When Matias Canabes arrived at the University of Miami School of Law, he already had a solid legal foundation. A Chilean lawyer trained in civil litigation, Canabes had earned his law degree from the Universidad Diego Portales in Santiago. What he sought next was a specialized degree to pivot his practice to become an international arbitration practitioner fluent in both the language and practice of global dispute resolution.
His studies will be complete this May, when Canabes graduates with an LL.M. in International Arbitration, one of Miami Law’s most specialized and globally focused graduate programs.
Designed to prepare lawyers for the complexities of cross‑border commercial and investment disputes, the LL.M. program combines intensive coursework with hands‑on training. Students learn from world‑renowned professors and leading practitioners through advanced classes, workshops, and short courses that allow for deep, focused study in a rapidly evolving field.
Before beginning the LL.M., Canabes enrolled in Miami Law’s Intensive Legal English + LL.M. program, a track specifically tailored for foreign‑trained lawyers seeking to strengthen their English proficiency for academic and professional success. The program proved to be a critical bridge—equipping him with the advanced language skills needed to excel in the classroom.
“Studying my LL.M. at the University of Miami has been a turning point in my legal career,” Canabes said. “It allowed me to transition from civil litigation in Chile to international arbitration, while strengthening my legal English and gaining exposure to U.S. legal practice.”
That academic foundation came to life not only through coursework but also with experiential learning. During his studies, Canabes participated in investment arbitration mock hearings, a capstone experience in which students present full investment arbitration cases. The exercise, conducted as part of the Investment Arbitration course taught by Professor Carolyn Lamm, challenged students to apply doctrine, advocacy, and strategy in a realistic arbitral setting.
“It was a challenging and rewarding experience,” Canabes said, crediting Lamm’s lectures and guidance for shaping his understanding of the field.
A defining component of Canabes’s LL.M. experience was his participation in the International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum Program, which allows students to earn academic credit while working with prominent international arbitration firms. Through the practicum, Canabes joined the International Arbitration team at Hogan Lovells, gaining firsthand exposure to global arbitration practice.
“The best part of my practicum with Hogan Lovells has been working on complex, real‑world international arbitration matters alongside highly experienced practitioners,” he said.
At Hogan Lovells, Canabes contributed to substantive legal research, case strategy, and document preparation, supporting high‑stakes disputes spanning Latin America, Europe, and North America. His responsibilities included drafting internal memoranda, analyzing arbitral awards, and assisting with submissions in major international cases—experience that deepened his understanding of arbitration practice in the U.S. and sharpened his research and writing skills in English.
Equally important, the experience demonstrated how Miami Law’s LL.M. program connects students directly to the global legal market.
“For me, it created a direct bridge between my prior experience and my current role in international arbitration,” Canabes said.
As he prepares to graduate, Canabes is quick to recommend Miami Law’s LL.M. programs to other foreign‑trained lawyers seeking both academic rigor and professional opportunity.
“They combine strong academic training with real access to the legal market,” he said. “The faculty, networking opportunities, and hands‑on experiences like practicums truly help foreign‑trained lawyers integrate into the U.S. legal environment.”
This May, Canabes joins the Class of 2026 and more than 23,000 School of Law alumni. He leaves equipped not only with an advanced degree, but with increased global perspective, professional experience, and confidence to succeed in international arbitration—wherever his practice leads.
More on Miami Law’s LL.M. programs
