Leah Sommer
Germany

LL.M. Law in a Digital Economy

» Pre-LL.M. Experience

Before starting my LLM in 'Law in the Digital Economy' in September 2025, I took my first state law exam in beautiful Hamburg, Germany. Born and raised in Hamburg, I always knew that I wanted to study law in my hometown, close to my family and friends. During my studies in Germany, which I started in 2019, I specialised in Media and Communication Law with a particular focus on Reputation Law. Throughout my academic journey, I gained experience in this field through work and multiple internships. Although I enjoyed this, I felt like something was missing. That’s why I decided to pursue further education in this field to expand my knowledge. I have also worked in insolvency law and German civil law, but with evolving technologies, I want to be part of the ongoing development of law. 

» What I'm looking forward to at CGSL

I want to be part of the technological changes taking place in the legal field in Europe and internationally, especially in media law and IP and IT law. As AI systems are developing rapidly, lawyers need to adapt to this change and learn to work with AI as a support system so that it does not replace people working in law. My goal is to understand the relationship between law and AI, and the advantages and disadvantages of technological developments in the legal field. I am also hoping to build on the knowledge I gained during my studies in Hamburg. I highly value the practical approach and hands-on mentality at CGSL. This approach helps me connect with people from around the world and benefit from their knowledge and culture. It's a case of "learning by doing", which helps me to understand complex matters more easily. 

» Interests & Hobbies 

In my free time, I enjoy doing Pilates, and I love that Lisbon has so much to offer in terms of this sport. I also love travelling and exploring new cities and countries with friends and family, as well as trying out new restaurants and cafés and drinking iced chai. Furthermore, I spend a lot of time with my dog and love teaching him new skills.

Sílvia Nemchuk Shulzhyk
Portugal

LL.M. International Business Law

» Pre-LL.M. Experience

Master's Degree on Law and Economics of the Sea and a Post-Graduate Degree from the Faculty of Law, of the University of Lisbon in Corporate Finance & Corporate Governance. Secretary General of ELSA Portugal (2023/2024 & 2024/2025), Assistant for HR Strategies of the ELSA International Team (2023/2024), Director for ELSA Training of the ELSA International Team (2024/2025), Paralegal for COREangels funds.

» What I'm looking forward to at CGSL

At CGSL I'm looking forward to expanding my horizons. To expand my understanding of business law in an international context while learning from professors and peers with diverse perspectives. The programme’s global focus will help me develop practical skills that are directly relevant to cross-border legal work, and I am especially excited about the chance to engage with professionals already active in the field. Beyond the academic challenge, I see Católica Global School of Law as a unique opportunity to build a strong international network and prepare myself for a career that connects different legal systems and markets.

» Interests & Hobbies

I have recently rediscovered my passion for literature, which inspires me to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives beyond the legal field. Traveling has also shaped my outlook, as it allows me to experience new cultures directly, while cooking has become a creative way of connecting with those traditions and sharing them with others.

Lucas Durañona 
Argentina

LL.M. Law in a Digital Economy  

» Pre-LL.M. Experience

Before my move to Lisbon, I worked as a Legal Secondee for Google Argentina for more than three years. During this period, I had the opportunity to assist Google's in-house legal department with several contract reviews and negotiations. Prior to that, and while pursuing my law degree at the University of Buenos Aires, I held a part-time position in the Litigation Practice Area of a full-service law firm. We advised clients in legal matters related to the Right to Information, Freedom of Speech, the Right to be Forgotten, and Privacy in digital contexts. 

» What I'm looking forward to at CGSL

I am looking forward to challenging myself both intellectually and personally, in order to become a more competent professional and a more resourceful person. Furthermore, I believe that the LDE programme, along with the skills seminars, will provide me with the necessary tools to better understand the interactions between technology and law. I am particularly interested in learning about the main legal issues that startups and tech companies face in their early years, and how lawyers should tackle these. Finally, and most importantly, I'm excited to learn from renowned experts as professors and, especially, to share a transformative year with such a diverse and international cohort.

» Interests & Hobbies

I enjoy going out for walks with no certain destination and bumping into beautiful-secret city spots. Also sitting down for a coffee to read a book or just watch people pass by. I'm really keen on sports, mainly fútbol. I've brought my surfboard from Argentina... so I am eager to do some getaway surf trips during study breaks! Beyond sports, I like meeting new people to chat about life-experiences or just chill around. If it's while sharing some traditional "Argentinian mates", much better!

Vesa Pula
Kosovo

LL.M. International Business Law

» Pre-LL.M. Experience

Before beginning my LL.M. at Católica Global School of Law, I worked as a legal researcher at the Kosovo Law Institute and as a production assistant for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. I also interned at the Basic Court of Pristina, participated in international competitions such as Philip C. Jessup and Jean-Pictet, volunteered at the SOS Children’s Village, and spent three years during college with the Youth Council of the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, developing initiatives to address challenges faced by the youth. These experiences have profoundly shaped me, teaching me empathy and inspiring me to seek meaningful ways to make a difference in the society I live in.

» What I'm looking forward to at CGSL

I’m excited to deepen my knowledge and broaden my understanding in ways that go beyond the classroom, while exploring how law intersects with emerging technologies and global challenges. I look forward to an inspiring academic year — learning from world-class professors, gaining hands-on experience, and engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds. I am confident that the insights and perspectives I will gain at Católica will not only shape me academically but also empower me to make a meaningful and lasting impact when I return home.

» Interests & Hobbies

I strive to make the most of what life has to offer. Whether it’s through journaling, crafting, or simply exploring new places, I enjoy anything that allows me to express creativity and connect with the world around me. I love meeting people from different cultures, skiing down fresh slopes in winter, and expressing myself through fashion and photography.

Nanditha Vinod Nair
India

LL.M. Law in a Digital Economy  

» Pre-LL.M. Experience

While pursuing my law degree in India, my interest was drawn towards how law and technology collectively evolved. From understanding intellectual property and data protection to analysing the legal and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence, each of these steps have played a pivotal role in the way I see the world of law and innovation.

Through internships at multiple law firms, research projects, and paper presentations, I’ve learned that the law isn’t just regulation but it is also about creativity, adaptability, and impact. These years have been a journey of curiosity, learning, and growth, shaping my passion for the intersection of law, technology, and ethics.

» What I'm looking forward to at CGSL

When I think about my journey so far, I realise that my fascination with the intersection of technology and law has always been about understanding how the rules that govern society evolve alongside human innovation. At CGSL, I see the chance to explore how these two worlds interact, challenge each other, and shape our future.

The LDE programme caught my attention because it offers exactly what I’ve been seeking: dynamic, interdisciplinary, and globally minded learning. I’m eager to engage with professors who bring diverse perspectives and teaching styles, and to gain hands-on experience that connects theory with real-world impact.

Most of all, I look forward to the conversations with peers from different cultures, the friendships built through shared interests, and the moments that broaden one’s view of the world. For me, studying at CGSL is not just an academic pursuit but a journey of growth, connection, and discovery.

» Interests & Hobbies

My favorite way to spend time is going for a walk with good music in my ears, and Lisbon makes that simple joy feel even better. On quieter days, you’ll probably find me curled up at home watching movies, getting lost in a book, or experimenting with a recipe I spotted online (sometimes with delicious results, sometimes… interesting ones!). I also love wandering the city, hunting for new restaurants or experiences that make me see Lisbon in a fresh way.