Sebastian Vegas ’25 returned to New York with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in International and European Business Law from Universidad Pontificia Comillas, after spending his entire third year in Spain. Through Fordham Law’s Double-Degree Program, he was able to study abroad in a country with ties to his ancestral background and explore international and corporate law with fellow law students from around the world.
After graduating with his J.D. degree from Fordham Law this past May, Vegas will begin his career working at Citibank.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I studied at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL.
What are your areas of interest?
I am interested in international, transactional, and entertainment law.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
I chose Fordham Law because of its Evening Division Program and base in Manhattan. Before law school, I worked on Commerce Partnerships for the TODAY Show. During my 1L year, I was fortunate enough to continue working with my team at NBCUniversal during the day while taking classes at night—something I would not have had the opportunity to do at other law schools.
What were the best things about studying law in both New York and Spain?
One of the best things about studying law in New York was the proximity to top corporations and legal professionals. I had the opportunity to intern at my dream companies and meet mentors from diverse legal backgrounds. Studying law in the city also came with fun perks. For instance, after a long day of classes, I would destress by attending film premieres or going for a run.
During my time in Spain, I had the chance to network with professionals at major law firms, converse in Spanish, try incredible food, travel to over 20 countries, and sing karaoke with fellow law students from around the world. I will miss Madrid’s karaoke spots!
What were some unique opportunities you had while studying at Fordham Law?
Alongside four other students in the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice’s Walter Leitner International Human Rights Clinic, I co-authored a Spring 2024 report aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law in Iraq. This clinic experience was one of the most impactful parts of my law school journey. In recognition of that work, I was honored by Fordham Law’s Public Interest Resource Center with the Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award.
Writing my thesis on the European Union’s regulation of the audiovisual media industry, as part of my LL.M., was another enriching opportunity for me. This experience allowed me to engage with film, business, and legal experts across Europe and served as a great way to end my law school journey!
What were your favorite moments at Fordham Law?
Serving as the Social Activities Chair of Fordham’s Latin American Law Students Association and the Events Chair of Fordham’s OUTLaws gave me the chance to meet individuals from similar backgrounds and build meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and attorneys. Through these groups, I met some of my closest law school friends and got to plan events and social media campaigns.
During my 2L spring, I interned at Sony Music Entertainment where I merged my entertainment and legal backgrounds through both litigation and transactional work. One of the most rewarding parts of my law school journey was getting to spend my entire 3L year in Spain at Universidad Pontificia Comillas. It was exciting to graduate from Fordham with both a J.D. and LL.M. in International and European Business Law.
What are your career plans?
I will be working at Citibank where I interned during the summer after my 2L year. I have always been interested in the blend of business and law, and am grateful to start my career at a company with a strong international presence. Looking ahead, I hope to work at the intersection of business, entertainment, and international law, as I have enjoyed immersing myself in these areas throughout law school.
Did you have any important mentors during your education at Fordham Law?
Navigating law school as a first-generation American and first-generation law student felt very challenging at times. Josselin Aldana ’23, Jacob Geskin ’24, Jordan Hutt ’24, and Joan Rosello ’24 were incredible mentors to me. They supported my law school journey by connecting me with important resources, giving me candid advice, and letting me vent about pretty much anything. From smoothies to workout classes, I am grateful for their guidance!
What is one piece of advice that you would give to incoming 1Ls?
Block out imposter syndrome and try your best not to compare yourself with others. I know it can be hard to believe, but there is no single “right” path through law school. You can carve out your own path, and you 100% deserve to be on this journey.
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