Daniil Vlasenko hopes an LL.M. in transnational business practice will position him as a strong legal professional who is a go-between for the Eastern and Western world.
“It could be a very constructive to both sides to have a person who can understand all needs and demands of both parties and is able to make their relationships beneficial,” Vlasenko said, referring to Russia and other post-Soviet countries, and Europe and America.
Vlasenko is from Russia, and is currently working on the LL.M. at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He is one of six students this year to receive a fellowship from the Russia-United States Legal Education Foundation.
He has been interested in law for much of his life. His father is a lawyer, and always encouraged Vlasenko to write papers on international law and comparative law topics.
At the National Research University Higher School of Economics, he joined the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot team and the Foreign Direct Investment International Arbitration Moot, which provided opportunities for practical skills and to communicate with law students, lawyers and scholars from around the world.
“That community of bright people in my country and abroad stimulated me to continue to expand my knowledge,” said Vlasenko.
He also worked for two years in the international litigation and arbitration group at Goltsblat Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP.
He decided to study abroad and earn an LL.M. to continue on his path as a flexible, successful international lawyer.
McGeorge School of Law was one of the schools that accepts RUSLEF fellows, but Vlasenko was also impressed by its notable alumni and professors, along with the positive feedback he heard from alumni about the school.
“By far my expectations are totally fulfilled, because classes are extremely interactive, highly encouraging to read extra materials and to discuss up-to-date legal issues with professors,” he said. “Moreover, all members of administrative team are very welcoming and ready to help not just with your academic life, but with all range of questions and concerns which can be raised by international students.”
He’s excited about experiencing the Socratic method of teaching, and the opportunity to choose the courses he wants.
Upon completion of the program, he hopes to work at an international law firm.
But he’s not closing the doors on any future opportunities, mentioning science or teaching as possible future career paths.
