For many lawyers, an LL.M. in international law is a gateway to a career in a global center. But for Sofia Paredes Arizaga, LL.M. ’19, the journey to the University of Miami School of Law was about gathering the tools to transform her home country. Today, as the newly appointed national director of health policy, regulation, and modeling at the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador, Paredes Arizaga sits at the intersection of high-level legal strategy and public service, proving that a global education is often the most effective way to serve a local community.
A bridge to international excellence
Choosing a postgraduate program is a pivotal decision for any foreign-trained attorney. For Paredes Arizaga, who had received her law degree from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito - Ecuador, the School of Law stood out not just for its academic rigor, but for its unique position as a cultural and professional nexus.
"I chose Miami Law because the program was broad and flexible," said Paredes Arizaga, who specialized in the general LL.M. in international law with specialization in U.S. & Transnational Law for Foreign-Trained Lawyers. "I wanted an international degree that would give me solid global credentials without limiting my future options."
Having lived in various countries, she felt a pull toward her roots in Ecuador but sought a program that mirrored her international ambitions. "Miami felt like the perfect bridge: internationally respected, deeply connected to Latin America, and aligned with both my personal and professional goals."
Community and the 'Rathskeller' spirit
Life at the School of Law wasn’t all case law and high-stakes exams. Paredes Arizaga fondly recalls the vibrant atmosphere of the Coral Gables Campus. From sharing coffee with classmates from across the globe under the Florida sun at "The Bricks" to her "iconic" stint working at the campus pub, her experience was defined by community.
"As a fun fact, while I was in law school, I worked as a barback at the Rathskeller," she said. "It was law school by day and the Rathskeller in the afternoons. Iconic, if you ask me." These moments of connection fostered lasting bonds. "Every time I return to Miami, I’m welcomed with open arms, which speaks to the strong sense of community Miami Law fosters."
Mindfulness in leadership
While at the School of Law, Paredes Arizaga found transformative value in an unexpected place: the Mindfulness in Law program. Under the guidance of Scott Rogers, she discovered that effective lawyering requires more than just a mastery of statutes—it requires emotional intelligence.
"It ended up shaping every aspect of my life," she said. "I learned how to approach leadership and decision-making with clarity, balance, and perspective. It helped me work better with people who think differently from me and taught me how to navigate complex situations with intention rather than reaction."
Shaping the future of Ecuador
Building on her experience as the general legal coordinator for the vice presidency of the Republic of Ecuador, Paredes Arizaga is taking on a significant new institutional challenge. On Feb. 2, she transitioned to the role of national director of health policy, regulation, and modeling at the Ministry of Public Health.
In her role at the Ministry of Public Health, Paredes Arizaga is instrumental in shaping the future of Ecuador’s National Health System. From drafting regulatory models to collaborating with the National Assembly on legislative reform, she ensures that public health policy remains grounded in human rights and inclusive of diverse gender and cultural perspectives.
"What I enjoy most is the responsibility of shaping decisions that truly matter," she said. Her leadership philosophy centers on a culture of excellence and continuous learning. "We are not just professionals; we are people. I encourage my team to go beyond their job descriptions...helping each person grow from their strengths so that we all move forward together."
For Paredes Arizaga, the goal of an international law education is its local application. She encourages current LL.M. students to consider the impact they can have in their home countries.
"Returning home to serve is a privilege," she notes. "I come from Ecuador, where social, economic, and educational gaps are significant, and I truly believe that bringing back what we learn abroad can help shape better public policies. A degree from a place like Miami Law opens doors anywhere, including back home."
Driven by a commitment to public service rather than any single institution, Paredes Arizaga has built a diverse career—from auditing oil tankers and public expenditure to managing legal strategy at the vice presidency. She seeks to continue growing in roles—such as her new leadership position in public health policy—where an international perspective can be grounded in local realities to create tangible societal impact.
Read more about the School of Law’s LL.M. Programs.
Read more about the School of Law’s International Law area of study.
