On September 17, Professor and Director of the Comparative and International Law Institute Geoffrey Watson conducted an informational meeting for all first-year students interested in applying to the Institute. Following the meeting, students heard from Diana Tsutieva, associate at Folaey Hoag LLP, who gave a presentation on Careers in International Arbitration.

Tsutieva provided an overview of how her firm's international practice is organized. She discussed investment arbitration (a procedure to resolve disputes between foreign investors and host States), public international law (state-to-state litigation and arbitration), international commercial arbitration, and representing sovereign states in U.S. Courts. She explained that attorneys work in teams of typically 5-10 individuals; the work involves heavily written pleadings; there are limited occasions for oral advocacy and motion practice; more senior lawyers frequently serve as arbitrators and mediators; and some travel is involved.

Tsutieva also discussed the various avenues students can take if they are interested in obtaining a job in international arbitration and related fields. She encouraged students to achieve professional fluency in a foreign language, build their resumes, take international law courses, and consider LLM and Master Degrees in related fields after law school. She also discussed participating in summer abroad programs, networking with organizations such as the American Society of International Law and the ABA Section of International Law and engaging in mentoring relationships.

Tsutieva took questions from the audience after the presentation and continued the conversation with students while enjoying a reception in the Keelty Atrium.

Students interested in the Comparative and International Law Institute should contact Professor Watson or Constantia Dedoulis (institutes@law.edu).