Claudia Massaia, LL.M. ’24 is a Brazilian lawyer who is pursuing a legal education at Fordham Law where she is taking advantage of a range of opportunities to deepen her knowledge of corporate compliance. She has already completed an externship in the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes division at the Office of the New York State Attorney General and has spoken alongside experts at a conference on global compliance.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
Fordham’s distinguished reputation for offering specialized LL.M. programs, particularly in corporate compliance, made it the one and only choice for me. And the possibility of pursuing a dual degree, further captured my interest. Another aspect that caught my attention was the Legal English Institute. This one-semester program provides LL.M. students with an introduction to the U.S. legal system, foundations of private law, and contracts law, and allows international students—especially those from civil law countries like mine—to familiarize themselves with common law.
What’s it like studying law in New York City?
Studying law in New York City and at Fordham Law provides students with the opportunity to attend professional programs apart from our regular class schedule. For example, one recent event I attended, hosted by the International Association of Privacy Professionals, focused on the topic of “EU/US Cross-Border Transfers and A.I. Regulation.” Events like these not only enrich our knowledge but also connect students with experienced professionals who could be future employers and mentors.
What has been your favorite experience at the Law School?
In the spring of 2023, I had the opportunity to be a research assistant for Adjunct Professor Barry E. Hawk who was writing a book on business organizations and business dispute resolution in nine pre-industrial societies. Another standout experience involves my participation in a volunteer project with the National Society of Compliance Program (NSCP). I also had the honor of being a speaker at NSCP’s annual conference in Dallas this year on a panel discussing the implementation of effective global compliance programs alongside distinguished professionals from the financial industry.
My externship with the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes division at the Office of the New York State Attorney General stands out as a milestone in my journey at Fordham. During my interview, it was highlighted how impressive Fordham’s curriculum is, particularly in terms of corporate compliance. I strongly believe that being a Fordham student, in addition to my professional background, was a crucial aspect in securing this opportunity.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming year! I hope to secure a position that will allow me to apply the knowledge I’ve gained during my studies over the last year. I also aspire to an academic life, and hope to contribute more articles and even step into a teaching role one day.
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