Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law is proud to highlight some of our new Master of Laws (LLM) students. The LLM program fully immerses students in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law and offers inclusive access to programming, courses/modules, and the greater University of Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Boulder campus. LLM students have unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our community of scholars and students, while advancing Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law’s intellectual leadership across the globe.ÌýÌýÌý
In this edition, we hear from the LLM Class of 2025’s Camila Boezio De La Torre! Ìý
What inspired you to pursue an LLM degree?Ìý
Ìý°äµþ: The dream of devoting my life to creating a fairer, juster, righteous world through the law, has been my compass.ÌýThroughout my studies, I balanced academic work with professional experience. I have worked across several areas of law, but I found my true passion and fulfillment in human rights and environmental protection. While at times, I feltÌýdiscouraged by the negative influence of power structures, corruption, and bureaucracy that seemed to impede true justice, these circumstances made my determination to effect change stronger.ÌýÌý
After completing my law degree in Ecuador, with the ambition of creating a positive change in the world, I knew I had to continue expanding my education and careerÌýin order to generate a broader impact.Ìý
My last job was at an immigration law firm based in Denver, Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ, where I worked remotely for nearly two years. The stories of our clients’ struggles were deeply moving, and I was motivated by the positive impact we could make in their lives. This experience inspired me to pursue an LLM and continue to develop my legal education in the U.S., with the objective of passing the bar exam.Ìý
What is your educational background and/or what was your career prior to coming to Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law?Ìý
CB: I earned my law degree in 2022 from Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Ecuador, during which I also completed a semester exchange program at Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) in Argentina. Despite the fact that COVID pandemic began after 3 weeks into my exchange program, we continued online classes, and I valued the opportunity to compare Argentina's legal system with Ecuador's, gaining new perspectives.Ìý
I also served as a teaching assistant in Legal Logic and Philosophy of Law classes, and participated in UDLA’s Arbitration Official Team, with whom we won in the National Arbitration Competition IX Edition of the AMCHAM Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce and participated in the XIII International Arbitration Competition organized by Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá.Ìý Later, I worked as a legal assistant for corporate law firms, and afterwards held a position at the Environmental Ministry of Ecuador. One of the most impactful experiences during this time was participating in a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) project aimed at developing an Indicator Framework for combating wildlife and forest crime in the Galápagos Islands and Quito.Ìý
My most recent position before starting my LLM was with an immigration law firm based in Denver, Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ. There, I focused on family-based and humanitarian visas, mostly for South American clients who not only struggled with poverty, but also experienced trauma such as crime, rape, and violence. Witnessing their resilience and the transformative impact our legal assistance had on their lives and communities inspired me. It strengthened my passion for making a difference through immigration and human rights law with this LLM.ÌýÌý
Why did you choose to attend Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law?Ìý
CB: Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law stood out as the best choice for me after I had the opportunity to visit several Universities in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ during a work training trip. I was fortunate to meet with Jimmy Ilseng, Director of International Programs, who provided an in-depth overview of the program, including the variety of interesting subjects I could study and the opportunity to prepare for the Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Bar Exam. The beauty of the Rocky Mountains and several outdoor activities near Boulder were a factor in my decision as well. I knew Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law would provide the perfect environment to advance my career.ÌýÌý
What are your hobbies outside of work/school?Ìý
CB: I strongly believe that to maintain a demanding academic and professional lifestyle, your mind and body should be healthy. Which is why I enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain climbing and going to the gym. Spending time in nature is essential to recharging my mind.ÌýÌý
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?Ìý
CB: I'm excited to immerse myself in learning about the U.S. legal system, and ultimately passing the bar exam. I am also enthusiastic about building significant connections with my LLM and JD classmates, as well as the broader legal community in Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ. I appreciate the holistic approach that Å·ÃÀ¿Ú±¬ÊÓƵ Law provides, offering academic rigor, but also incredible networking possibilities and other opportunities to grow personally. When I finish the program, I hope to find myself with better tools to continue my dream of making this world better through the law.ÌýÌýÌý
Ìý