Name: María Torres
Country of Origin: Colombia
Year of LL.M.: 2018
Law School(s) attended: Externado de Colombia University & University of Miami
Language(s): Spanish & English
Current Position: Founding Partner, Torres Law & Consulting Professor at the Externado de Colombia University (teaching a call on “International Commercial Arbitration” in the Postgraduate Degree in International Contracting Law, Bogotá, Colombia
Relevant past position(s): In-House Counsel of the Legal Defense Department / National Arbitration & Head of International Arbitration team of The National Infrastructure Agency of Colombia- ANI
Awards, Honors, Publications: Miami Law’s International Arbitration Institute Scholarship, May 2017; Enforcement of Annulled Awards, published on Miami Law’s International Moot Court Program website, June 2020; Enforcement of Annulled Awards, published on the blog of the Business Department-Externado de Colombia University, Bogotá, Colombia, June 2020.
What Are Your Current Position, Title, and Day-to-Day Tasks?
As a founding Partner of Torres Law & Consulting, I am the head of the International Arbitration cases that the firm is leading. I am also the head of any legal advice that our clients require, especially in terms of negotiation of settlement agreements, concession contracts and Public - Private Association Partnership Contracts (PPP). In an increasingly globalized world, Torres Law & Consulting was born as a specialist legal firm, whose main objective is to provide specialized advice and representation to our clients for the prevention, management, and development of Concession Contracts for infrastructure, construction, and transportation. Likewise, Torres Law & Consulting is a specialized firm in representing our clients in the different Alternative Conflict Resolution Mechanisms, such as the Amicable Composition, Domestic and International Arbitration, among others.
Daily, I am formulating statements of defense, counterclaims, arguments, and establishing and verifying the bases for legal proceedings. In general, I carry out the management of the arbitration proceedings as well as analyze and review the responses to requests from arbitration tribunals.
As a law professor teaching a course on “International Commercial Arbitration” in the Postgraduate Law Degree in International Contracting Law at the Externado de Colombia University, I have the honor and privilege to guide students to gain a legal perspective and a professional edge in commercial arbitration. This allows my students to improve and practice their legal skills, especially, through simulation of arbitral hearings and cases, which allow me to mix practical exercises with the theoretical knowledge I teach.
How Did Your LL.M. Studies Help You Build a Successful Career in the Field?
The International Arbitration LL.M. helped me to build and achieve success in my career in all senses. The LL.M. not only gave me a very strong basis in arbitration law, but also gave me the opportunity to practice my skills in different workshops, courses, and programs such as the Vis Moot competition. Moreover, the program provided me with very good friends, not only from the classes, but also from the faculty, who have been helping and supporting my career even today.
What Was the Most Impactful Experience During your Studies at Miami Law?
It is difficult to define a specific experience during the LL.M that impacted me. The entire program constantly gives you possibilities to impact your career and improve your skills; however, the possibility to have some practice in an American law firm through the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum program and to participate in Moot Court competitions marks your career and helps to improve and define your qualities as lawyer.
What Advice Would You Give an Incoming LL.M. Student for How to Make the Most of Their LL.M.?
The biggest advice for incoming International Arbitration LL.M students is to attend as many lectures, workshops, networking events and luncheons as possible. You should always prioritize the classes, but take advantage of all the opportunities that the program generates for students to meet people and improve arbitration skills.
How Has the Graduate Experience Impacted Your Current Work?
Having the opportunities to study in the U.S., in a prestigious program and university as an International Arbitration LL.M. student at the University of Miam School of Law affected my career and my current work. Clients feel more confident and comfortable with an attorney who not only has knowledge in civil law, but also in common law. In addition, the program gives you the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and helps give you different and new perspectives to approach colleagues and clients from other cultures and backgrounds.
