Studying a Master of Laws at Cambridge

Legal professional Apostle Actis Perinetto completed his Master of Laws (LLM) at the UK’s University of Cambridge in 2012, with a specialization in European law. He’s now came back to his home country, Italy, where he’s AN associate at a legal observe in Rome, advising companies on a vary of problems about Italian and European law. Ahead of his appearance on the alumni panel at the QS World school Tour in city, he shares his experience of learning law at Cambridge, and advice for others considering a Master of Laws program.

What motivated you to enrol in a Master of Laws (LLM)?

I applied for the University of Cambridge’s Master of Laws program, with a focus on European law, because it offered the best chance on behalf of me to satisfy the interests I initial developed at school. While learning at the University of urban center, I developed a great interest within the study of European law and that i took each course offered by the university on the topic. This fascination grew during my 2 years of legal billet at the District Solicitor General’s workplace of urban center.

After effort the District Solicitor General’s workplace, I knew that I was at an important point in my legal career and it appeared natural, given the growing relevance of European law in each the world and national contexts, as well as my professional and tutorial interests, to focus my studies there. When I looked into attainable programs, it became clear to me that a degree from a prestigious university such as the University of Cambridge would offer everything i used to be yearning for academically and would conjointly open up a wider and higher vary of employment opportunities.
I had aspired to become a lawyer at AN international firm for quite a while, so I knew that companies solely look at candidates with outstanding tutorial backgrounds. Surely, a Master of Laws from Cambridge would show that I had the academic credentials required for my dream job. However, my choice of law at Cambridge was very concerning abundant a lot of than a certification. I was quite fascinated by the concept of learning at one in every of the world’s best universities; I had forever unreal of studying abroad in AN intellectually stimulating environment; and that i couldn’t pass up the chance to make the talents i might have to be compelled to become a wonderful professional in such AN geographic point of intellectualism.

Why did you choose the University of Cambridge?

Overall, I knew that studying law at Cambridge assured a bound style of sensible and tutorial preparation that will be helpful in each legal community. This sense was heightened considering that I applied for the LLM with a specialization in European law, a field that has recently emerged as indispensable to the study and practice of law. Finally, I knew that studying law in European country would facilitate American state improve my language skills, which was vital as a result of of my goal to figure for a world firm.

What were the key lessons you learned from your LLM?

The formal university experience helped American state build my own ways for learning, handling the pressure of being a lawyer, and preparing to meet vital challenges. However, I really assume the foremost vital lessons came from my colleagues; the individuals from everywhere the planet whom i used to be lucky enough to satisfy whereas learning there. I was constantly exposed to sensible individuals and immensely completely different views not solely in a tutorial or skilled context, but conjointly as it came to life a lot of typically. An expertise of this kind isn't almost about learning, but concerning gap your mind.

What was most enjoyable about your LLM experience?

Besides the people I met, what I enjoyed most about learning law at Cambridge was the very high quality of the training. The LLM categories were all educated by distinguished students and specialists in their fields. These professors somehow taught lessons concerning sensible expertise and theoretical information along in the greatest lectures. That experience alone was really superb. Socially, I enjoyed being a member of my college soccer team. I was lucky to own an outlet for the pressures of college within the variety of difficult  afternoon matches against alternative faculties, and evenings hanging out with my teammates.

Nevertheless, being at Cambridge did not come while not its challenges. Being Italian, the most difficult side of my keep within the UK was the weather: living for weeks in a {very} place wherever the sun disappears at four within the afternoon is very distressing. Not surprisingly, the food was also AN issue, but I tried to cope by cookery for myself most of the time.

What have you done since completing your LLM?

Immediately once the completion of my Master of Laws, I sent applications to a number of law of nations companies and began interviewing for jobs. Shortly afterwards, I began working for Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. I am currently a sophomore associate, and resident of Cleary’s Rome office, where I focus on a large vary of problems arising underneath European law and European and Italian antitrust legislation. The skills I acquired throughout my Master of Laws gave American state the chance to figure for one in every of the foremost famed and vital international companies. This has allowed me to settle into a observe space and begin developing experience within the fields of pharmaceutical, telecommunications, media and administrative law.

How have you applied what you learned during your LLM?

At Cleary, I practice EU and national competition law on a daily basis. On several occasions, I have had to travel back to my LLM notes to reference things I learned throughout my year at Cambridge and to place concepts gleaned from spectacular lectures into observe.

What advice would you give to others considering a similar path?

Just do it. It will be a tremendous expertise, which can be worthy despite what you opt to try and do afterwards!