Nínive Sheriline Pineda Carranza
Department Head of International Maritime Affairs, Mexican Navy, Mexico
- How did your Swansea LLM help you?
It is a fact that without the LLM of International Maritime Law at Swansea I would not have got my current position. The degree helped me obtain the necessary knowledge to understand the diverse world of maritime law and practice. At the same time, it enabled me to think from a broader perspective, develop my critical analytical skills, and of course improve my English, both speaking and writing, which opened many new opportunities for me.
Additionally, the LLM helped me personally to enhance my network and develop friendships with amazing people, both professors and alumni, from all over the world.
- What advice can you give to current students in their job search?
I am not quite sure I can give insightful advice on this topic given that I work for the government, but what I can say is that everyone should search a job that they feel passionate about. There will always be a certain topic, company, department, etc that excites each of us, and that is exactly what one should strive and prepare for. Also, do not feel shy to ask for help from the university, professors or even other alumni. There are plenty of sources and experience that everyone can use and share at Swansea University.
Jorge Aldo Ramírez Casazza
Associate, DLA Piper, Mexico
Jorge Aldo Ramírez Casazza obtained his LLM degree in International Maritime Law at Swansea. After graduation, he joined the DLA Piper's Litigation & Regulatory Group in London, before later continuing his career in México. DLA Piper is one of the largest business law firms in the world with lawyers located in more than 40 countries. Aldo advises major international clients in shipping finance transactions and compliance on regulatory aspects related to the shipping industry.
María Belén Espiñeira
Partner, IT&L Legal Consultants, Buenos Aires
María obtained her LLM in International Maritime Law with distinction from Swansea University. She is the Director of the Postgraduate Specialization Course on Management of the Marine Environment Protection, offered by the Instituto Universitario Superior, dependent on the Prefectura Naval Argentina. She is also a lecturer on Maritime Law at the Escuela Nacional de Náutica “Manuel Belgrano”, where she trains masters, pilots, and chief engineers.
She founded International Transport & Logistics Legal Consultants. The firm stands out in providing pre-emptive legal support, and handling administrative, mediation, judicial, and arbitration proceedings in all kind of shipping and maritime related matters. The firm’s main focus in handling cases concerning: major incidents, salvage, general average, pollution to the environmental, issues related to the carriage of goods by sea and contracts for the use of vessels, customs and port concerns, cargo claims, marine insurance, offshore and, oil and gas related matters. She was one of the founders of WISTA ARGENTINA.
She has previous experience as in-house lawyer in an important international shipping company and as senior associate lawyer in a boutique maritime law firm in Argentina. In recognition to her academic and professional skills, achievements, and high moral values, she was honouree of the “Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Award” awarded by the International Bar Association in Tokyo. She is member of the International Bar Association, Argentine Maritime Law Association, and Iberoamerican Institute of Maritime Law.
Francisco Gross
Technical Lead Sanctions & Data Protection - Vale, Rio de Janeiro
Francisco completed his LLM at Swansea and then worked for HFW for 2 years in the insurance team before joining Vale as Legal Counsel. At Vale, Francisco handles various international trade, shipping and insurance matters, including contracts and disputes in Brazil and abroad.
Alexandra Lasso Marin
Senior Associate Lawyer, Anzola Robles y Asociados (Mergers and Acquisitions), Panama
- How did your Swansea LLM help you in getting your current position?
I am aware that, with my experience and studies, I have been successful throughout my professional life. However, I consider that having completed my LLM in International Commercial Law and Maritime Law at Swansea University, I have been allowed to reach the next level, one that I was anxiously awaiting.
Swansea University gave me the tools I needed for the job position I am in today; not just the legal knowledge that I developed during my classes, but my English has also improved, allowing me to continue creating more connections with both clients and colleagues.
- What advice can you give to current students in their job search?
The best advice I can give when looking for a job opportunity is to never give up. Never think that any job position is above your expertise, because sometimes you are exactly what a company needs. Do not doubt what you have learned and show that it is not only about what you studied but how you apply it.
Don’t be afraid to apply to new positions that may be considered outside your scope, experiencing new opportunities is always a refreshing adventure. Be constant, thorough and stay active on LinkedIn and always seek to create connections. You never really know what a friendship can bring to your professional life.
Jose Guzman Navarro
Partner - Guzmán, Mejía & Smith, Panama
José obtained his LLM from Swansea University. He is one of the founding partners of the law firm Guzmán, Mejía & Smith in Panama City, Panama. He currently works as a lawyer in the General Council Office of the Panama Canal Authority and also works part time as a lecturer in maritime law in some prestigious universities of Panama. In addition, he is a member of the Maritime Law Commission of the National Bar Association of Panama, and the Panamanian Association of Maritime Law.
