Anna Ortiz ’25 and Maya Mokrech ’25, recent South Texas College of Law Houston alumnae, have just completed their first semester of the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program at the University of East Anglia (UEA), located in Norwich, U.K.
This advanced, one-year degree program emphasizes subjects relevant to international trade and commerce law. There is a focus on choice, maximizing employability, and developing transferable skills. Internships are available during the course of study, and many placement opportunities — in the U.K. and around the globe — exist for graduates.
“I am so happy to be at UEA,” Ortiz said. “Wanting to practice international business law, I saw this program as a way to further my education in the area and to acquire a competitive advantage in the job market.” Her first semester courses included research methods, intro to commercial arbitration, and a class that allows her to prepare to participate in the prestigious Wilem C. Vis Moot Competition — an international legal triathlon held in Vienna annually. “It is the world’s largest arbitration moot, and it is so exciting,” she said.
Known for its research-led teaching and international outlook, UEA Law School offers postgraduate study scholarships to recent graduates through its long-standing student exchange partnership with South Texas College of Law Houston.
“This is an exceptionally enriching experience for our alumni,” said Professor of Law Katerina Lewinbuk, Wayne Fisher Research Professor and Director of International Programs at STCL Houston. “Studying abroad equips them with a global perspective on both the study and practice of law, enhances their cross-cultural competence, and prepares them to navigate an increasingly interconnected legal landscape. It also offers a valuable opportunity for personal growth. We are delighted to see our students benefiting from this important milestone in our long-standing partnership with UEA and its faculty.”
Third-year South Texas Law students are eligible to apply for one of the two full-tuition Sir Edward R. Coke scholarships awarded annually. This program empowers participants to pursue advanced legal training, confidently explore areas of specialization, elevate their professional credentials, and prepare for future professional advancement.
“I knew I wanted to pursue an LL.M. after graduating from STCL Houston,” said Mokrech. “When I saw the opportunity to study international law abroad at UAE, I knew it was something I wanted to do.”
LL. M. students at UEA select from a broad range of optional learning modules, allowing them to shape the degree around their specific interests. Areas of study include commercial and corporate law, international law, human rights, environmental law, and socio-legal studies. The program’s flexible structure attracts students from a variety of legal and educational backgrounds, contributing to a diverse classroom experience.
Ortiz and Mokrech are both studying international commercial and business law. They noted some differences in the way law school is conducted in England. “The pace of school is different here,” said Mokrech. “The semesters are shorter, and classes meet just once a week. They are not big lecture style classes, but smaller seminars. Professors don’t call on us during class sessions, and we have substantially more material to read,” she said.
Ortiz finds that there is more time for self-care in this academic environment. “I have time for running, going to church, and cooking,” she said. “They really understand that there is more to life than law school here.”
Mokrech finds her cohort of classmates interesting. “I have met people from Kenya, Uganda, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, and many more places,” she said.
Learning from fellow students about the way laws differ from country to country has been a bonus for Ortiz. “My classmates are a mostly international group, not British,” she said. “They are from everywhere.”
A vital component of the program is independent research. Most students complete a dissertation or extended research project, allowing them to explore a legal issue in-depth under academic supervision. This element of the degree is designed to strengthen research, writing, and analytical skills essential for legal practice, policymaking, and academic careers.
“I feel like my experience here will make me more valuable in the workplace,” said Ortiz. She is currently writing a paper about the positive aspects of the latest proposed changes to the rules governing the carriage of goods by sea.
Graduates of the LL.M. program pursue careers in private legal practice, public service, international organizations, regulatory bodies, and the corporate sector. Others continue their studies through doctoral research or academic appointments. The LL.M. degree’s focus on advanced legal reasoning, independent research and effective communication equips graduates with transferable skills applicable across a range of professions.
“I am uncertain at the moment about my next steps after this LL.M.,” said Mokrech. “I am considering pursuing an LL.M. in taxation, and I also plan to apply for jobs in England and in the U.S.”
To learn more about the various international programs at South Texas College of Law Houston, visit stcl.edu/academics/international-programs/
