Arbitration and Business Law LL.M. Students

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LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law

Our Students - The Next Generation of Arbitration and Business Law Practitioners

Every year we have an incredible student group join us from all around the world to study arbitration and business law at �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law and engage with the manifold activities of the Center on International Commercial Arbitration. This year 2022-23 the following professionals are part of our student cohort:

Ofeliya Ahmadzada

LLM’ 2025 (Azerbaijan)

I am a dual degree student at �鶹��ƵWCL pursuing my LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law. I have previously worked as an intern at the Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation OJSC and AIFC Court, which exposed me to the intricacies of arbitration, particularly in drafting legal documents and assisting in arbitration cases. Additionally, during my participation in Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, I gained even more interest in international arbitration, as I saw firsthand how efficient it can be compared to lengthy litigation. Currently, I serve as a Dean's Fellow at the Center on International Commercial Arbitration at �鶹��ƵWCL, where I assist with research and administrative tasks, helping to promote the center’s initiatives.
I chose to pursue my LL.M. at �鶹��ƵWCL because of its distinguished faculty in international arbitration and the extensive networking opportunities it offers. My advice to incoming students is to take full advantage of networking and actively participate in class discussions, as these interactions can be essential to your career growth and success.

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Laura Londoño��

LL.M.'25 (Colombia)

I am an LLM candidate specializing in international arbitration, focusing on investment and commercial disputes. With nearly four years of professional experience, I previously worked as a research assistant during my undergraduate studies, concentrating on environmental and international economic law. Additionally, I have experience in the immigration field within both the private and public sectors and diplomatic affairs, gained through an internship at the Embassy of Colombia in Washington, D.C., gaining a broad perspective of legal practice and governance. My career goals involve contributing to global dispute resolution and advancing international legal practices to improve efficiency and best practices.

Khumar Gasimzade

LLM’ 2025 (Azerbaijan)

I am a dual degree student specializing in International Arbitration and Business Law at ADA University and �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law (�鶹��ƵWCL). My passion for international arbitration grew through my involvement in Williem C. Vis Moot, where I gained hands-on experience in resolving complex business disputes. I have also worked at the Astana International Financial Center and “Azerbaijan Industrial Company” OJSC, preparing arbitration claims under LCIA rules.
Currently, I serve as a Dean’s Fellow for the Entrepreneurship Law Clinic at �鶹��ƵWCL, where I provide legal support to small businesses and nonprofits. My purpose is to build a career in international arbitration, contributing to the efficient resolution of cross-border disputes. I chose �鶹��ƵWCL for its strong focus on international law and the invaluable networking opportunities in Washington, D.C. My advice to new students is to take full advantage of these resources and engage with the supportive faculty.

Mario Ernesto Ayala

LLM’ 2025��(El Savador)��

Mario Ernesto Ayala is a Partner at Lex Atlas El Salvador.
Born and raised in San Salvador, El Salvador, Mario’s career is focused on consulting on Banking, Business & Corporate, and Intellectual Property issues. He has extensive experience in the financial field in technology companies, cryptocurrencies, and payment gateways. In the intellectual property practice, he has advised various companies in registering trademarks, trade names, and invention patents. It stands out for its participation in the regulatory processes of both national and international financial companies. Before joining Lex Atlas as a partner, Mario served as partner/director of Sfera Legal (2018 – 2022), Associate at Ayala & Betancourt (2012-2018).
Some of Mario’s academic achievements are:��
• ��Certificate in International Legal English – �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law. 2014.
• ��Postgraduate in Intellectual Property Law – Austral University. Buenos Aires, Argentina. 2020.
• ��Postgraduate in Legal Tech and Innovation – George Washington University. 2021.
• ��Master of Laws (LL.M.) International Business and Trade Law �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law. 2022.

Kawtar Belbark

LLM’ 2025 (Morocco/France)

I was first introduced to international arbitration during my legal studies in Morocco, where I obtained my first bachelor’s degree in law from Cadi Ayyad University. Later, I expanded my knowledge of international arbitration and business law during my academic journey in France, earning a second bachelor’s degree in law at Jean Moulin Lyon 3 University, followed by a Master’s degree in business law at Paris X Nanterre University. To further enhance and deepen my expertise in this field I am pursuing the LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law at �鶹��ƵWCL, under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. Horacio A. Grigera Naón and Dr. Claudia Frutos-Peterson.��
My interest in arbitration grew alongside Africa’s increasing involvement in the field, particularly in Morocco. International business transactions frequently give rise to complex disputes, whether between investors and states or between private parties, thus necessitating skilled mediation and resolution strategies. My aim is to leverage the knowledge and expertise I have acquired in Moroccan, French, European, and American law to play a pivotal role in developing robust arbitration frameworks and business law regulations that not only ensure fair and efficient dispute resolution but also facilitate seamless business operations, thereby strengthening economic ties in Morocco and beyond.
My advice to new students is to immerse themselves fully in this vibrant community, embrace every learning opportunity, keep a future vision in mind and cultivate meaningful connections that will support their professional journeys.

Uzoamaka Chinwe Nwamaka Onyeabo

LLM’ 2025 (Nigeria)

I have over a decades experience ��working as a commercial lawyer in both law firms and organizations. I took the LLM in international Arbitration and Business Law to equip me with the skills to enable me transition fully into an in-house role in organisation's. With more experience in the court room than in organisation's, with this LLM I aim to delve onto the complexities of international legal frameworks and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. I am committed to developing the skills necessary to navigate the ultimate challenges in global business law. I hope to actively participate in some of the activities that come with this program to assist on enriching my academic journey.
�鶹��ƵWCL offers huge student diversity which enables students from every part of the world fit in and thrive. I would definitely recommend it to any student looking to do their LLM.

Prince Tarnah

LLM’ 2025��(Liberia)

Prince Tarnah is licensed to practice law in Liberia, where he worked as a transactional lawyer and litigator at Heritage Partners & Associates and, subsequently, for CMB Law Group. In his legal practice, he provides legal opinions to mining and other corporations, nonprofits, and financial institutions. He has negotiated complex commercial transactions, settled disputes, and led litigations in Liberian courts where necessary. Prince is enhancing his dispute resolution knowledge and skills by pursuing an LLM in International Arbitration and Business Law at the �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law. Before his legal practice, he worked as a Sustainable Development Practitioner for two USAID-funded projects and an EU-funded project in Liberia.��
Prince Tarnah has a Master of Arts (MA) in Sustainable Development from SIT Graduate Institute in the United States. He also obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Stellar Maris Polytechnic in Liberia.

Perez Chijioke Okafor-Okezuonu

LLM’ 2025 (Nigeria)

I am a legal practitioner with over 14 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, specializing in regulatory compliance and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). I currently work as a Regulatory Compliance Officer for one of the leading banks in the Nordic region, where I focus on ensuring adherence to complex regulatory frameworks. I am pursuing a Master’s degree in International Arbitration and Business Law to further position myself as a key player in the evolving global legal landscape.

Constanza Olalquiaga

LLM’ 2025��(Chile)

Constanza Olalquiaga is a Senior Associate Attorney and Sub-Chief of the International Trade department at Araya y Cía. in Chile.
Constanza’s career has been focused for the past 8 years on international contracts, specializing in the produce industry, financing, licences, liens, risk analysis, amongst others. She practices domestic civil litigation, bankruptcy law and international commercial arbitration, having had cases before the ICC and DRC (Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Center), as well as domestic cases before the Chilean Chamber of Commerce's Center for Arbitration and Mediation.
She previously practiced at an Intellectual Property firm, registering and litigating regarding trademarks and, most recently, proprietary plant varieties in regards to cases related to the produce business.

Some of Constanza's academic studies include:��
• ��Summer Institute in US Law - Washington University in St. Louis, MO. 2008
• ��Course on Compliance and Corporate Governance - Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile. 2018
• ��Postgraduate Diploma in Bankruptcy Law – Universidad de Chile in Santiago, Chile. 2020
• ��Currently studying Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Arbitration and Business Law - �鶹��Ƶ Washington College of Law. 2024

W.Moraa Nyakundi

LLM’ 2025��(Kenya)

I am an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with immense legal experience in dispute resolution and policy formulation. As a commercial litigator at MMN Law representing financial institutions and corporations, arbitration became a preferred method of dispute resolution among the clients. From the sessions, I gained interest in arbitration and its procedures. I appreciated its finality and the fast dispensation of justice without excluding the rigorous fact checking and presentation of evidence in the traditional litigation process. I would love to be an international arbitration practitioner thus enrolled for LLM in International Arbitration and Business Law. It is an exciting experience so far.
When not in court, I do pro bono legal work in my community through an organisation called Meta Malkia, which ��programs changes to address regional and global legal issues, including economic and social dimensions. I am driven by passion for social and economic justice and a society with people living in dignity, freedom, justice, equality and peace. I am working to see how arbitration can be a tool for social change.

Segui TANON

LLM’ 2023��(Cote d’Ivoire and France)

I have previously worked with international law firms including Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and Orrick, Herrington & Sutclifee LLP, in their Bank and Finance Departments. I am interested in learning about international investment law and dispute resolution related to international investments, and there are many principles that are universally applied in many countries around the world. I chose �鶹��ƵWCL for its international dimension and community, and I appreciate the fact that the university staff is really accessible and available to meet the needs of the students.�� 鶹��ƵWCL is a great place to study and students would not be disappointed.

Adaeze Blessing

LLM’ 2023��(Nigeria)

I have previously worked as a Senior Dispute Resolution Officer at the Abia State Judiciary for almost a decade, where I have resolved over 100 disputes through Arbitration, Mediation and Conciliation. My passion to ensure speedy justice got me interested in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. I chose �鶹��ƵWCL as it provides me the opportunity to gainskills required for a career in international sphere. Mock arbitration and an opportunity to learn from Prof Horacio and Prof Claudia under the guidance of Dr Bjorn greatly added to my decision in choosing �鶹��ƵWCL. The law school faculty and the staff sincerely care about the students and put in every effort to make the best use of our time at �鶹��ƵWCL.

Sanghmitra Sahai

LLM’ 2023��(India)

I have previously worked in Intellectual Property Laws both in India and the U.S., and have a Masters degree from the George Washington University Law School. I got interested in international arbitration due to my past experience of two continents. I want to build on my knowledge and experience in intellectual property laws, and find a niche at the confluence of IP laws and Arbitration Laws. I think arbitration has become a very important mode of resolving disputes, due to the slow pace at which litigation moves, in any country. Also, the fact that parties appoint arbitrators, makes it more effective. I chose �鶹��ƵWCL as it is one of the top ranking institutions in international law, as well as its location in Washington D.C., which is a major center for international arbitration. My advice to incoming students would be to choose their courses as soon as possible as well as make use of the location of �鶹��ƵWCL for networking purposes.