Mentorship in the Legal Profession

On 14 December 2023, the Panel on Mentorship in the Legal Profession was held at the Craftsmen’s Home, focusing on the topic “Alumni of the Faculty of Law and Postgraduate Studies Abroad”.

Our alumni community shared their valuable experiences during the 80-minute panel, offering insights into the crucial steps in the decision-making process, application procedures, success markers, and the impact of postgraduate studies on their professional journeys. The panel was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Ružica Šimić Banović, Head of the Department of Economic Sciences.

The panel was followed by a networking session, during which alumni answered numerous questions from participants.

Here are the key takeaways shared by the speakers:

Natalija Babić, Lawyer, Šavorić & Partneri – LLM (IP & ICT, KU Leuven): “LL.M. education is an additional year of study, offering a more relaxed environment where you can explore the branches of law that particularly interest you. Don’t view the LL.M. as just another obligation and a set of exams, but as a springboard for advancing your life and career.”

Ana Martinić, Legal Advisor, Croatian Legal Centre – LLM (Human Rights, LSE): “A different and deeper approach to the topics that interest you, alongside the numerous friendships and connections made during that year, can leave a profound mark on your career and life.”

Stefan Martinić, Trainee Lawyer, Kramarić & Partneri Law Firm – LLM (Tech Law, Harvard; EU, LSE): “How do you earn the ultimate Monopoly card to ‘get out of jail’? Enrol in a quality LL.M. programme. Workers often begin to feel dissatisfied or trapped in their roles. A quality LL.M. opens doors to a wider range of employers and job opportunities.”

Hugo Pelicarić, Lawyer – Partner, Pelicarić & Smerdel Law Firm – LLM (Finance, Goethe University, Frankfurt): “An LL.M. is an investment in yourself that always pays off. Its value is maximised if pursued at the right time – after gaining practical experience.”

Zara Troskot, Investigator, Office of the Ombudsman, New Zealand – (MA in International Relations, ongoing, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand): “Think about how further education can be applied not only to the job you want but also to the life you wish to live!”

Darija Željko, Assistant, Department of Criminal Procedure Law – Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb – LLM (Human Rights, CEU): “Be curious and open-minded during your studies. Strive to educate yourself as much as possible (both formally and informally), attend conferences, seminars, and summer and winter schools in Croatia and abroad, join associations, and you will encounter the legal field that best integrates your personal and professional life – focus on it in your future career.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part and contributed to the inspiring atmosphere of the Mentorship Panel in the Legal Profession. We trust these messages have provided you with fresh perspectives and motivation for your future career steps.

Mentorship in the Legal Profession and Ivana Karaman Jurić – Alumni Community