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 American University 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 AUWCL 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 AUWCL, where I assist with research and administrative tasks, helping to promote the center’s initiatives.
I chose to pursue my LL.M. at AUWCL 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.

Khumar Gasimzade

LLM’ 2025 (Azerbaijan)

I am a dual degree student specializing in International Arbitration and Business Law at ADA University and American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL). 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 AUWCL, 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 AUWCL 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 – American University 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 American University 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 AUWCL, 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.
AUWCL 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 American University 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.

Elizabeth Zambrano-Marriott

LLM’ 2024 (Ecuador)

I am currently working with Duane Morris, LLP. With the increasing relationships between individuals/businesses transnationally, arbitration is a better option to resolve disputes in less time and at a lower cost, this was the reason which sparked my interest in international arbitration. I chose to study at the AUWCL on a family member’s recommendation, who worked at the United Nations in Washington D.C. The best part about my education with AUWCL is that it is available online. I would advise every new student to get organized as early as possible, set an academic road map with desirable classes or areas of interest. It is equally important to fix a schedule for school, work and R&R time.

John Paul Bongkiyi

LLM’ 2023 (Cameroon)

I have previously worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Buea. I got interested in international arbitration as the amount of business disputed that are delayed by court proceedings and the practice of companies including arbitration as a dispute resolution clause in their business contracts. In my opinion, the most interesting fact about arbitration is the enforceability of arbitral awards nationally as well as internationally. At AUWCL, I am the Director of Student Life within the AUWCL Student Bar Association. The faculty here is well-renowned and I have read a number of interesting works by them. My advice to new students would be that since LLM students have limited access to some school materials as compared to JD students, prepare more resources to purchase the materials required.

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 AUWCL 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. AUWCL 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 AUWCL 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 AUWCL. 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 AUWCL.

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 AUWCL 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 AUWCL for networking purposes.

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