From Student to Advocate: A Journey Through International Law

When Maria Chen first attended an ICJ Community event as a law student five years ago, she never imagined where it would lead. Today, she works as a legal adviser for a major international organization, representing states in complex disputes before the International Court of Justice. Her journey began with a simple conversation at a regional meetup that sparked her passion for international dispute resolution.

"I was intimidated at first," Maria recalls. "I was surrounded by diplomats, experienced lawyers, and renowned scholars. But everyone was so welcoming and genuinely interested in hearing fresh perspectives." That encouragement led her to volunteer for community initiatives, attend workshops, and eventually secure an internship that launched her career. Now, she returns to those same events—not as a nervous student, but as a mentor to the next generation, paying forward the support that transformed her professional life.