international education

Halle Foundation grant recipient Pace Cassell (J.D. ’26) reflects on semester-long Global Externship Overseas in Germany

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.

2024 Annual Report for the Dean Rusk International Law Center published

As the year draws to a close, we at the University of Georgia School of Law‘s Dean Rusk International Law Center are pleased to share our annual report, detailing a wide range of international activities and achievements that contributed to our #20 U.S. News ranking for international law programs in the United States in 2024. This year’s report highlights:

  • Faculty publications and awards
  • Global Governance Summer School
  • Global Externships Overseas
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.) program
  • Visiting Research Scholars
  • International events and conferences
  • International advocacy
  • Rusk Center Council
  • Global Partnerships
  • And more!

The 2024 annual report can be accessed here.

Six Master of Laws (LL.M.) students selected as Graduate Editors of the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law

Six Master of Laws (LL.M.) students from the University of Georgia School of Law’s class of 2025 were selected to join the Editorial Board of the Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law as Graduate Editors. The students are: Sara Dorbahani, Michael Faleye, Neethu James, Samuel Kuo, Dzmitry Liasovich, and Ramakrishna Rut Palepu.

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.

Georgia Law LL.M. student Michael Faleye receives scholarship from Education African Scholars Global Connect

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.

Georgia Law 3L Erin Nalley attends Liverpool Summer School

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

Dean Rusk International Law Center receives grant from The Halle Foundation

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

Bon voyage to students taking part in Georgia Law global summer 2024 initiatives

In the weeks ahead, more than two dozen students will travel to participate in two global practice preparation offerings administered by the University of Georgia School of Law’s Dean Rusk International Law Center. These are the:

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.

Thirteen Georgia Law students will take part: Ceilidh Buckley, Elizabeth “Grace” Lane, both rising 3Ls; Elizabeth Burns, Aaron Dasher, Leighlee Mahony, Antavious McCarden, Emily Munger, Benjamin Privitera, Karlie “Kara” Reed, Bailey “Hunt” Renfroe, Casey Smith, all rising 2Ls; and Emilio Suarez Romero and Michael Williams, both pursuing Graduate Certificates in International Law.

Global Externships Overseas

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:

These students will work for public sector placements:

  • Amelia England (rising 2L) – Cambodian Ministry of Culture’s Department of Antiquities; Phnom Penh, Cambodia
  • Rogers “Carter” Haydon (rising 2L) – Office of the Privacy Commissioner; Hamilton, Bermuda
  • Eman Mistry (rising 3L) – Department of Conservation; Wellington, New Zealand
  • Emily Munger (rising 2L) – The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law; Valletta, Malta
  • Chelsey Perry (rising 3L) – Department of Conservation; Wellington, New Zealand
  • Abigail Rimmer (rising 2L) – No Peace Without Justice; Brussels, Belgium
  • Tiffany Torchia (rising 3L) – Office of the Privacy Commissioner; Hamilton, Bermuda

More information on both of these Georgia Law initiatives here.

Center director Quinn featured in Global Atlanta article

Dean Rusk International Law Center director Sarah Quinn was recently featured in Global Atlanta regarding her new leadership position at the University of Georgia School of Law. The article titled “New Dean Rusk Center Director: How UGA Prepares Georgia’s Future International Lawyers” was written by Leigh Villegas.

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.

Applications now open for UGA Law’s summer 2024 Global Governance Summer School

Applications are now open for the summer 2024 Global Governance Summer School, jointly presented by the University of Georgia School of Law’s Dean Rusk International Law Center and KU Leuven’s Leuven Centre for Global Governance Studies. Each summer, this short-term study abroad takes UGA Law students to Belgium and the Netherlands to explore global governance: the interaction of state, regional, and international legal regimes, plus individuals, corporations, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, networks, and other non-state actors.

In summer 2023, the first summer GGSS ran since 2019, 17 students traveled to Europe for a week of lectures with KU Leuven professors. The first week of this for-credit course also included professional development briefings in Brussels at the European Parliament, where students were able to watch the final vote of the session cast, and a private law firm specializing in EU competition law. The programming then shifted to The Hague, Netherlands, where students received briefings at the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and Leiden University.

The students in attendance had a variety of professional and academic motivations for participating in GGSS. For some, the professional connections, international experience, and expanded academic network will continue to benefit them as they pursue employment internationally. Erin Nalley, a current 2L who aims to work in international environmental law, stated how important the experiences of GGSS are for someone interested in an international career:

“The cultural, academic, and international experiences on this program were priceless and once in a lifetime. I made new friendships and professional connections on this trip that I most likely would not have made without GGSS.”

For others focusing their professional pursuits domestically, GGSS served as a unique professional development opportunity that will set them apart in their job search. Megan Jones, a current 2L interested in a business law career, reflected on the value of the knowledge she gained through her participation in GGSS:

“GGSS was a great opportunity for someone who sees themselves practicing domestically early in their legal career but still has an interest or desire to incorporate international aspects into their professional future. They say the best way to learn something is to immerse yourself in it, and that is exactly what GGSS is: an immersive experience that introduces you to the wide array of global opportunities the legal field has to offer.“

In addition to the UGA Law students, several graduate students at UGA in the law school’s Graduate Certificate in International Law participated in GGSS. Jasmine Underwood-Starling, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Sociology, noted that the benefits of GGSS are truly interdisciplinary:

“For any student interested in international, foreign, and comparative law, the GGSS is definitely worthwhile. The ability to go from classroom learning to then seeing the knowledge and practices in action the very next day is an invaluable experience. The program was truly inspiring.”

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Applications for the summer 2024 Global Governance Summer School are now open. Current 1Ls, 2Ls, and graduate students are encouraged to apply. This 12-day, 3-credit summer school will explore global governance through the lens of comparative administrative law led by Kent Barnett, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & J. Alton Hosch Professor of Law. GGSS will take place from May 20 – June 1, 2024. Students are encouraged to reference this instructional video for step-by-step information regarding how to create and successfully complete an application for GGSS in UGA’s Study Away Portal by the March 1 deadline. For more information, please plan to attend the Center’s International Opportunities Information Session on Tuesday, February 13 at 12pm, or email: ruskintlaw@uga.edu