Class of 2023: LLM Grad Hopes to Help Business on Both Sides of the Border, Provide Labor and Human Rights Knowledge

Name: Vicente Ríos Velasco 
Degree: General LLM 
Hometown: Hermosillo, Sonora, México 
Undergraduate Institution: Universidad Panamericana 
Awards, Student Groups, Clinics, Journals, etc.: President of the LLM Student Association 

What initially inspired you to pursue your LLM , and has that changed over the course of your studies? I believe that a major part of the reason I decided to study law is because of the admiration I have for my parents. Both of my parents are lawyers, and to this day they are my role models. Since I was a child, my parents taught my siblings and I the value of justice and that our work, no matter what it is, should contribute to a fair and equitable society. 

Why did you choose University of Arizona Law for your LLM? I consider myself a person with a very strong character, so I always sought that my studies were of the best level and in prestigious institutions that meant a real challenge in order to become a better student, person and in the future a good lawyer. And that is why the University of Arizona was my first choice, since this institution has an excellent teaching faculty, first class facilities and the prestige that comes from having studied at this University is unmatched. 

What will you miss most about your time at Arizona Law? Undoubtedly the people who are part of the University's law school. The human quality of both students and professors that I had the opportunity to meet is unmatched. They were so helpful in overcoming the physical and emotional fatigue involved in studying law at this University. 

What was your favorite law school experience or extracurricular activity, and why? Studying law at this University involves a lot of dedication and effort, that is why many times it is important to take some time for yourself in which you empty your mind and relax. So many of these moments of rest I used to go to support the different sports teams of the University but in particular I enjoyed going to see the basketball team. 

What are you most proud of while at Arizona Law? Personally, I am proud and grateful that my fellow LLM classmates have chosen me to be the head of the LLM Student Association. I am also proud to have successfully completed the LLM despite the language barrier.    

What advice would you give to someone about to begin the LLM program? Read and study hard since day one, this is the only way to be able to successfully complete the program. Another tip would be to take advantage of the office hours that all professors provide, as well as the different academic services that the university offers to support you. 

Are there any particular issues or causes within the legal system that you are passionate about or want to address in your career? I am particularly interested in labor law and human rights. I hope to deepen my studies and professional career in these two areas. 

What are your future career plans? I look forward to being part of a law firm in which I can use my knowledge of the Mexican and U.S. legal system in order to provide labor and human rights legal advice to companies in Mexico and the United States. 

Looking back on your law school experience, what would you have done differently or what advice would you give to your younger self? Enjoy your stay at the University because time flies fast. 

Message for your fellow Class of 2023: Dream big and work hard. It is your preparation, efforts, hard work, and determination what decides your success, nothing else.