Externships Overseas, the NATO Externship, and semester-long exchanges with institutional partner O.P. Jindal Global University’s Jindal Global Law School. Explaining how the Center encourages all J.D. students to consider participating in these programs, Quinn states:
“We underscore to our students just how globalized the practice of law is— even [students] aspiring to work domestically can benefit from taking an international law course or gaining work experience abroad.”
Quinn provides information about the Center’s initiatives for foreign-educated law students and professionals, ranging from the 10-month Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree to the Visiting Researcher initiative. She notes that the Center’s events throughout the academic year, including the annual Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law conference, offer opportunities for participation, particularly from alumni/ae and from interested professionals.
The article can be accessed in its entirety here. Global Atlanta is one of the Center’s institutional partners.
Quinn was named the permanent director of the Dean Rusk International Law Center after leading the unit for seven months on an interim basis. Quinn, who joined the School of Law in 2019, previously served as the associate director for global practice preparation. She was instrumental in developing the school’s partnership with India’s Jindal Global University, establishing the Graduate Certificate in International Law and transitioning the Global Governance Summer School into a credit-bearing program. Prior to joining the law school, Quinn worked with the UGA Office of Global Engagement and the U.S. Peace Corps in addition to serving as a director for the American School Language Institute in Morocco. She earned her B.A., B.F.A. and M.I.P. from UGA and her ED.M. from Harvard University.
Vyas: I enjoyed Complex Litigation with Professor Elizabeth Burch. It was a challenging course, but Professor Burch is amazing. She has so much knowledge about the topic and structured the class around discussion so that we were all able to learn together. I also enjoyed hearing from two judges who were guest speakers.
Menon: It’s hard to pick, but before UGA Law, I never had the opportunity to learn about the field of privacy law. I enjoyed Global Data Privacy in Practice with Professor Joe Kaufmann. This is a field that I will continue to explore when I return to India.
What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of law school in the United States?
Vyas: I was so impressed by the time management skills of my peers. One of the best pieces of advice that I received was from a 2L who recommended that I do my assigned readings daily rather than letting them accumulate, since it is very difficult to catch up. At JGLS, we of course have assigned readings, but there are smaller assessments throughout the semester that assist you with structuring your time. Here, since grades are only based on the final exams, you have to manage your assignments and your time independently of those benchmarks.
Menon: I was surprised by the fact that law school is a self-taught environment, which I experienced firsthand in my classes. Students teach themselves the material throughout the semester, and their understanding is perfected by the professors in classes. This is a markedly different approach than the pedagogical approach in Indian law schools, where I would describe the classroom experience as being more guided by the professor. At UGA Law, professors treat students as professionals right, and I think that this learning environment helped me to grow both as a law student and as a person.
What was your favorite thing about living in Athens?
Vyas: Being from New Delhi, India, I would consider myself to be a big city person. However, I fell in love with the small-town vibe of Athens. It has such a unique character and sense of community, especially on football game days and for community events like the Wild Rumpus. Everyone in Athens is also incredibly warm and welcoming.
Menon: The best thing about Athens is that it is a town full of life and character. The transformation of Athens on gamedays was something that I have never seen before. I loved the culture around college football here and how it is something that is enjoyed across generations. For example, when I was walking around campus during a home game, I came across so many families dressed up in their UGA gear and with faces painted, all equally enthusiastic about cheering on the Dawgs. In India, this sort of team spirit for professional sports is usually limited to young adults. It was refreshing and fun to see it be shared among young and old alike here in Athens.
What will you tell your JGLS classmates about your semester at UGA Law?
Vyas: The education is very challenging and helped me to break out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I would tell them that if they are seeking a challenge and opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth, they should participate in a semester-long exchange at UGA Law.
Menon: I would tell them that academically, they will have access to incredible faculty and courses at UGA Law. Of course, the experience will be difficult, but it will be worth it. I also think that there are a lot of similarities between JGLS and UGA Law that will lessen the transitional period and will help students to maximize their time here on campus. Everything from the climate to the academic rigor is similar.
What would you like UGA Law students to know about JGLS?
Vyas: If you participate in a semester-long exchange at JGLS, you’ll have access to a wide range of courses. It’s a great place to expand your academic horizons and get a non-western perspective on legal topics. You’ll also have the opportunity to make life-long connections with students and faculty who themselves have global networks and communities. It will definitely be a cultural adjustment, but people will be very welcoming and it will be such a worthwhile experience for on all levels.
Menon: Western culture is very different from Indian or Asian culture. JGLS offers a sweet spot between the two: it is an Indian community that is very international and inclusive. I think it is the perfect opportunity for an American student to experience and learn about India and its legal system while still retaining many touchpoints of familiarity. Like our exchange experience here in the United States, it will be an opportunity for incredible growth.
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The University of Georgia School of Law offers a semester-long international exchange for J.D. students with our institutional partner, O.P. Jindal Global Law School. This exchange offers students access to a wide range of international law courses and professors, as well as unique professional development opportunities. This immersive placement allows students to take courses in English while living on campus and becoming part of an international law community. Through the tuition-exchange model, students pay their regular tuition to UGA Law for the semester, in addition to a small pre-determined fee by JGLS.
UGA Law is now accepting applications for students interested in spending the fall 2024 semester at JGLS. For more information about the exchange program, please visit our website.
exchange of notes 