Class of 2026

LL.M.s

Jiawei Cai.

Jiawei (Eva) Cai ’26

China

Ms. Cai is a graduate of the prestigious Shanghai University law school and currently practices at Beijing W&H Law Firm’s Shanghai office. She has a strong interest in high-profile bankruptcy cases and is committed to building a career that thoughtfully balances profitability, regulatory compliance, and social responsibility. As she pursues her LL.M. degree at the University of Minnesota, she looks forward to engaging in meaningful legal exchange with fellow scholars and contributing to a dynamic academic community.

Kadir Levent Cirakman.

Kadir Levent Cirakman ’26

Turkey

Mr. Cirakman is a graduate of Istanbul Kültür University School of Law and holds an LL.M. in European and International Law. He brings hands-on experience in Moot Court competitions and has conducted extensive research on international legal issues and foreign direct investment. As a licensed attorney in Istanbul, his practice focuses on criminal law, real estate law, and immigration law. Following the completion of his LL.M. at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Cirakman aspires to gain admission to the Texas Bar and pursue a career in international legal practice.

Clara Corrado.

Clara Corrado ’26

Italy

Ms. Corrado, previously a semester exchange student from Bocconi University in Italy, has returned to Minnesota Law to complete her LL.M. degree. With professional and academic experience in both the United States and Ireland, she brings a global perspective to her studies. Passionate about international law and human rights, Ms. Corrado is eager to deepen her expertise in these areas while actively contributing to the rich diversity of the Minnesota Law community. Committed to advancing justice and equity, she strives to help build a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Zhihao Du.

Zhihao (Owen) Du ’26

China

Mr. Du earned his law degree from Northwest University, where he cultivated strong literary and research skills, evidenced by his ranking among the top three students in library book borrowing. His academic curiosity and global outlook have driven him to participate in over 20 Model United Nations conferences, supported by proficiency in three languages. With a deep passion for international legal practice, Mr. Du currently serves as in-house counsel at Qingdao Gorenje Electric Appliance Co., Ltd., where he specializes in reviewing both domestic and international contracts.

Yi Gou.

Yi Gou ’26

China

Mr. Gou, originally trained in finance, later earned a law degree from Jilin University to deepen his understanding of legal frameworks. This year, he is excited to pursue a Business Law concentration at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he plans to take accounting-related courses that complement his interdisciplinary background. With experience at the intersection of finance and law, Mr. Gou looks forward to sharing his insights and further developing the skills needed to navigate the increasingly globalized legal market.

Jeynner Gutierrez Hernandez.

Jeynner Gutierrez Hernandez ’26

Nicaragua

Mr. Hernandez is a Business and Tax Attorney and a graduate of Universidad Americana. He began his legal career at ARIAS, a top-tier regional law firm in Central America, where he focused on supporting startups and entrepreneurs. His interest in international practice deepened after working with a Texas-based company, broadening his perspective on cross-border legal issues. Mr. Hernandez is eager to engage in academic exchange with fellow tax and business law students at the University of Minnesota, where he looks forward to sharing insights and expanding his global legal understanding.

Maja Holmen.

Maja Holmen ’26

Norway

Ms. Holmen is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of Bergen in Norway, with a professional ambition to foster bilateral and cultural exchange between Norway and the United States through a career in international trade or diplomacy. Her affinity for the American Midwest was cultivated during her Fulbright studies at Michigan State University, where she developed a deep appreciation for the region’s culture and values. She also broadened her global perspective through an exchange semester at Peking University in China. At the University of Minnesota Law School, she is particularly eager to deepen her understanding of the U.S. Constitution and engage with the school’s rich array of cross-disciplinary course offerings.

Ludwig Irveland.

Ludwig Irveland ’26

Sweden

Mr. Irveland successfully completed a Master of Laws at Uppsala University and is now returning to finalize his three-semester LL.M. degree at Minnesota Law. A former member of the Swedish Armed Forces, he brings a disciplined and global perspective to his legal studies. His academic interests center on corporate governance and transactions, and how fiduciaries’ duties impact transactional structuring. Mr. Irveland completed an internship at the internationally recognized Delaware Court of Chancery in 2024, and following graduation, he plans to pursue a career as a corporate litigator.

Hasan Isler.

Hasan Isler ’26

Turkey

Mr. Isler has successfully completed a prestigious clerkship at the Constitutional Court of Turkey, where he focused on cases concerning the annulment of legislation and human rights violations. Driven by a deep personal and professional commitment to the protection of human rights, he has provided pro bono legal assistance to families impacted by political persecution. Following the completion of his LL.M. degree, Mr. Isler intends to sit for the bar exam and pursue a career that leverages his expertise in International Human Rights Law to advocate for justice and uphold fundamental freedoms.

Zengshuo Jiao.

Zengshuo (Alice) Jiao ’26

China

Ms. Jiao earned her law degree through the International Talent Program at Nanjing University and further enriched her legal education by participating in a Law Seminar at Yale University. Driven by a strong passion for Public International Law, she earned a place on her university’s highly selective moot court competition team. Recognizing the widespread issue of informational asymmetry in legal knowledge, Ms. Jiao took initiative to design and deliver lectures and workshops aimed at introducing primary school students to fundamental concepts of legal rights. Her long-term ambition is to contribute to international organizations or tribunals, where she hopes to address complex transnational challenges and promote global justice.

Maria Jorge Sales-Pos.

Maria Jorge Sales-Pos ’26

Brazil/USA

Ms. Jorge Sales-Pos holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais and is a licensed member of the Brazilian Bar Association. Driven by a deep passion for criminal law, she pursued studies in Germany to gain firsthand insight into German criminal law, an area of particular relevance given Brazil’s legal system is heavily influenced by the German model. Her professional experience spans both real estate and property law, having worked at a specialized law firm, as well as criminal law, through her role as a judicial clerk for a criminal court judge.

Zheng Li.

Zheng (Wilson) Li ’26

China

Mr. Li holds both an engineering degree and a law degree, which together provide him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective. He has leveraged his expertise in comparative law and quantitative statistics to advocate for good faith acquisition legislation in China, contributing to scholarly discourse and co-authoring a book on corporate capital systems. Through his legal studies and practice in China, Mr. Li has become acutely aware of the globalization of commercial law. He now seeks to deepen his understanding of international legal frameworks through the LL.M. program, aiming to bridge domestic legal principles with global commercial practices.

Daniel Lisinschi.

Daniel Lisinschi ’26

Moldova/The Netherlands

Mr. Lisinschi is a returning semester exchange student from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, where he ranked among the top of his class in the LL.B. Global Law program. His academic focus centers on the comparative analysis of legal systems in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. He is an active member of the European Law Students' Association and demonstrates a strong commitment to international legal scholarship. Mr. Lisinschi intends to pursue a career in banking or securities law, with international focused professional aspirations.

Ma Mei.

Ma Mei ’26

China

Ms. Mei holds a law degree from Yancheng Teachers University and is a certified legal professional in the People’s Republic of China. Her diverse legal background includes a clerkship in Civil Court, serving as Deputy Legal Manager for a pharmaceutical company, and overseeing legal compliance for a Fortune 500 corporation. With a strong foundation in Chinese law, she is eager to expand her expertise by gaining insight into the American legal system and deepening her understanding of international legal frameworks.

Mimoza Quku.

Mimoza Quku ’26

Albania

Ms. Quku is an Albanian – American Development Foundation (AADF) fellow who earned her law degree from the University of Tirana and currently serves as Head of Human Resources at Albania’s Ministry of Interior, where she ensures compliance with national legal frameworks. Driven by a deep commitment to justice, she aspires to become a judge and play a pivotal role in restoring public trust in the country’s legal system. Her vision includes fostering a transparent and reliable judicial environment that attracts investment and contributes to Albania’s economic growth.

Zhaoming Shen.

Zhaoming Shen ’26

China

Mr. Shen earned his law degree from Central South University, where he cultivated a deep interest in the societal impact of legal systems. He is passionate about exploring the social significance of law through diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches. Eager to broaden his understanding, Mr. Shen looks forward to immersing himself in the United States' common law tradition, political ecosystem, and foundational legal theories.

Humza Tahir.

Humza Tahir ’26

Pakistan

Mr. Tahir earned his LLB from the University of London, guided by a deep affinity for structured reasoning and analytical rigor. He now specializes in tax law and serves as a Senior Associate at a prominent tax forum, where he drafts a wide range of legal documents, from constitutional petitions to tax references, and represents clients in tribunal proceedings. Through his time at the University of Minnesota, he hopes to broaden his legal perspective and cultivate a more global understanding of the law.

Sara Tavakoli.

Sara Tavakoli ’26

Iran

Ms. Tavakoli holds an LL.B. from the University of Tabriz and an LL.M. from the University of Turin in Italy. She has served as a legal interpreter for Kurdish-speaking communities and completed an internship at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for international advocacy. Proficient in multiple languages, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to her work. She is passionate about advancing human rights with a focus on marginalized communities. 

Julia Torvik.

Julia Torvik ’26

Sweden

Ms. Torvik began her academic journey by taking independent courses in law and criminology at London South Bank University. She later earned her law degree from Uppsala University in Sweden. Now returning as a former semester exchange student, she is enthusiastic about completing the LL.M. program at the University of Minnesota Law School. Ms. Torvik brings practical experience from her work in a law firm and her involvement in the court system, where she provided support to witnesses.

Julia Vibert.

Julia Vibert ’26

France

Ms. Vibert holds a law degree from Jean Moulin Lyon III University in Lyon, France. She brings extensive experience in civil law, having worked with the Victims’ Aid and Judicial Intervention Association. Driven by a desire to broaden her understanding of diverse legal systems and perspectives, she chose to pursue further studies in Minnesota. This journey also reflects her commitment to refining her English language skills. By completing her LL.M., Ms. Vibert hopes to expand her professional opportunities and eventually practice law in a different country.

Lin Wang.

Lin Wang ’26

China

Ms. Wang earned her law degree from Shantou University and brings a wealth of experience in the legal technology sector. Her career spans roles at a major law firm, serving as in-house counsel for an AI company, and leading compliance management initiatives. Currently, she is a Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s Cyber Risk Advisory Practice Group. She is now pursuing an LL.M. to reflect the breadth of her career, develop her own legal methodologies, and gain inspiration from diverse legal minds around the globe.

Nien Chen Wu.

Nien Chen (Sam) Wu ’26

Taiwan

Mr. Wu holds a Bachelor of Laws from National Chung Cheng University and a Master of Jurisprudence from Fu Jen Catholic University. He passed the bar exam in Taiwan and currently serves as a legal observer at the Taiwan High Court, where he cultivates his passion for litigation by analyzing minor appeal cases and examining the cross-jurisdictional influence of legal principles. Outside of his academic and professional endeavors, Mr. Wu enjoys traveling and relaxing with sports, embracing both cultural discovery and athletic enthusiasm.

Xiaoyu Wu.

Xiaoyu (Rebecca) Wu ’26

China

Ms. Wu holds a bachelor's degree in law from China University of Geosciences. She is currently expanding her global legal perspective through an LL.M. program, with aspirations to pursue a Ph.D in the future. Her dedication to legal advocacy was recognized with an award for excellence in Moot Court. Ms. Wu plans to focus on Business Law courses while at Minnesota Law and, in the long term, will work at an international law firm or corporation to put her skills to good use. 

Yiyun Wu.

Yiyun (Lia) Wu ’26

China

Ms. Wu earned her law degree from Hohai University, where she actively engaged in campus legal aid initiatives. She delivered presentations and organized events to promote legal awareness among students, and even launched an online legal service group dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations. Following graduation, she intends to take the bar exam and pursue an internationally focused legal career.

Haowei Zhao.

Haowei Zhao ’26

China

Mr. Zhao holds a law degree from Huazhong Agricultural University. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service by volunteering to protect elderly individuals from technology-related fraud. His dedication to legal excellence is further reflected in his completion of a prestigious internship at Beijing Geping Law Firm, where he gained valuable experience in legal practice and client advocacy.

Yifan Zhu.

Yifan (Drew) Zhu ’26

China

Mr. Zhu brings a strong foundation in public interest law, shaped by hands-on experience in both governmental and private sectors. During his internship at the Fangshan District People’s Procuratorate, he contributed to post-flood recovery efforts by gathering community feedback on the government's response, and played a role in addressing environmental degradation caused by a local petrochemical plant. At Zhongkai & Partners, he deepened his understanding of the legal mechanisms that uphold public accountability, recognizing the critical role of robust compliance frameworks in securing redress and ensuring institutional transparency.

Alexander Zwick.

Alexander Zwick ’26

Germany

Mr. Zwick holds a law degree from Humboldt University in Berlin and completed an exchange semester at Queen Mary University of London. He has contributed to legal scholarship through published research on cryptocurrency taxation and a landmark decision by the German Federal Financial Court. In addition to his academic achievements, Mr. Zwick has gained practical experience in employment, tax, and corporate law at leading law firms. After completing his LL.M. degree and fine tuning his international legal expertise, he is interested in completing a Ph.D.

Semester Exchange Students

Niccolo Barbaro.

Niccoló (Nico) Barbero ’26

Italy

Mr. Barbero is currently pursuing a law degree at Bocconi University in Milan, with a strong academic focus on Business Law and Comparative Private Law. He aspires to build a career in Mergers and Acquisitions, and has already gained practical experience through legal internships in both bankruptcy and M&A. Eager to deepen his understanding of international legal frameworks and cultivate a comparative perspective, Mr. Barbero looks forward to spending a semester at the University of Minnesota, where he hopes to broaden his global outlook and strengthen his expertise in cross-border transactions.

Antonella Campanile.

Antonella Campanile ’26

Italy

Ms. Campanile is currently pursuing a law degree at Bocconi University in Milan, with a strong focus on international legal practice. Her career aspirations are globally oriented, as she aims to join a leading global law firm or transition into investment banking. She brings hands-on experience in international legal aid, having assisted an asylum seeker from El Salvador in preparing and presenting his case before the Italian Asylum Commission. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Ms. Campanile is an avid swimmer, a passion she has nurtured since childhood.

Claudio Cassarino.

Claudio Cassarino ’26

Italy

Mr. Cassarino is a third-year law student at Bocconi University in Milan, with a strong academic foundation and a passion for international legal practice. He has pursued studies in Italian, French, and English, cultivating a multilingual skill set that reflects his global outlook. His experience includes shadowing legal professionals at Clifford Chance Milan, one of the world’s leading law firms, where he gained valuable insight into the legal profession. Eager to expand his horizons, Mr. Cassarino is enthusiastic about connecting with ambitious peers and building a robust international network.

Kristian Hoftun.

Kristian Hoftun ’26

Norway

Mr. Hoftun holds a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Inland Norway, where he developed a keen interest in comparative and constitutional law. He is currently pursuing an additional legal degree at the University of Bergen, further deepening his academic foundation. Motivated by a conviction that law can serve as a powerful instrument for advancing justice and supporting others, he is actively exploring legal fields that align with this mission. He is especially captivated by the cultural and historical significance of the U.S. Constitution and looks forward to engaging in thoughtful discourse on its enduring influence in shaping contemporary administrative politics in the United States.

Illy Ludovica.

Ludovica Francesca Illy ’26

Italy

Ms. Illy is currently studying law at Bocconi University in Milan, where her early passion for justice and keen eye for inequity continue to guide her academic path. She is an active member of the Moot Court program, sharpening her legal reasoning and advocacy skills. Outside the classroom, she contributes to the university’s sailing team and participates in a local radio club, reflecting her diverse interests and collaborative spirit. She looks forward to understanding how corporate practice in the U.S. differs from European models, and how these differences influence global business dynamics.

Daeun Joo.

Daeun (Grace) Joo ’26

Sweden

Ms. Joo brings a distinctly global perspective to her legal studies, proudly embracing her Korean heritage while having been raised in Sweden. This multicultural background enables her to approach legal questions with both Nordic insight and international awareness. Currently pursuing a law degree at Uppsala University, she has developed a strong academic interest in corporate and tax law. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Joo has gained practical experience through her volunteer work as a “Street Lawyer,” offering free legal advice to individuals in vulnerable circumstances, a testament to her commitment to social justice and community engagement.

Agnes Landqvist.

Agnes Landqvist ’26

Sweden

Ms. Landqvist is currently pursuing a Master’s of Law program at Uppsala University in Sweden, where she has cultivated a strong interest in criminal law and aspires to become a defense attorney. Her commitment to justice is reflected in her volunteer work, providing free legal assistance to socially vulnerable members of her community. In addition, her experience as a correctional officer at a prison in Uppsala has given her valuable firsthand insight into the human dimensions of the criminal justice system, reinforcing her belief in the importance of empathy and dignity within the legal profession. She is eager to further develop her legal English skills and broaden her international perspective at the University of Minnesota Law School.

Anthon Larsson Yao.

Anthon Larsson Yao ’26

Sweden

Mr. Larsson Yao is currently studying at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he is embracing the opportunity to broaden his global perspective through an international exchange experience. He recognizes the growing interdependence of legal systems in today’s globalized world and is eager to explore how countries influence one another’s laws and regulations. With a strong interest in corporate law, Mr. Yao is also keen to deepen his understanding of comparative legal frameworks, particularly the distinctions between American and Swedish Tort Law, as he prepares for a dynamic legal career on the international stage.

Robin Liljekvist.

Robin Liljekvist ’26

Sweden

Mr. Liljekvist is currently pursuing his studies at Uppsala University in Sweden, with a focused interest in criminal law, particularly where it intersects with social law and human rights. His passion stems from witnessing his home country's efforts to combat gang-related crime, which has deepened his commitment to understanding the broader societal implications of legal frameworks. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, he aspires to build a career in law that not only upholds justice but also improves the lives of others.

Jonas Winroth.

Jonas Winroth ’26

Sweden

Mr. Winroth is currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree at Uppsala University in Sweden. He has completed an internship at a Swedish business law firm, gaining valuable practical experience in corporate legal practice. Eager to deepen his understanding of international legal systems, he looks forward to fully immersing himself in the Common Law–based American legal system. Through this experience, he aims to explore its similarities and differences with the Swedish legal framework firsthand, while also enhancing his proficiency in English.