Alumni Profile - Charles Brichet
Mon 24 June 2024
Charles Brichet, LLM in European Law, 2018
Tell us a little bit about your life/background before Edinburgh Law School
I have always been passionate about European and international affairs. Growing up in Belgium, a country renowned for its cultural, economic, and political diversity, I experienced the European integration experiment firsthand. This background fueled my interest in pursuing a career in law.
I attended Maastricht University’s Faculty of Law, where I majored in European and Comparative Law. During my studies, I had the opportunity to spend an Erasmus semester in Prague. There, I immersed myself in the local culture and developed a fondness for the local beer—a secret I keep from my Belgian friends.
What did you study at Edinburgh Law School and why did you choose the programme?
Choosing Edinburgh Law School for my first LLM was a thoughtful decision based on the University’s excellent reputation and its strategic location. With Brexit looming, I wanted to be at the forefront of the debate, exploring the legal implications of this unprecedented event.
Pursuing an LLM in European Law in Scotland, a pro-European enclave within a predominantly Eurosceptic nation, provided the perfect setting to study Brexit's impact on European Law up close.
What do you think is unique to the Edinburgh Law School experience and what are some of your favourite memories?
My time at Edinburgh Law School was truly enriching, thanks to the wonderful people I had the privilege of studying with, the engaging courses, and the stunning architecture of the city.
Beyond academics, some of my fondest memories include the legendary one-pound pizza deal, usually enjoyed with a pint of beer at the Tolbooth Tavern on Tuesday evenings. These casual gatherings were just as memorable and important as any class, making my experience at Edinburgh truly special.
While I'll always fondly remember my time in Edinburgh, I won't particularly miss the weather, though.
What have you been up to since graduating/what are you doing after graduation (e.g., your professional or further academic pursuits since leaving Edinburgh Law School) and how have your degree studies with us helped you in this?
A degree from Edinburgh Law School was a true door opener. For some, it led to opportunities at renowned legal institutions. For others, like myself, it served as a solid foundation to continue and build upon their legal education.
After graduating from Edinburgh in 2018, I pursued a second LLM in International Law at King's College London. It was the logical next step: building on my strong foundation in EU law and advancing toward my ultimate goal of specializing in air and space law, a field in which I have always been passionate about. Thus, following King's, I pursued a third LLM in air and space law in Montreal, further deepening my expertise in this specialized field.
Although my career in “the EU bubble” did not take off, the experience gained at Edinburgh added a unique dimension to my journey in law.
What advice would you give current Edinburgh Law School students?
Like many post-COVID graduates, my early career has been a rollercoaster with twists and turns. I always aspired to work in the aviation industry, but fate had other plans. Graduating with an LLM in Air and Space Law just before the pandemic was challenging, as the aviation industry faced unprecedented difficulties.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, my first job was far from what I had envisioned. Instead of joining the aviation sector, I became a financial analyst at Moody’s, where I worked for two years. During that time, I gained valuable work experience while staying focused on my ultimate goal. Now, I'm excited to be following my true passion by working for an airline.
So, my final advice to students about to embark on their careers is to always follow your aspirations. Be passionate about what you do and give 100% every day, no matter what life throws at you. A degree from the University of Edinburgh will certainly open doors, but it is your resilience, dedication, and willingness to adapt that will ultimately shape your success.