Student stories: Federico Samudio
Federico Samudio completed an LLM in Comparative and European Private Law from Edinburgh Law School in 2020. During his course, he was a recipient of the Ewen Cameron scholarship. Originally from Uruguay, today he is a lecturer there and launched the country’s first course in Comparative Law with the support of his professors at Edinburgh Law School. He also practises law at a leading law firm in Uruguay.
In this interview, Federico shares more about his career path since graduating, and how the scholarship impacted his time at Edinburgh Law School.
Could you share a little bit about your background and what led you to choose to study law at Edinburgh Law School?
I come from Uruguay, a country in the south of South America known for its stability and respect for institutions in a volatile region. Despite our small size, we seek to join larger, diverse, and prestigious communities to thrive. This is one reason I chose to study in Edinburgh, a rich, multicultural city with centuries of heritage, a flourishing community, and endless experiences to discover.
However, the most important reason to go to the University of Edinburgh is specifically the programme I chose within the Law School, which is definitely, and in honour to the true meaning of the word, unique. The LLM in Comparative and European Private Law, particularly its academic staff, was outstanding.
Did you receive any support to attend or while attending Edinburgh Law School?
I received the Ewen Cameron Scholarship in Comparative and European Private Law LLM. I still remember the day I received the confirmation from the University and how excited I felt.
Do you feel that such support contributed to your academic success?
The Scholarship significantly contributed to my academic success at the Law School by raising the standards I held myself to. After being awarded the Scholarship, I felt a responsibility to honour the Law School and my peers through my efforts and results.
Do you feel that such support allowed you to engage with campus life more?
The Scholarship greatly helped my partner and me, allowing us to fully embrace every opportunity Edinburgh offered. Coming from South America and dramatically changing our lives to spend a year abroad, the Scholarship provided us with comfort and security. It enabled me to participate in various activities with my LLM classmates and others from different courses and schools. I especially enjoyed the numerous trips organised by the University and the LLM class.
Do you feel that such support enabled you to pursue opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise?
The Scholarship provided me with nothing less than the opportunity to study abroad. Although I had decided to attend the University of Edinburgh, the Scholarship eliminated any financial concerns I might have faced.
How do you think the support you received and your experiences at Edinburgh Law School have prepared you for your future career and life goals?
The Scholarship greatly contributed to my academic success at the University, where I graduated with distinction from a demanding LLM program. Since then, I re-joined a leading law firm in Uruguay, where my career has progressed steadily. The LLM strengthened my credentials, helping me grow within the firm and the industry. Academically, I became a lecturer and launched Uruguay’s first course in Comparative Law, made possible by the comparative legal education I received and the mentorship of professors like Professors Alexandra Braun, David Fox, and Claudio Michelon.
If you could say something to a potential donor to encourage them to support Law Scholarships, what would it be?
A Scholarship provides more than financial aid. It empowers students, boosts their confidence, sets higher standards, and demonstrates a law school’s commitment to creating new opportunities for students, regardless of their background.
Recent global challenges, including cost of living crises, spiralling costs, and shifting job markets means that the need for new avenues of support has never been greater. We can maximise the opportunities we provide with your support, and we can ensure that financial obstacles do not prevent talented students from accessing the life-changing education and opportunities that Edinburgh Law School offers.