Student Profiles
-
Kopila Adhikari – Nepal
Ms. Adhikari earned her primary law degree at Nepal Law Campus in Kathmandu, Nepal. She also has a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Purvanchal University and a Master’s degree in sociology from Tribhuvan University (both in Nepal). Ms. Adhikari is a founding member of Advocacy Forum, a leading Human Rights Organization in Nepal, and was also a council member of the Asia Federation against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) from 2007 to 2012. She worked closely with victims of torture, sexual violence, and armed conflict, providing legal support and access to justice in Nepal. She has been actively involved in frontline human rights litigation and rule of law advocacy for almost 16 years. At UC Irvine Law, she seeks to gain a global perspective on law practice by learning the legal system of the U.S. as well as that of other jurisdictions with insights from her international classmates. She also aims to take the California bar exam and continue her legal career in California.
-
Syeda Maah-Noor Ali – England/Pakistan/United States
Syeda Maah-Noor Ali holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall (2020) and a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law (2021), with concentrations in Antitrust Law, Business Law, Human Rights, Advocacy, International Relations and Environmental Law. She was taking the Bar Practice Course before moving to the U.S. and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn. Ms. Ali has a diverse background spanning legal research, environmental law advisory, journalism, content creation, and human rights advocacy. In the Middle East, she conducted legal fieldwork, engaging with lawyers and activists to document conditions on the ground in a number of different regions. As a business and environmental law advisor in Pakistan, she collaborated with farmers and industries to improve sustainability practices, ensure compliance with food grade standards, and promote environmentally friendly agriculture. Her journalism and editorial work have appeared in outlets such as the Financial Times. At UC Irvine Law, Ms. Ali aims to deepen her expertise in U.S. law and prepare for the California bar exam in 2026.
-
Claire Braniff – Australia
Ms. Braniff is dedicated to helping others, which has led her to pursue a career where she can make a real difference. At university, she volunteered in her free time to assist family law clients at the University of Newcastle Legal Center and was nominated by her peers as ‘Best Mediator’ in 2021. Upon admission to practice law at the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Ms. Braniff began working in family law. She employed her empathetic and logical traits to create positive outcomes in complex parenting matters for victims of domestic violence and financial disputes involving assets up to $15 million. Her confidence in adapting to the unknown was showcased when she successfully negotiated a settlement in favor of her client in a matter that had been through the Family Court system for over three years, just a month after being admitted to practice law. Her success reinforced her passion for helping others, advocating in court, and negotiating positive outcomes through alternative dispute resolution, mediation, or conciliation conferences. Ms. Braniff practiced as a family law attorney in Australia for 23 months before moving to California in March 2025 with her golden retriever. She hopes to take the California Bar in July 2025.
-
Daniela Chavez Garcia – México
Daniela Chavez Garcia earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 2024 from Universidad Vasco de Quiroga. She also holds a diploma in International Affairs and Armed Conflicts from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (2022). Her legal experience includes work in both the private and public sectors, with a focus on commercial and tax law. Ms. Chavez has been involved in cross-border legal matters and fiscal audits, particularly in the context of regulatory compliance and foreign trade. At UC Irvine School of Law, she hopes to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system. After completing the Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree program, she plans to pass the California bar exam and continue her legal career in an international context.
-
Pei Cheng Cheng – Taiwan
Pei Cheng Cheng is a student from Taiwan. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Fu Jen Catholic University, where he focused his studies on financial and economic law. During his undergraduate years, Mr. Cheng developed a strong interest in the intersection of law, business, and global markets, which motivated him to further his legal education in the United States. Currently pursuing his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at UC Irvine School of Law, he hopes to deepen his understanding of U.S. corporate and financial regulations, particularly in areas relating to international business transactions. Mr. Cheng is also eager to engage with diverse perspectives in the classroom and to strengthen his lawyering skills.
-
Qiujie Ding – China
Qiujie Ding brings 16 years of extensive professional experience spanning corporate executive roles, compliance management, and legal practice. She previously served as assistant to the president and board secretary at DBK Group, where she played a key role in strategic planning, brand management, risk control, and pre-IPO preparations, while also establishing the group’s legal and compliance framework. Transitioning to full-time practice, she is now an attorney at Beijing King & Capital Law Firm (Shenzhen Branch), leading criminal defense cases; establishing a team to handle foreign and domestic corporate relations between China and the U.S.; handling civil and commercial litigation; managing non-contentious matters; and serving as long-term legal counsel for corporate clients with a focus on risk control and compliance. Ms. Ding holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Guangxi Normal University and completed graduate studies in applied economics at the Central University of Finance and Economics. She is qualified with several professional credentials, including the Chinese Legal Profession Qualification, Board Secretary Certification (Shenzhen Stock Exchange), and TEM-8. Her book, The Startup Decameron: Partnering for Ten Stages, was published in 2022, and she is currently working on her next project, The Global Expansion Decameron: A Legal Guide to Compliance and Risk Management for SMEs and Developers. Through the LL.M. program at UC Irvine School of Law, she aims to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, enhance her capabilities in cross-border legal practice, and contribute to legal and business exchanges between China and the United States.
-
Miryam Figueroa – México
Miryam Figueroa earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a leading university in Guadalajara, Mexico. Since 2010, she has built a solid legal career specializing in corporate law, real estate transactions, trust fund advisory, and fiduciary banking services, with extensive experience across notarial and private practice environments in both Mexico and the United States. Her expertise includes the legal structuring of commercial entities, contract management, cross-border transactions, and the development of estate and trust strategies tailored to corporate and individual clients. Ms. Figueroa has a proven track record of supporting commercial growth through strategic legal planning, compliance advisory, and thorough due diligence processes. She has also provided fiduciary services in coordination with financial institutions, offering advisories on trust formation, administration, and asset transfer processes. In addition, Ms. Figueroa has successfully managed legal procedures involving federal and state government agencies, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and facilitating smooth execution of transactions. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she brings bilingual proficiency and strong cross-border legal insight, enabling her to serve a diverse client base and manage complex international matters with precision.
-
Angie Guzmán Gómez – Colombia/United States
Ms. Guzmán earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Universidad Libre, in 2013. She is a licensed attorney in Colombia with over twelve years of professional experience, primarily in prominent government institutions. Her academic background includes two postgraduate studies: one in Constitutional Law at Universidad Libre (2017), and another in Human Rights, International Humanitarian Law, and Conflict Resolution at the Military Education Center of the Colombian National Army (2020). Drawing from her academic and professional experience, Ms. Guzmán co-authored a peer-reviewed article titled "Effectiveness of the Participation of the Victims of the Armed Conflict in the Design, Execution and Control of Public Policies," published in Derecho y Realidad, a legal journal of the Pedagogical and Technological University of Colombia, in 2021. She played a leading role in the development of the article, particularly in analyzing the legal frameworks and identifying fundamental structures for developing public policy. Ms. Guzmán is currently working on a second article focusing on the importance of characterizing migrant populations and its implications for public policy. With an interest in the global social phenomenon of migration, she completed the “Advanced Specialization in U.S. Immigration Law” at the Ibero-American Institute of Law and Economics in 2023. She also obtained her real estate license in Tennessee, in 2025. Ms. Guzmán is currently pursuing her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. She plans to sit for the California bar exam and pursue a legal career in the United States.
-
Jinhyo Kim – South Korea
Mr. Kim earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree (2010) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in EU and Constitutional Law (2014) from Yonsei University, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Ajou University School of Law (2018). He is an attorney licensed in South Korea and the Head of the External Strategic & Policy Team at Coinone Inc., a leading cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea. He focuses on policy strategy, regulatory engagement, and external affairs in the fast-changing digital finance sector. Previously, he served as Coinone’s Head of Legal Affairs and as Legal Manager at SK Inc., advising on fintech, corporate governance, and compliance. At UC Irvine School of Law he aims to expand his expertise in U.S. financial and cryptocurrency regulation and intends to study and gain a deep understanding of the U.S. legal system. Mr. Kim hopes to contribute to developing the cryptocurrency industry and harmonizing international regulatory frameworks for digital finance in South Korea.
-
Yooni Kim – South Korea
Ms. Kim earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Ewha Womans University in South Korea. She has practiced as a litigation attorney in Seoul, focusing on civil, corporate, and administrative litigation, including cases for the recovery of public funds on behalf of a national credit guarantee institution. She also served as a senior researcher at a university human rights center, where she advised on university committee procedures and drafted regulatory revisions based on her legal expertise. With the understanding of the U.S. legal system, she hopes to gain at UC Irvine Law, she aims to further strengthen her expertise in public interest litigation and contribute to the advancement of human rights policy in Korea.
-
Hong-I Lee – Taiwan
Hong-I Lee holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from National Taipei University and an LL.M. degree from City University of Hong Kong. He has professional experience in the banking and securities sectors in Taiwan and Hong Kong, focusing on contract review and regulatory compliance. Mr. Lee is pursuing his LL.M. degree at UC Irvine Law to strengthen his legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills while meeting the eligibility requirements for the California bar exam. Upon completing the program, he plans to sit for the exam in July 2026 and practice law in the United States. Outside of his studies, he enjoys swimming, cycling, and watching sports.
-
Zhongyun Li – China
Zhongyun Li studied her primary law degree at Nanjing University of Science and Technology. As a student, she interned at several courts and law firms, focusing on the field of intellectual property. At University of California, Irvine School of Law, she hopes to enhance her legal knowledge, improve her lawyering skills, and develop a more global perspective on law.
-
Inha Nam – South Korea
Inha Nam is a Korean patent attorney with expertise in applied chemistry, chemical engineering, semiconductors, and biotechnology. He advises domestic and international clients—particularly Japanese and Korean pharmaceutical and electronics companies—on patent prosecution, licensing, infringement, and freedom-to-operate analyses. He has handled cases involving polyimide films, secondary batteries, cosmetics, and optical materials. Since 2017, he has worked at Lee & Ko IP. Mr. Nam holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Hanyang University and is a member of the Asian Patent Attorneys Association.
-
Isabella Namuyomba - Uganda
Isabella Namuyomba earned her LL.B. from Uganda Christian University, where she excelled in international moot court competitions, earning national and continental recognition. After completing the Bar Course at the Law Development Center in Kampala, she relocated to the United States and rose from paralegal to Chief Operating Officer at a law firm in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Ms. Namuyomba has managed thousands of cases, led multi-jurisdictional teams, and advanced initiatives supporting longshore and defense contractors from underserved communities. At UC Irvine Law, she aims to deepen her expertise in U.S. law and establish a cross-border legal initiative.
-
Seok Keun Oh – South Korea
Seok Keun Oh earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University in 2011 and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Korea National Open University in 2022. He was admitted to the Korean Patent Attorney Bar in 2014, and his practice covers a wide range of intellectual property matters, including patent litigation, prior art analysis, infringement and validity opinions, and patent prosecution. Mr. Oh worked as an associate patent attorney at Shinsegi Patent Law Firm (2014–2016) and Yoon & Lee Patent Law Firm (2016–2019). He is currently a partner specializing in intellectual property at Lee & Ko IP.
-
Sun Park – South Korea
Sun Park is a registered patent attorney in South Korea with extensive experience in intellectual property law. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics Education from Ewha Womans University and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from The Cyber University of Korea. Ms. Park was admitted to the Korean Patent Attorney Bar in 2009, and her practice encompasses a broad range of IP matters, including patent, trademark, design patent, and copyright litigation, as well as prior art analysis, infringement and validity opinions, and prosecution. She began her legal career as an associate patent attorney at DARAE Law Firm (2010–2013). Since then, she has served as in-house patent counsel at Samsung Electronics for over 11 years, where she is responsible for managing global patent, trademark, and design patent litigations; negotiating licensing agreements; and reviewing IP-related contracts.
-
Miyoung Sim – South Korea
Ms. Sim holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Sungkyunkwan University and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Ajou University Law School in South Korea. She served as a public defender at the Suwon District Court, where she successfully represented numerous clients at trial. In recognition of her performance, she was awarded the Outstanding Public Defender Award by the Suwon District Court in 2023. She also served as the Legal Team Leader at the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency, where she provided legal counsel on a wide range of matters, including national and administrative litigation, as well as internal police affairs. For her contributions, she received the Police Chief’s Award in both 2019 and 2021. At UC Irvine School of Law, she aims to broaden her international legal perspective and pursue a career as an international lawyer.
-
Estefanía Soto – México
Ms. Soto earned her law degree (J.D. equivalent) from Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico, graduating with distinction and receiving the Mariano Otero award as the top student of her generation. She is licensed to practice law in Mexico and has over a decade of experience advising international clients on sophisticated real estate and corporate matters. Her expertise encompasses cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, entity formation, regulatory compliance and the structuring of complex investments in Mexico. She is a member of the Mexican Bar Association and the Commercial Real Estate Women Network. Ms. Soto began her career clerking at Mexican Federal and State Courts, where she contributed to rulings on administrative, environmental and urban development disputes. She later gained further professional experience in Mexican and U.S. prestigious law firms with local and multinational developers on master-planned communities, luxury hotels and large-scale commercial projects while guiding foreign investors through Mexico’s land use, zoning, corporate governance, immigration frameworks and near-shoring strategies. Fluent in Spanish, English and French, Ms. Soto offers an international perspective rooted in deep expertise in Mexican law. At UC Irvine Law she aims to broaden this foundation by integrating U.S. legal training to further excel in her cross-border practice.
-
Sochanmalisphoung Vannavuth – Cambodia
Ms. Vannavuth earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the Royal University of Law and Economics (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Cambodia (2014). She further pursued advanced studies, earning dual master’s degrees—one in Global Politics from Ateneo De Manila University in the Philippines (2019) and another in Law and Settlement of Disputes from the Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica (2019). Ms. Vannavuth began her legal career at KCP (Cambodia), where she provided counsel on corporate and regulatory matters. She then joined Tilleke & Gibbins’ Phnom Penh office as an associate, advising clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial issues. Her practice includes M&A, competition law, data privacy, banking and finance, franchising, and real estate. Ms. Vannavuth is also a trademark agent recognized by the Ministry of Commerce, a tax agent accredited by the General Department of Taxation, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. At UC Irvine Law, she aims to deepen her understanding of both American and international legal systems, with the goal of expanding her expertise in cross-border legal practice. She also plans to take the California and New York bar exams and pursue a career as an international lawyer.
-
Yuhan Wang – China
Yuhan Wang earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Yanching Institute of Technology in 2024. In China, she successfully passed the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination in 2023 and gained substantial practical experience in 2024 with an internship as a judicial assistant at the Handan Primary People’s Court, where she supported judges in civil and commercial dispute resolution and legal document drafting. At UC Irvine School of Law, Ms. Wang aims to advance her expertise in U.S. civil and business law to prepare for a career in litigation and commercial law practice.
-
Jiaqi Zhang – China
Jiaqi Zhang earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Shandong University of Political Science and Law and pursued her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at Southwest University of Political Science and Law. Ms. Zhang is deeply interested in different legal systems and aspires to develop a career in international legal services. During her year at UC Irvine Law, she hopes to enhance her knowledge and legal skills, which will lay a solid foundation for passing the bar exam in the future. She hopes for a memorable and enjoyable year among her peers in the UC Irvine Law community.
-
Hajira Zia – Pakistan
Hajira Zia is a licensed attorney with seven years of litigation experience in the district and appellate courts of Pakistan. After receiving her Bachelors of Laws (LL.B.) (Honors) from University of London, Ms. Zia started her legal practice, and she is licensed to practice in both the state courts and high courts of Pakistan. Her legal practice includes constitutional law, criminal law, and national accountability laws. She has worked on cases representing state and private legal entities and drafted criminal appeals; pre-arrest and post-arrest bails; applications for interim relief; and applications seeking early hearing of cases. Additionally, she has assisted in civil petitions requesting appeals before the high courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Ms. Zia has also worked in the National Accountability Bureau and the Advocate General Office in Pakistan on constitutional law matters. Prior to beginning her studies at UC Irvine Law, she earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Emory University School of Law. At UC Irvine Law, she aims to develop her understanding of U.S. law and legal systems and enhance her advocacy skills to be a better attorney.