Student Profiles
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Sarween Abdulla – Iraq, U.S.
Ms. Sarween Abdulla received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the University of Salahadin in Iraq. A successful sole practitioner in Iraq for over ten years, Ms. Abdullah specialized in administrative law, family law, and criminal law. She has also worked as an attorney in Egypt and for the United Nations. Ms. Abdulla has lived in the United States for five years, where she has studied English while volunteering for several non-profit organizations. After completing the LL.M. degree at UCI Law, Ms. Abdulla plans to pursue her doctoral degree. Ms. Abdulla enjoys long distance running and has completed two marathons.
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Muhammad Afzal – Pakistan
Mr. Muhammad Afzal earned his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) in 2015 from the University of Punjab in Pakistan. He subsequently worked as an associate attorney for the Punjab Law Company in Lahore, where he specialized in criminal law. Mr. Afzal also served as a research associate for the Attorney General Office for Pakistan and as co-chairman of the Jail and Prisoner Inspection Committee (Punjab). At UCI Law, he hopes to deepen his understanding of the American legal system in order to provide better legal services in Pakistan. Mr. Afzal loves to travel and hopes to visit beautiful places all over the world.
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Mustafa Akkus – Turkey, U.S.
Mr. Mustafa Akkus received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) in 2019 from Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey. Specializing in the fields of criminal law and constitutional law during his undergraduate studies, Mr. Akkus has extensive experience writing and organizing petitions. Since his arrival in the United States in 2019, he has volunteered at various NGOs. A native speaker of Turkish, Mr. Akkus is also fluent in English and has an intermediate understanding of Arabic. An avid learner, Mr. Akkus hopes to deepen his legal knowledge, from Roman law to the American legal system. He aims to pursue a career in intellectual property law.
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Khaliun Amartuvshin – Mongolia
Ms. Khaliun Amartuvshin received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the National University of Mongolia, School of Law in 2018. While working as a legal advisor in the field of business, Ms. Amartuvshin also earned a master of business administration degree (MBA) from the University of Finance and Economics in Mongolia (2020). She is licensed by the Mongolian Bar Association. After completing her LL.M. degree at UCI Law, Ms. Amartuvshin plans to start a business and legal consultation firm, to aid small business owners in financial planning, tax compliance, business growth, and other complex issues.
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Sarah Chan – Macau, U.S.
Ms. Sarah Chan received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the University of Macau in 2009 and subsequently worked as a civil servant in several public departments as well as a lawyer in Macau. She practiced corporate law, criminal law, and family law, and gained a wealth of experience in pro bono service. Ms. Chan immigrated to the United States in 2019 and worked as a transactional paralegal and notary public at a business probate law firm in Irvine, California. Through the LL.M. program at UCI Law, Ms. Chan hopes to further her knowledge in American law. After graduation, she plans to sit for the California bar exam.
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Dahye Cho – South Korea
Ms. Dahye Cho received her bachelor of arts degree (B.A.) in communications from Seoul National University in South Korea. After passing the Korea bar examination, she trained at the Judicial Research and Training Institute, Supreme Court of Korea. As a member of Lee & Ko, a law firm in South Korea, her practice mainly focuses on mergers & acquisitions, private equity funds and capital markets compliance matters. She hopes to take her time at UCI Law to deepen her understanding of U.S. laws and regulations so that she can provide a higher level of service after returning to her position in Korea.
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Jeehye Cho – South Korea
Ms. Jeehye Cho earned her bachelor of law degree (LL.B.) and master of business administration (MBA) from Korea University. She has several years of experience in banking and has also served as a compliance officer for a financial company. Ms. Cho is admitted to the District of Columbia Bar (Washington, D.C.).
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Rajtilak Dhuru – India
Mr. Rajtilak Dhuru graduated with a bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the University of Mumbai in 2020. During his undergraduate program, he actively participated in Harvard Model United Nations and the National Mock Trial program. Additionally, Mr. Dhuru was a member of the College Moot Committee. He has interned at the chambers of Senior Counsel of the Supreme Court of India and at law firms, where he drafted pleadings and conducted legal research. Mr. Dhuru’s academic interests include intellectual property law and litigation. Through the LL.M. program at UCI Law, he aims to gain a deeper understanding of the American legal system.
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M. Esra Gundogdu – Turkey, U.S.
Ms. Esra Gundogdu received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Gediz University in 2014 and was admitted to the Izmir Bar Association in 2016. Specializing in consumer law and commercial law, she has extensive experience creating and filing petitions, attending trials, and preparing protocols between creditors and debtors. Ms. Gundogdu believes that pursuing the LL.M. program at UCI Law will enhance her legal knowledge and skills as she prepares to take the California bar exam and continue her legal career.
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Taeahn Gwon – South Korea
Mr. Taeahn Gwon graduated with a bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) with great honors at Korea University and subsequently studied at the Judicial Research and Training Institute. Mr. Gwon currently holds the position of Attorney-at-Law in the white-collar crime practice group at Lee & Ko in Seoul, Korea. Lee & Ko places a special emphasis on pro bono services and Mr. Gwon is a member of his firm’s pro bono committee, serving specifically on the North Korean defectors subcommittee. In this capacity, he has provided legal services to protect the rights of North Korean defectors and resolve individual legal issues. After completing the LL.M. program at UCI Law, Mr. Gwon hopes to pursue a business connecting Korean and North American markets.
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Zijing Han – China
Ms. Zijing Han earned her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Shandong University of Political Science and Law. She is primarily interested in contract law and plans to pursue a career in this field. While at UCI Law, she hopes to deepen her understanding of both the theory and practice of contract law. She is excited about the LL.M. program and looks forward to a wonderful year with her classmates. Ms. Han enjoys baking and feels a great sense of accomplishment in making delicious bread.
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Jingyi He – China
Ms. Jingyi He received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in 2021. During her undergraduate years, she gained extensive experience as a legal intern, with internships both at court and in law firms. At UCI Law, she hopes to increase her legal knowledge and enhance her skills as an attorney.
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Young Sun Joo – South Korea
Ms. Young Sun Joo received her master of laws degree (LL.M.) from Korea University in 2014 after earning her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Seoul National University. She was appointed Public Prosecutor for the Republic of Korea in 2014. Since then, Ms. Joo has worked on various cases in the fields of criminal investigation and public prosecution, murder crimes, and bribery. Her current interests are digital evidence in criminal law and intellectual property law.
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Donga Jung – South Korea
Mr. Donga Jung received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Korea University College of Law in 2011. Upon successfully passing the Korean Judicial Bar Examination and graduating from the Judicial Research and Training Institute (JRTI), a mandatory national two-year training program, he became qualified to practice law as a licensed attorney in South Korea in 2013. Mr. Jung served his mandatory military service as a judge advocate at the Ministry of Justice from 2013-2016. Since 2016, he has worked for Lee & Ko in Seoul. As a partner of Lee & Ko’s banking & finance practice group, his practice focuses mainly on private equity funds, mergers & acquisitions, and capital markets compliance matters.
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Khorshid Hajsolemani Kamran – Iran, U.S.
Ms. Khorshid Kamran earned her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from the Islamic Azad University of Tehran (North Branch) and her master of laws degree (LL.M.) in international law and legal studies from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran. She is a licensed attorney member of the Iran Central Bar Association. Ms. Kamran has served as a senior legal specialist for the Tehran Regional Arbitration Centre (TRAC). She has also worked for Pav Legal in Tehran, specializing in criminal law and contract law. Ms. Kamran’s current interests include litigation, criminal law, and antitrust. At UCI Law, she hopes to become more informed and specialized in the American legal system. After the LL.M. program, Ms. Kamran plans to take the California bar exam and continue a career committed to upholding and utilizing the full strength of the law to help those in need.
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Merve Kaner – Turkey, U.S.
Ms. Merve Kaner earned her bachelor of law degree (LL.B.) with a full scholarship from Ankara Baskent University Law Faculty in 2010. She was admitted to the Turkish Bar Association in 2012 after completing her internship in business law. Ms. Kaner has extensive experience as a legal consultant in one of the leading international business consultancy firms in Turkey, where she worked on projects including the high-speed train project for Turkish State Railways, Turk Telecom, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ labor market analysis. Since Ms. Kaner immigrated to the United States, she has worked as a legal assistant at a law firm in Los Angeles, California. Through the LL.M. program at UCI Law, she hopes to deepen her understanding of the American legal system. After graduation, Ms. Kaner plans to sit for the California bar exam.
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Gyunha Kang – South Korea
Mr. Gyunha Kang received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Seoul National University in 2009. After passing the Korea Bar examination, he served as a public service advocate for the Ministry of Justice of Republic of Korea. He conducted adjudication on the constitutionality of statutes and constitutional complaints on behalf of the Korean government. Mr. Kang joined Lee & Ko in 2016. As an associate attorney of the white-collar crime practice group, he built his expertise by conducting numerous criminal cases in the capital market, anti-corruption, and cryptocurrency fields, among others. He is currently a partner at Lee & Ko.
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Taewoo Kim – South Korea
Mr. Taewoo Kim received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.), master of law and Ph.D. in law degrees from Korea University. He completed his training courses at the Judicial Research and Training Institute (JRTI) and was admitted to the Korea Bar Association in 2011. He is currently a lawyer at the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC). As a litigator and a legal advisor, he has built up his expertise primarily in the fields of broadcasting law and internet law. Through the LL.M program at UCI Law, he plans to focus on comparative studies of American and Korean law.
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Shuhei Kubota – Japan
Mr. Shuhei Kubota received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Waseda University in 2012. He has worked as an attorney at TMI Associates in Tokyo, representing clients in various litigation and transactional cases related to environmental law and real estate law. In addition, Mr. Kubota has worked for the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, promoting ESG investment in the Japanese real estate sector. He hopes to deepen his understanding of U.S. laws in this LL.M. program to provide a higher level of legal service upon returning to his position in Japan.
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Antonieta (Tonie) Leal – Venezuela, U.S.
Ms. Antonieta Leal received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) in 2016 from Yacambu University (UNY) in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where she has been admitted to the bar. She completed her internship in the public sector at the Municipal Controllership of her hometown where she also served as a legal advisor in the Municipal Hall. Additionally, Ms. Leal has experience as a legal consultant for a national food manufacturing company, drafting contracts and writing internal minutes. After immigrating to the United States, she worked for several law firms and assisted in providing client services with a focus on tax and bankruptcy law. She hopes to complete her LL.M. at UCI Law and pursue a career in international corporate law. -
Chengjin Li – China
Mr. Chengjin Li received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) in China from the Zhongshan Institute at the University of Electronic Science and Technology in 2019. He has experience in the private sector, having practiced law at both the Ying Jin and the Wen Ding law firms. His primary interest is corporate law. At UCI Law, he hopes to deepen his understanding of legal theory and prepare to take the New York bar exam.
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Xiaoli Li – China
Ms. Xiaoli Li received her master of laws degree (LL.M.) at China University of Political Science and Law after earning her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Tianjin University in 2018. She interned in both courts and law firms during her educational career and most recently worked with a firm specializing in criminal law and civil law. Ms. Li is passionate about both criminal and civil law, and looks forward to studying at UCI Law to deepen her knowledge about the American legal system and enhance her skills as an attorney.
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Yiyi Liu – China
Ms. Yiyi Liu earned her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) in China from Central South University in 2021. During her undergraduate studies, she received several scholarships for academic excellence and successfully passed the Judicial Examination of China in 2020. She is interested in procedural law and interned at the Intermediate People’s Court and Procuratorate of China. At UCI Law, Ms. Liu hopes to diversify her legal knowledge and experience. After completing the LL.M. program, she plans to take the New York bar exam.
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Youngwan Oh – South Korea
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Ana Pérez Aranda – Spain
Ms. Ana Pérez is a student at CUNEF Universidad in Madrid, Spain, where she received the LL.M. Scholarship Achievement Award for academic excellence to pursue her studies at UCI Law. Among the top-ranking students at CUNEF, Ms. Pérez is fluent in both Spanish and English and is currently learning French. After completing her legal education, she hopes to practice law in both Spain and the United States. Ms. Pérez’s interests include international and corporate law.
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Meilin Wang – China
Ms. Meilin Wang completed her bachelor of art degree (B.A.) in editing and publishing science and her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) at Shandong University of Political Science and Law in 2018. She subsequently passed the National Legal Professional Qualification Examination of China. Ms. Wang is now a civil and commercial lawyer at Kingbird Law Firm in Zhengzhou. After completing her LL.M. degree at UCI Law, Ms. Wang looks forward to providing her clients with more diversified and professional legal services.
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Zihan Wang – China
Mr. Zihan Wang received his bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Macau University of Science and Technology. Mr. Wang studied both the laws of mainland China and of Macau, focusing specifically on the gaming laws of the latter. He has interned at China Institutional Bank, Sanya Branch and at prominent firms including Dentons. Through the LL.M. program at UCI Law, Mr. Wang hopes to diversify his legal knowledge. After completing his LL.M., he plans to continue his career as an attorney and contribute to the legal process in China.
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Qing Wen – China
Ms. Qing Wen received her bachelor of laws degree (LL.B.) from Macau University of Science and Technology in 2021. Her legal training includes an internship with the Guangdong Lingnan Law Firm. She is currently participating in a program verified by the Ministry of Education of China, focusing on coordinating legislation regarding the HK-Macau-Guangdong bay area. After completing her LL.M. degree at UCI Law, Ms. Wen plans to pursue her doctoral degree, either in the United States or in China.
Class of 2022
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Fares Alkhudhair – Saudi Arabia
Mr. Alkhudhair graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree from King Saud University in 2017. He has previously worked as a legal researcher for the Saudi Telecom Company. Most recently, He served as a legal researcher at the Ministry of Commerce in Riyadh. He speaks Arabic and English.
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Jiwon Cheon – South Korea
Jiwon Cheon received her Bachelor of Laws degree from Fudan University in China in 2019. At Fudan University, Ms. Cheon’s research focused on comparative studies of Chinese and Korean law. While earning her degree, Ms. Cheon completed legal internships and participated in service organizations including the Korean Community SOS Solution, a project dedicated to providing legal services, community education, and advocacy for Korean students. Ms. Cheon’s interests include international law and human rights law. She speaks Korean, Mandarin, and English.
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Kyunhae Kim – South Korea
Kyunhae Kim is a lawyer at Lee & Ko in South Korea. Prior to successfully passing the Korean bar examination and joining Lee & Ko in 2014, Mr. Kim served as a law enforcement officer at the National Police Agency in Korea. Expanding upon his extensive experience in law enforcement, Mr. Kim has built his expertise primarily on white-collar criminal matters, specifically corporate embezzlement, corporate misconduct and anti-corruption/regulatory compliance as well as trade secret law. Mr. Kim also boasts a reliable track record in advising clients on a wide array of complex corporate criminal litigation.
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Lihua Ouyang – China
Lihua Ouyang received her Master of Laws degree from Shenzhen University in 2019 after earning her Bachelor of Law degree from Gannan Normal University in 2016. She interned with several courts and law firms during her educational career. She hopes her time in the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program at UCI will deepen her knowledge of the legal system and practice of law and further enhance her skills. After completing her LL.M., Ms. Ouyang plans to return to China to continue her career.
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Disha Shenoy – India, U.S.
Disha Shenoy received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 2017 from the University of Mumbai and is also an Associate Member of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) since 2016. She practiced corporate law and compliance for over three years in India. Her most recent profile was associated with BSE Limited (Bombay Stock Exchange), Asia’s First and world’s 10th largest stock exchange wherein she gained extensive exposure in Securities laws and Mergers and Acquisitions. Her work experience also includes legal research and writing, drafting contracts, petitions and representing clients before regulatory authorities. Ms. Shenoy strongly believes that pursuing Master of Laws (LL.M.) at UCI would help enrich her academic and professional capabilities. She is determined to pursue her passion for corporate law and achieve her goal of becoming an international corporate attorney. -
Xiu Yin – China
Xiu Yin completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree and Honours Bachelor of Law degree from Nanjing University of Science and Technology (NUST) in 2019. While studying at NUST, he participated in several patent-related competitions for which he received academic awards. Mr. Yin is interested in intellectual property law, especially in the fields of patent and trademark. At UCI Law, he hopes to deepen his understanding of American intellectual property law in order to provide better legal services in China. He enjoys photography.
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Zhilin Zhang – China
Zhilin Zhang received his Bachelor of International Politics degree from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in 2019 and pursued his Master of Law degree at Central South University. Mr. Zhang has interned both in the Chinese courts and at King & Wood Mallesons, a multinational law firm. Mr. Zhang is interested in international law and bankruptcy law. He hopes that his experience in the Master of Laws program at UCI will deepen his understanding of the Chinese and American legal systems.