LL.M. Class of 2015

Ms. Maryam Alhindi
Saudi Arabia
Ms. Alhindi earned her bachelor's degree in 2009 from UMM Al Qura University where she participated in as a student counselor and actress for the University Theater. While at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Alhindi looks forward to continuing her legal education. She hopes the program will help to prepare her for a future career in business law.

Mr. Abdulaziz Almughyirah
Saudi Arabia
Mr. Almughyirah earned his bachelor's degree in Islamic Law from Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 2011. Also in 2011, he received his Saudi Arabia Ministry of Justice Lawyer Trainee Certificate. After graduation Mr. Almughyirah provided legal services for Al-Hailan Legal Consultancy and went on to earn a master's degree in the United States. Mr. Almughyirah is looking to expand his legal knowledge and experience while at the University of Minnesota. He one day hopes to open his own law office.

Ms. Somayeh Amiri
Iran
Ms. Amiri earned a master's degree in Human Rights Law in 2008 from Shahid Beheshti University School of Law in Tehran, Iran. Her master's thesis focused on feminist human rights. Ms. Amiri has worked in the legal field since June 2003 with her most recent employment focusing on contract negotiations as a legal director with Taksa Trade Development Commercial Group. She hopes to continue her studies in the area of international business law during her time in Minnesota. Eventually, Ms. Amiri would like to return to Iran to establish a law firm for research, counseling, and legal aid in Business and Corporate Law.

Ms. Gina Aprilitasari
Indonesia
Ms. Aprilitasari earned her bachelor's degree in Law from Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia in 2010. Her thesis was a comparative study between the United States, Europe, and Singapore on the implementation of the Single Economic Entity Doctrine in Indonesia. Since graduation Ms. Aprilitasari has worked as an associate at Mataram Partners where she provides legal advice related to finance and foreign direct investment. Ms. Aprilitasari is excited to broaden her legal skills and knowledge while in Minnesota. After completing the LL.M. program, she hopes to pursue a career as a legal officer in an Asian-wide Regional Organization that focuses on low-income families.

Mr. Nke Bokolo
USA, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mr. Bokolo earned a bachelor's degree of Private and Judicial Law from the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2001. He then went on to earn his associates degree in Art from Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina followed by a bachelor's degree of Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University in 2013. During his legal studies at the University of Kinshasa he wrote his thesis on the question of equality between men and women in marriage focusing on the equality between spouses regarding their contribution to household costs. Since arriving in the United States Mr. Bokolo has continued to pursue his legal studies in the hopes of becoming more involved with human rights advocacy.

Ms. Aurélie Braud
France
Ms. Braud earned a master's degree in Business Law in 2001 from Angers University in France. She focused on commercial law, competition law, company law, intellectual property law, and labor law. After graduating, she spent a year pursing a master's degree in Finance which she completed in 2002. Since 2002 Ms. Braud has been practicing in various areas of business law. Most recently she worked as in-house counsel for a subsidiary of BNPPARIBAS dealing with purchasing contracts. Ms. Braud hopes to deepen her legal studies in the areas of pre-litigation issues, contract negotiation and drafting, and corporate law. She aims to eventually work for an industrialized company in the international environment.

Mr. Chaohua Bu
China
Mr. Bu received a bachelor's degree of Law in 2009 from Shanghai Normal University in China. While completing his studies Mr. Bu was the vice president of the Student Council at the Law & Politics College of Shanghai Normal University as well as a community legal counselor for the Shanjian Community. Since graduation he has been a practicing lawyer throughout his community. Most recently, Mr. Bu worked as an in-house lawyer for Yungtay Elevator Equipment Co. While studying at the University of Minnesota Mr. Bu would like to focus on international business law. He hopes to one day provide legal services that help with the economic cooperation between Chinese and oversea enterprises.

Mr. Jeong Soo Chang
South Korea
Mr. Chang received his bachelor's degree in Law from Korea National Open University in South Korea in 2014. Before pursuing his legal education, he graduated from Chung-Ang University with a Ph.D. in Pharmacy. Since 2003, Mr. Chang has worked as a counselor in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals for the Ministry of Science & Technology in Seoul. He has also been working as a junior partner for Philonzi Law Firm. Mr. Chang hopes to better grasp the American legal system while participating in the LL.M. program. After earning his LL.M. degree he would like to continue with a career in the Korean legal environment.

Mr. Nai-Yi Chao
Taiwan
Mr. Chao graduated from Soochow University with a bachelor's degree in Law in 2008. After graduation he worked as a legal assistant for Chen Xi-Liang Law Firm where he drafted summary complaints and worked in client relations. Most recently, Mr. Chao has been working as an English and Chinese Literature tutor in Taipei City. Mr. Chao would like to explore criminal law and procedure and intellectual property rights while pursuing his LL.M. at the University of Minnesota. He hopes to eventually establish a career within the Taiwanese Government.

Mr. Jialong Chen
China
Mr. Chen earned his bachelor's degree in Law from Guanghua Law School at Zhejian University in 2014. While earning his bachelor's degree he studied abroad at Harvard University and Hong Kong University. He also spent a year working on an innovative research project where he focused on the feasibility of regional government by law through the investigation of private lending. After completing the LL.M. Program at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Chen hopes to begin working on his juris doctorate or a masters of Finance. He would like to eventually practice business law.

Ms. Yi Chen
China
Ms. Yi graduated from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in Business and Civil Law. Since graduation Ms. Yi has been practicing law in Shanghai. In 2013 she founded PRC Law Firm. In addition to PRC Law Firm, Ms. Yi works as an in-house lawyer for Fanchen International. While at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Yi would like to further pursue different areas of business Law. She hopes to eventually return to Shanghai and work in international trade.

Ms. Hong Cui
China
Ms. Hong received her bachelor's degree in Administrative Law from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2008. After graduation, she went on to earn her master's of Law from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics where she focused on civil and commercial law. Since 2011, Ms. Hong has worked as a legal consultant for IBM. During her time in Minnesota, Ms. Hong hopes to grasp a better understanding of U.S. Law, corporate governance, and transactional legal practice. She eventually wants to do transactional work on an international level.

Ms. Enxia Fan
China
Ms. Fan graduated from Sichuan University Law School in 2014 with a bachelor's of Law. While completing her studies she worked as a court clerk in the Criminal Division of The People's Court of XiangZhou District. Most recently, Ms. Fan was an assistant for Grandall Law Firm. Ms. Fan hopes her experience at the University of Minnesota will help deepen her understanding of the American legal culture. She aims to eventually work as an international commercial or civil lawyer.

Ms. Wenhuan Gao
China
Ms. Gao received her law degree from Peking University in China and has a bachelor's degree in Economics from the Chinese University of Geosciences in China. During her studies she worked as an intern for the People's Procuratorate of Beijing's Haidian District, where she gained experience in Chinese criminal law. She has also worked at the law firm of King & Wood Mallesons, where she participated in the securities department. Ms. Gao is especially interested in the law governing antitrust and unfair competition.

Mr. Hiroaki Hara
Japan
Mr. Hara earned his Law degree from University of Tokyo in 2007. Since graduation, Mr. Hara has worked for JX Holdings Corporation in the personnel department and the department of legal affairs. Most recently, Mr. Hara has been working as senior staff of the legal affairs where he is responsible for the compliance and readiness of the entire company, including three large international accounts. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Law School, Mr. Hara hopes to continue his work in the legal sector of JX Holdings, Inc. He wants to provide legal assistance regarding the exploration of oil, coal, and natural gas.

Mr. Wen-Chen Hsia
Taiwan
Mr. Hsia holds a Ph.D. in law from Peking University in China. While completing his studies, Mr. Hsia worked as the manager of the legal department for Shanghai Cross Ocean Property Development Co. Mr. Hsia was a guest presenter of Shanghai CBN Radio and also taught legal courses in universities in Taiwan and China. Mr. Hsia is excited to gain experience in American legal research and writing and participate in judicial observation while at the University of Minnesota. After earning his LL.M. he would like to return to Asia and work in real estate and commercial legal field.

Ms. Abeer Humood
Bahrain
Ms. Humood received her bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from Griffith College in Ireland in 2010. She then went on to earn her graduate diploma in Law from BPP Law School. Since graduation Ms. Humood has performed as both a legal researcher in the human rights sector and as a paralegal for Charles Russel LLP in Bahrain. Through her studies at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Humood hopes to become better acquainted with the American legal system. She aspires to one-day work as a lawyer in the Bahraini legal community.

Mr. Inseok Jang
South Korea
Mr. Jang graduated from Yonsei University with a bachelor's degree in Engineering in 2008. He then attended Korea Cyber University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Law in 2012. Since graduation Mr. Jang has worked as a patent attorney. Most recently, he became a member of the Samsung Electronics intellectual property team where he deals with IP acquisitions and in-bound licenses. Mr. Jang hopes to engage in coursework relating to intellectual property while in Minnesota. He would like to expand his career to handle both Korean and U.S. IP matters.

Ms. Qi Jia
China
Ms. Jia graduated from China University of Political Science and Law with a bachelor's degree in Law in 2014. During her studies she worked as a part-time associate for the Intellectual Property Law Clinic of CUPL. Most recently she was working for Zhonghengxin Law Firm as a part-time paralegal. While attending the University of Minnesota, Ms. Jia is interested in expanding in the area of intellectual property. She hopes to one day use her experience to pursue a career in an international field.

Ms. Qing Jin
China
Ms. Jin earned a bachelor's degree in Law and a minor in Finance from University of International Business and Economics in 2014. While completing her degree she performed as an intern for both the Beijing Xicheng District Court and the District Court of Michigan. She was also a legal assistant at Beijing Zhong Xuan Law Firm where she focused on civil and contract law. Ms. Jin hopes graduating from the University of Minnesota with an LL.M. Degree will help her to establish a career within the legislature.

Ms. Zhengjing Jin
China
Ms. Jin received a bachelor's degree of Law from Hainan University in 2013. Since graduation she has worked for Haikou Changyu Law Firm as an Assistant Lawyer participating in business negotiations and legal consulting. After earning her LL.M. degree from the University of Minnesota Ms. Jin hopes to continue on to earn her juris doctorate. She would like to establish a career in international human rights.

Ms. Mehrnoosh Karimi Andu
Iran
Ms. Mehrnoosh holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from The University of Isfahan in Iran. She also received a bachelor's degree in Law from The Payam-e Noor University in Iran and a master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Albany in New York. During her studies, Ms. Mehrnoosh worked on legal research for the Global Institute for Health and Human Rights. Ms. Mehrnoosh hopes that attending the University of Minnesota will help her to better understand the U.S. legal system and international human rights. She would like to return to Iran and establish a career in human rights law.

Ms. Al-Chan Kim
South Korea
Ms. Kim graduated from Ewha Womans University in 2011 earning a bachelor's degree in Law. She has since worked for the Patent Court of Korea and the Constitutional Court of Korea. Ms. Kim most recently worked as a trainee in the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office for the East Seoul Branch where she oversaw autopsy and post-mortem examinations. Ms. Kim hopes to better situate herself in Korea’s expanding legal market by earning her LL.M. Degree at the University of Minnesota. She aims to specialize in intellectual property rights.

Ms. Meihua Li
China
Ms. Li earned her bachelor's degree in Law from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2014. While completing her legal education she also received a Cambridge Diplomas in Financial Management & Business Administration. Since 2013, Ms Li has worked as a lawyer's assistant for Kingall Lawyers where she focused on mergers and acquisitions and IPO projects. During her studies at the University of Minnesota Ms. Li hopes to expand on her understanding of commercial law. After receiving her degree she hopes to take the New York Bar and return to legal work in China.

Mr. Tingyi Li
China
Mr. Li received a bachelor's degree in Law from China University of Political Science and Law in 2009. After graduation he completed an internship as a judge's assistant in Civil Division I where he helped with civil and commercial retrial cases. Most recently, Mr. Li worked for Aon Benfield China Limited in Hong Kong as a client services executive, which included drafting and reviewing treaties. Mr. Li has chosen to pursue an LL.M. Degree at the University of Minnesota to fulfill his hopes of becoming an accomplished lawyer.

Ms. Yi Li
China
Ms. Li graduated with a bachelor's degree in Law from Southwest University of Political Science and Law in 2014. During her studies Ms. Li was president of the Student Council and provided volunteer legal services for ASEAN Legal Cooperation and Development Forum. Ms. Li would like to expand on her knowledge of differences in the business litigation of Taiwan, China, and the United States while at the University of Minnesota. She hopes to one day establish a career focusing on international business law.

Mr. Zheng Li
China
Mr. Li received his bachelor's degree in Law from East China University of Political Science and Law in 2014. While working on his degree, he worked as a legal assistant form Shanghai Zhibang Law Office and as an Intern for the Office of Justice in Gongyi City. Mr. Li intends to focus on the international business, intellectual property, and property ownership while studying in Minnesota. He would like to return to China and work in business law.

Mr. Mauricio Muñoz
Colombia
Mr. Muñoz graduated with degree in Law from La Sabana University where he concentrated on economic law. After earning his degree, Mr. Muñoz went on to specialize in international business law and business & corporate Law. Today he works for the independent legal office Muñoz & Abogados where he provides legal advice to companies in the private sector. Mr. Muñoz would like to expand his education in business and corporate law while at the University of Minnesota. He hopes to return to Colombia after completing his LL.M. degree to continue work at Muñoz & Abogados.

Mr. Takamasa Nakahara
Japan
Mr. Nakahara received a bachelor's degree of Law from Hitotsubashi University in 2008. He then went on to earn his juris doctorate from Keio University Law School. Since graduation Mr. Nakahara studied to be a prosecutor through The Legal Training and Research Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan. He has been practicing as a prosecutor for the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office focusing on the trial division. Mr. Nakahara would like to focus on cyber-crime while earning his LL.M. degree. He hopes to eventually return to Japan to continue with a career in public prosecution, concentrating on cybercrime.

Mr. Sebastien Nanteuil
France
Mr. Nanteuil is an exchange student from Jean Moulin Lyon III University in France. In 2012, he earned a bachelor's degree in Law and Economics from Jean Moulin Lyon III University. While working on his bachelor’s degree he earned a graduate diploma in American Law concentrating on contract law. After graduation, Mr. Nanteuil went on to earn his a master's of Business and Company Law. While pursuing his LL.M. degree at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Nanteuil plans on expanding his understanding of business and corporate law. He hopes to eventually have an established career in international business relations.

Mr. Yohei Otoaka
Japan
Mr. Ototaka graduated from The University of Tokyo with a bachelor's degree of Law in 2001. While studying he concentrated on consumer law. Since graduation Mr. Ototaka has been working as assistant manager and senior legal advisor at Legal Department Headquarters in Tokyo. His main projects revolve around bankruptcy, corporate reorganization, and civil rehabilitation. Mr. Ototaka would like to focus on international legal practice while studying in Minnesota. He hopes to earn a concentration in business law and eventually work in the global legal field.

Mr. Seiyon Park
South Korea
Mr. Park received a bachelor's degree in Law from Korea University College of Law in 2003. While working on his degree, Mr. Park served as sergeant for the Republic of Korea Army. Since then, he has been highly involved with the SK Corporation. Most recently, Mr. Park has worked as part of the legal team for SK Energy Co., Ltd. While at the University of Minnesota, Mr. Park aims to explore American tradition and culture while broadening his legal education. He hopes this experience will allow him to become an international legal expert.

Mr. Soohyeon Park
South Korea
Mr. Park earned his bachelor's degree of Law from Pusan National University in 2009. After graduation he worked for Yoon & Yang LLC as a senior associate attorney where he focused on civil, real estate, and construction litigation. Mr. Park hopes to further his research of the American legal system during his time in Minnesota. He is excited to specialize in real property law and share his experience with the legal community of Korea.

Ms. Wannaporn Rodraksa
Thailand
Ms. Rodraksa received her bachelor's degree in Law from Thammasat University in 2009. She then went on to earn an LL.M. in Private and Business Law from Chulalongkorn University in 2013. Since earning her LL.M. she has been working as senior legal officer for The Stock Exchange of Thailand in Bangkok. Ms. Rodraksa hopes to specialize in her knowledge of capital markets while at the University of Minnesota. She would like to return to Thailand and continue contributing to the Thai capital market.

Ms. Ting Ruan
China
Ms. Ruan graduated from Shenzhen University with a bachelor's degree of Law in 2013. Since graduation Ms. Ruan has worked for the People's Court in Ban’an District as a judge's assistant. She hopes the University of Minnesota will provide her an opportunity to get more involved in business and financial law. After earning her LL.M. degree, Ms. Ruan would like to return to China and get involved in the Chinese business law industry.

Ms. Sunmi Ryu
South Korea
Ms. Ryu earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Food and Nutrition from Ewha Womans University in 1999. She then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Law from Korea Soongsil Cyber University in 2013. Since completing her studies, Ms. Ryu has been working in Value & Intellectual Property Law Office as a patent attorney. Ms. Ryu would like to expand her understanding intellectual property law and international law while in Minnesota.

Ms. Ghada Sabbagh
Lebanon
Ms. Sabbagh holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Law from University of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon. This past year she participated as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota. Ms. Sabbagh would like deepen her specialization in business regulation while at the University of Minnesota. She one day aims to teach law in Lebanon.

Mr. Ilan Selz
Germany
Mr. Selz is an exchange student from Humboldt University in Germany. He graduated from Humboldt University Law School in 2013. Following graduation, Mr. Selz immediately began work on his doctorate, specializing in the law of computer crime. While studying in Minnesota, he hopes to become more familiar with criminal law in the United States. Mr. Selz is also looking forward to experiencing American culture and becoming involved with various student organizations.

Mr. Harshvardhan Sharma
India
Mr. Sharma holds a bachelor's degree in Law from Amity University. During his studies he worked for the National Human Rights Commission and for the Supreme Court of India. Mr. Sharma has also done social work for various non-governmental organizations. Mr. Sharma would like to explore various areas of law while at the University of Minnesota.

Ms. Jhanak Singh
India
Ms. Sing graduated from Amity University with a bachelor's degree in law in 2014. While at Amity University, she held internships for the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women. Ms. Singh is excited to get broaden her understanding of the United States legal system and hopes to return to India as a competitive candidate for a career in law.

Mr. Xinyi Situ
China
Mr. Situ received a bachelor's degree in Law from Tsinghua University. While working on his degree he worked as an assistant lawyer for Beijing Tilian Labor Law Aid and Research Center. He also worked as an assistant court clerk for the Intermediate People's Court of Handan. Mr. Situ is interested in becoming more acquainted with the American legal culture and theories of constitutionalism while at the University of Minnesota. He would like to return to work with the Chinese legal system after earning his LL.M. degree.

Ms. Shumei Sun
China
Ms. Sun holds a bachelor's degree of Public Administration and a juris master's of Law from Tongji University. Since graduating she has been employed at Junyue Law Firm working as an assistant lawyer where she concentrated on patent law. Ms. Sun would like to explore intellectual property law while studying at the University of Minnesota. She hopes to take the New York bar and then return to legal work in China after she graduates.

Ms. Chin-Jen Sung
Taiwan
Ms. Sung received her bachelor's degree in Law from National Taiwan University. She then went on to earn a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from National Taipei Teachers College. Most recently, Ms. Sung has been working as division chief in the Department of Legal Affairs for the Taipei City Government. Ms. Sung is interested in focusing on administrative, family, contract, and public interest law while completing the LL.M. program. After graduation she would like to continue working for the Taipei City Government.

Ms. Sarawadee Thongpoom
Thailand
Ms. Thongpoom holds a bachelor's degree of Political Science from Ramkhamhaeng University and a bachelor's degree of Law from Ubon Ratchathani University. After completing her undergraduate education, she went on to earn a master's degree in International Trade Law from The University of East Anglia. Throughout her studies, Ms. Thongpoom worked as an assistant lawyer for Chatt Wongsingha Law Firm. Ms. Thongpoom has decided pursue her LL.M. to help her achieve a career working with cross-border commerce in Thailand.

Ms. Mueanfan Uthaiviankul
Thailand
Ms. Uthaiviankul graduated from Chulalongkorn University in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Law. She has since been working as a legal officer for the Ministry of Commerce where she is involved with the department of business development. Ms. Uthaiviankul plans to focus her studies on business law while at the University of Minnesota. After earning her LL.M., she would like to return to Thailand and continue working for the department of business development.

Mr. Miguel Vallejo Guerra
Mexico
Mr. Vallejo Guerra received his bachelor's degree in Law from CIDE University in Mexico. Since finishing his studies, he has been working as a senior associate specializing in corporate, antitrust, and financial law. During his time in Minnesota, Mr. Vallejo Guerra is interested in gaining further insight into antitrust and business transactions. Afterwards, he would like to work as a foreign associate for an international law firm in the United States.

Mr. Phatthara Watthanachai
Thailand
Mr. Phatthara earned a bachelor's degree in Law from Thammasat University in 2010. Since then he has been working as a legal officer for the Ministry of Justice in the legal execution department where he is responsible for providing legal counsel to government officials. Mr. Phatthara plans to specialize in insolvency law while completing the LL.M. program. He plans to return to Thailand and continue working in the legal execution department.

Mr. TianYang Wu
China
Mr. Wu holds a bachelor's degree in law from East China University of Political Science. After graduation he participated in an internship for Shanghai Liping Law Firm, where he now works as a paralegal. Mr. Wu hopes that completing the LL.M. program at the University of Minnesota will provide him with a professional advantage. After graduation, he plans on taking the New York bar exam and the Chinese Judicial exam. He would like to eventually work in the Shanghai Pilot Free-Trade Zone.

Ms. Siqing Xu
China
Ms. Xu graduated from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law with a bachelor's degree of Law in 2014. During her studies she worked as a legal assistant for Caruso & Associates in Shenzhen. Ms. Xu looks forward to gaining experience in business and corporate law while in Minnesota. She aims to one day have a successful career as an international lawyer.

Mr. Yadu Yang
China
Mr. Yang received his bachelor's degree in Law from Shandong University in 2014. While at Shandong, Mr. Yang was an intern for both the Public Prosecution Department and Jun He Law Firm. He hopes to become further educated in corporate and commercial law while at the University of Minnesota. After finishing the LL.M. program Mr. Yang would like to become a business law lawyer working with mergers and acquisitions.

Ms. Tamari Zakarashvili
Georgia
Ms. Zakarashvili began her legal career by joining the Ministry of Justice in Georgia. There she worked for the National Bureau of Enforcement in the department of cooperation with international organizations where she assisted in rebuilding Georgia's legal system after the breakdown of the Soviet Union. While in Minnesota, Ms. Zakarashvili is excited to expand on her legal education in order to continue helping with the development of Georgia.

Ms. Menglu Zhan
China
Ms. Zhan earned a bachelor's degree in Law from Hua Qiao University in 2012. Since graduation she has been working as an assistant lawyer at Shandong Zhaoyue Law Firm, where she focuses on a variety of socio-legal issues. Ms. Zhan hopes to get involved with various aspects of legal research and corporate law while studying at Minnesota. She is confident that completing the LL.M. program will help her achieve a career as an established lawyer in China.

Ms. Zhenzhen Zhou
China
Ms. Zhou holds a bachelor's degree in Law from East China University of Political Science and Law. While completing her degree she has worked as an intern for both Shanghai Xinsong Law Firm and Dorsey & Whitney Law Offices. Ms. Zhou hopes to focus on malpractice law while completing her LL.M. degree in Minnesota. She would like to return to China and specialize in helping victims of medical malpractice.