The launch of the Distance Learning (IDR) Chapter took place with an online welcome event on Tuesday 9 February. Professor Ian Walden, Norah Gallagher, Senior Lecturer and Jean Monnet Chair and Dr Remy Gerbay, Lecturer in Arbitration and International Commercial Law, welcomed everyone and committee members Viktor Rykov and Renata Gransden spoke about their ideas about the objectives of the Chapter, as well as possible activities that could take place.
Attendees spoke about what they are doing now and what they got out of studying the LLM as well sharing their ideas for possible activities.
Viktor Rykov (International Dispute Resolution PGDip, 2020) spoke first saying: 'I accepted being a committee member with pleasure. There is nothing more important in these times as networking'. I am keen that we organise lively events for both academics and professionals. When the community grows it might be that some more alumni will come forward to help Renata and me on the Committee to help with different areas such as promotion of events'. He emphasised 'We need to have fun'. This was then shared with others during the meeting.
Renata Gransden (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2020) said: 'Studying the LLM had a profound effect on me. As a non-lawyer, I want to reach out to others who have studied on the course who are also non-lawyers to ensure that it isn't intimidating. I have learnt you have to be brave and what you put in, you get out. That is why I am here; I want to be part of the Chapter and I want to be involved.' Renata is keen for activities to have a sparkle to them.
Robin Callender Smith (Computer and Communications Law LLM, 2010, International Dispute Resolution, PGDip, 2020, 2021) updated everyone: ‘What is going on in the media is of interest to me. I'm working on finishing a chapter on data protection and privacy. I'm currently waiting from a judgement on part of the Royal Family’s privacy battle.’
Marcia Ayers-Caesar (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2020) went on to say: 'I live in Trinidad and Tobago. My passion is in criminal law and when studying my LLM in International Dispute Resolution on the Distance Learning programme, I knew that it was going to be a bit of a challenge because it was different from what I was normally accustomed to. The programme was an interesting and informative one. There is not much information on the Caribbean perspective on this area of law and it is hoped that through this Chapter we can not only highlight the LLM to more people in the Caribbean but also assist in creating a platform for discussion on the many issues that present themselves.'
Anna Stylianou (International Dispute Resolution LLM, 2020) shared: 'I really had a good time when studying the LLM. It was also challenging. I'm a practicing arbitrator but I always thought I needed more legal knowledge. I'm really interested in the Chapter and would like to have fun. I'm really looking forward to the Paris Arbitration Week.' Remy said that it will be a good opportunity to network.
Please could everyone spread the word about the new CCLS DL Chapter (IDR).
Also if anyone is interested in being on the committee, please get in touch to express your interest.
You can join other alumni on the CCLS DL Chapter (IDR) LinkedIn.