In the Fall of 2019, the University of Miami School of Law’s White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program announced a new scholarship partnership with the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) to offer one half-tuition scholarship (currently $27,375) to outstanding AIJA members who apply to the LL.M. Program. With a diverse membership of 4,000+ active members from 90+ different countries, AIJA is the premier organization worldwide devoted to providing young lawyers with outstanding international opportunities to network, learn and develop.
Sandra Friedrich, Lecturer in Law and Director of Miami Law’s International Arbitration LL.M. & Institute, pronounced, “We are proud to have this collaboration with AIJA, a truly global organization devoted to young lawyers. We believe that this collaboration does not only benefit AIJA members, but also our Miami Law community by bringing talented young professionals interested in specializing in international arbitration to Miami for their graduate studies.“
Current International Arbitration LL.M. student, Cristian Gallorini, from Italy’s Tuscany region, received the AIJA half-tuition scholarship for the 2021 academic year. “The University of Miami School of Law is helping me realize goals and dreams that I have always visualized, but I did not fully know how to reach,” Gallorini states. “The half tuition scholarship has given me the opportunity to complete my education with an LL.M. in the United States early in my professional career.”
Gallorini originally decided to pursue his LL.M. at Miami Law “because the international arbitration program is one of the best programs” in the field and also “has a great variety of courses to enhance theoretical and practical skills.” During his time at Miami Law thus far, Gallorini notes that he has “found a professional and vibrant community where I could strengthen my knowledge both academically and professionally” and make connections with “lawyers from all over the world.” At Miami Law, Gallorini has also had the opportunity to participate in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program with a highly-regarded international arbitration boutique law firm, where he is currently “researching investment law and arbitration matter while continuing my interest in EU law.” Gallorini has also had the opportunity to participate in a graduate research assistantship at the Law School.
Through classes with international arbitration professors, who are also leaders in the field, Gallorini hopes that one day he will be able “to follow in their footsteps and become an excellent practitioner in the field of international arbitration and a lecturer in law.”
Filippo Frigerio, another International Arbitration LL.M. student from the Veneto region in Italy’s north, also received the AIJA half-tuition scholarship for the 2021 academic year. Frigerio first decided to pursue an LL.M. in International Arbitration after speaking with several colleagues who all “consistently told me how the LL.M. had a terrific impact on their careers and on their professional lives.”
Frigerio first learned about Miami Law’s International Arbitration LL.M. Program at an AIJA conference and since then, has “heard nothing but very positive reviews about the program and, of course, about the city.” A particular draw for Frigerio to Miami Law was the impressive faculty consisting of “names that every student in the international arbitration field has read about during their studies.” So far, “the International Arbitration program is very challenging and exciting,” Frigerio states. “I am taking both classes that are closely related to the international arbitration field and classes outside of the arbitration program, such as common law Contracts and Space Law.” During the rest of his time at Miami Law, Frigerio plans to take “advantage of all the opportunities that the vast curriculum of courses at Miami Law has to offer.”
Recently, Frigerio has an opportunity to present his paper on “Data Security & Online Arbitration,” written as part of the LL.M. course on “Advanced Topics in Arbitration” taught by Jonathan C. Hamilton, (Distinguished Faculty Chair, Miami Law International Arbitration Institute and Partner, White & Case LLP, Washington, DC.), at a student panel discussion on the broader topic of “Globalization & Arbitration.” After graduation, Frigerio plans to take the New York Bar exam and continue practicing in the field of international arbitration.
Miami Law’s International Arbitration LL.M. provides a unique individualized curriculum for a small group of top quality students from around the globe who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of international commercial and investment arbitration as a platform for a successful career. Students receive career advising tailored to their individual interests and professional goals. Students also may pursue networking and professional development opportunities, such as attending international job fairs, participating in internships with leading international arbitration firms and institutions, competing in international arbitration moot court competitions, attending international arbitration conferences, publishing in legal journals, and getting involved in professional arbitral organizations. After graduation, the LL.M. Program provides post-graduation options for students to sit for the bar exam in several U.S. states, including New York, and obtain a one-year post-graduation optional practical training (OPT) work permit. Miami Law also offers a three-semester Intensive Legal English + International Arbitration study option and a J.D./LL.M. Joint Degree in International Arbitration, which allows students to complete both degrees in as little as two years.
