Bhutanese attorney Chhoeing Upel has been awarded the prestigious White & Case/Carolyn B. Lamm Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year, enabling her to pursue an LL.M. degree in International Arbitration at the University of Miami School of Law.
The White & Case/Carolyn B. Lamm Scholarship was established in 2014 by the law firm in honor of White & Case partner Carolyn B. Lamm, a Miami Law alumna and distinguished faculty chair of the International Arbitration LL.M.
"I was overwhelmed and filled with a deep sense of gratitude to learn that I was awarded the full tuition scholarship to pursue my LL.M. in International Arbitration at the University of Miami," said Upel. "It is a great honor and privilege for me to be the first and only Bhutanese at the University of Miami School of Law."
Upel received her law degree from Jigme Singye Wangchuck School of Law in Paro Pangbisa, Bhutan, where she was involved with the Appropriate Dispute Resolution Clinic. There, she researched and drafted arbitration rules, regulations, and guidelines and helped mediate cases at the Family and Child Bench.
She also served as a legal intern at the Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Bhutan, where she clerked for the senior-most justice, assisting in drafting case briefs and court judgments.
Since beginning her LL.M. degree at the School of Law, Upel has made many connections with the students and faculty.
"The highlight of my study at Miami Law has to be the awesome and brilliant people I have come across," said Upel. "I have made lifetime friendships and connections with such a diverse group of people that now, wherever I go in the world, I will always have a place to visit or a friend to catch up with!"
Upel works at Shutts & Bowen in Miami as part of the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program. She is conducting legal research in support of the arbitration team and drafting motions for the litigation team at the firm.
The White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program provides a unique individualized educational opportunity for a small group of top-quality students from various countries wishing to acquire an in-depth grounding in international arbitration as a platform for a successful career. The program – the only one in the United States – is open to U.S. and foreign-trained graduates and ideal for newcomers or experienced practitioners looking to enrich their skills and knowledge.
Upel hopes to one day return to her home country of Bhutan to contribute to "Gelephu Mindfulness City," a vision of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan.
"Bhutan is currently in the process of establishing the "Gelephu Mindfulness City," a bold vision of His Majesty the King as a business hub where Bhutanese youth can effectively contribute towards nation-building and self-sufficiency," said Upel. "My goal is to gain enough exposure and experience to contribute to His Majesty's vision before returning to my country."
Ultimately, Upel would like to practice arbitration in the United Nations or get involved with institutional work with marginalized groups to "uplift their lives."
"I am quite open to any opportunity that comes my way."
Read more about Miami Law's LL.M. Programs.
