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For Elizabeth Ruiz Navarro, pursuing a general LLM at the University of Miami School of Law was less about earning another qualification and more about reimagining her legal career. A seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in intellectual property law in Cuba, she knew that in order to thrive in the US, she needed a degree that could bridge her expertise with the demands of the American legal system.
“I instantly knew the University of Miami was the perfect place for me,” she says. “It offers a unique and comprehensive programme specifically designed for foreign attorneys, something I didn’t find at any other schools I considered.”
Refining skills in the general LLM
Unravelling layers of its general LLM, the JD/LLM in US & Transnational Law LLM, she realised there was much more to the pathway than meets the eye. Apart from preparing her to meet the bar requirements, it could encourage her to push the boundaries of her comfort zone and discover what truly resonated with her long-term goals.
Beyond academics, Elizabeth Ruiz Navarro embraced leadership roles, serving as a Dean Fellow and representing LLM students in the Cuban American Bar Association. Source: University of Miami School of Law
“Under the supervision of the Health Rights Clinic Director Melissa Swain, I recently represented a client and her mother in the citizenship process, advocating for a civic test waiver and representing her mother as a surrogate,” explains Navarro. “Representing and assisting members of the community who genuinely need legal help has been an incredibly gratifying experience.”
Experience in the LLM practicum
However, the real turning point in her Miami Law journey came through the LLM Practicum Programme. “Before, I did not see myself in a courtroom or pursuing litigation; I saw myself in a transactional role,” she says. “But this opportunity completely changed my perspective.”
Designed to immerse students in real-world legal environments, the practicum allowed Navarro to gain firsthand experience in litigation — a field she had never considered before. With each task she took at Florida-based law firm Rivero Mestre LLP, her appreciation for the field grew deeper. Her enthusiasm was eventually rewarded with the chance to stay as a law clerk at the firm, where she now works on complex corporate litigation and international arbitration cases.
Navarro’s trajectory proves a point more than 23,000 alumni around the globe have long known: Miami Law is a premier destination for attorneys seeking a solid foundation. Many of them can also confirm it’s an equally solid choice for lawyers with niche aspirations.
Specializing in international arbitration
Despite only starting the White & Case International Arbitration LLM programme four months ago, Gaston Ignacio Vionnet Perez from Argentina feels ready to excel in one of the most specialised and competitive fields of law.
New student Gaston Ignacio Vionnet Perez is already thriving in mentorship roles, coaching Miami Law’s moot teams alongside esteemed faculty like Paula Arias and Tamara Galeote. Source: University of Miami School of Law
A qualified attorney from Buenos Aires, Perez came to Miami Law specifically to pivot from his career in national and international tax law. “It stood out to me because of its curriculum, facilities, and for the chance to connect with some of the best, most skilled people in the arbitration scene,” he says.
The exposure Perez has gained to common law principles has been a significant departure from his civil law background. Classes such as Contracts under Professor Paula Arias redefined how he approaches legal agreements. The Forensics and Advocacy in International Arbitration course taught him to better research and plead. By diving deep into the intricacies of cross-border disputes, he gained insights that will set him apart in a competitive global market.
Augmenting knowledge through international moot court
Practical opportunities such as coaching moot teams gave him a depth of knowledge that simply isn’t possible in a generalist programme. This immersive approach allowed Perez to develop critical legal muscles: sharpening his research abilities, mastering advocacy techniques, and engaging with complex issues that reflect real-world arbitration challenges.
“Miami Law’s resources have been instrumental in shaping my learning experience and preparing me for a career in international arbitration,” he adds. “Access to essential tools like Jusmundi, Westlaw, and ISLG significantly enhanced my research capabilities, allowing me to explore arbitration precedents, draft persuasive arguments, and stay updated on the latest developments in international dispute resolution.”
This is why Perez sees his future being as focused as his present. Upon completing his specialised LLM, he plans to explore opportunities in international arbitration, particularly in New York and Miami. “Latin American disputes usually focus around the latter, hence my disposition to stay,” he explains. “I look forward to putting my skills to use.”
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