Jorge Romero, Banking and Finance Law LLM (2025)
The programme provided me with access to remarkable modules that addressed issues of global significance, and I had the privilege of being taught by some of the most distinguished professors I have encountered.
What influenced your decision to study at CCLS, Queen Mary?
My year at CCLS was truly an exceptional experience. My decision to pursue the LLM at Queen Mary was influenced largely by the unique specialisations it offered, as well as the strategic location of the campus in London.
How did you find the teaching and learning?
The programme provided me with access to remarkable modules that addressed issues of global significance, and I had the privilege of being taught by some of the most distinguished professors I have encountered, who enabled me to gain a profound and in-depth understanding of my chosen courses.
What was key about your programme/ were there any highlights?
For me, the key elements of the programme were the modules taught by Professor Rosa Lastra, whose outstanding professional experience and teaching, enriched by the guest lecturers she invited, were particularly impactful. A major highlight of my year was the opportunity to serve as a panellist at a conference organised by CCLS in collaboration with the Bank of England, an invaluable academic and professional experience.
Did you combine modules across specialisations, and what were the advantages of this?
The flexibility to combine modules across different specialisations was another strength of the LLM. This allowed me to explore areas of personal interest beyond the main focus of my specialisation, broadening my perspective and giving me a more holistic understanding of the legal practice across multiple areas of practice. Living in London was itself an enriching part of the experience. The city offers endless opportunities for exploration, with something new to discover at every turn. Studying in such a dynamic environment made the year even more rewarding.
What did you enjoy about living in London whilst studying at CCLS?
Another defining aspect of my time at CCLS was the diversity of the student body. I had the opportunity to study alongside colleagues from jurisdictions across the world, which enriched classroom discussions with varied perspectives, expanded my professional network, and led to lasting friendships.
Has gaining a deeper understanding of your specialisation helped your career?
The programme also opened my eyes to areas of legal practice I had not previously considered, shaping the way I now view my career trajectory. For future students, my advice would be to prepare for lectures in advance, this will not only help with time management but will also allow you to make the most of your time in London. Most importantly, embrace the experience fully.
What piece of insight would you offer future students?
For future students, I would advise preparing well for lectures to make the most of your academic experience, while also taking the time to enjoy all that London has to offer.
What was your best experience of studying at CCLS?
Identifying a single “best moment” of my year at CCLS is impossible, as the entire experience was among the most rewarding of my life. To choose one highlight would be to overlook the richness of the rest of the year, which I will always treasure as a whole.
This programme not only deepened my expertise but also opened my eyes to new areas of legal practice I had not previously considered.