Student Profiles
Class of 2027
Simran Adhikari – Nepal/U.S.
Ms. Adhikari holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (B.A., LL.B.) degrees and is a licensed attorney in Nepal. After completing her primary law degree, she interned and worked with multiple NGOs and law firms as a criminal defense lawyer. During her internships and later as a licensed criminal defense associate, she worked on cases involving domestic violence, family disputes, and divorce. She also completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice from the University of New Haven, where she served as a graduate assistant and research assistant in her department. While completing her graduate studies, Ms. Adhikari engaged closely with evidence-based practices and rehabilitation-focused approaches in criminal justice reform. At UC Irvine Law, she looks forward to advancing her knowledge of U.S. law, with a specific interest in how the legal system addresses domestic and gender-based violence, and protects victims through substantive law, procedural safeguards, and institutional accountability. Following graduation, she plans to take the California bar exam.
Hajar Aghaabedi – Iran/U.S.
Ms. Aghaabedi is an attorney from Iran with 17 years of legal experience (Isfahan Bar Association). She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Master’s degrees in private law from Islamic Azad University, Isfahan Branch. Throughout her legal career, she has primarily practiced civil litigation, contracts, family law, and corporate matters. Her graduate studies also involved comparative legal research, drawing on Iranian law, French law, and Islamic jurisprudence, which strengthened her interest in comparative legal systems. Beyond her legal practice, women’s rights and access to justice have always been especially meaningful to Ms. Aghaabedi. She has been involved with the Women’s Rights Defense, Legal Aid, and Education Commissions of the Isfahan Bar Association and participated in programs focusing on human rights and the rule of law. These experiences have shaped her belief that law is not only a profession, but also a way to promote fairness, dignity, and meaningful access to justice. At UC Irvine School of Law, she strives to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, prepare for the California bar exam, and begin a new chapter of her legal career in California.
Seokwoo Ahn – South Korea
Mr. Ahn earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Seoul National University (2012) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Korea National Open University (2022). Since October 2012, he has worked at the Korea Fair Trade Commission, Korea’s competition authority. He specializes in cartels, abuse of dominance, and merger control, and has worked on both enforcement and regulatory reform. In 2021, Mr. Ahn contributed to an amendment to Korea’s competition law, that exchanges of competitively sensitive information among competitors be regulated as cartel conduct. In 2024, he developed merger review guidelines for the digital sector and helped introduce a system that allows merging parties to submit proposed remedies for potential competition concerns. At UC Irvine Law, he hopes to deepen his understanding of U.S. competition law and apply it to the development of Korea’s merger-control system.
Hortense Beaudon-Romer – France
Hortense Beaudon-Romer holds master’s degrees in political science and business law from Aix-Marseille University in France. Her early legal experience included an internship focused on asylum and immigration law. She later gained experience in international business law, contributing to the legal structuring of cross-border infrastructure, energy, and public-private partnership projects. Her work included drafting and reviewing complex agreements, conducting comparative legal research, analyzing regulatory frameworks, and assessing contractual risks. Ms. Beaudon-Romer also contributed to the development of contract management training for public-sector stakeholders and collaborated with local counsel, public authorities, and multidisciplinary teams. In the renewable energy sector, she participated in preparing a legal proposal for a wave energy project, including analyzing contractual requirements and contributing to the proposed legal methodology. At UC Irvine School of Law, she hopes to deepen her knowledge of the U.S. legal system and strengthen her expertise in international business law. After completing her LL.M. degree, she plans to sit for the California bar exam and pursue a legal career focused on international infrastructure.
Betül Gökçe – Türkiye/U.S.
Ms. Gökçe earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Gazi University in Türkiye. She is a licensed attorney in Türkiye and practiced law before relocating to the United States. During her legal practice in Türkiye, she gained experience across a broad range of legal matters, working in multiple areas of law and representing clients in diverse legal issues. Since moving to the United States, she has worked at several law firms as a paralegal and case manager, focusing on U.S. immigration law. These experiences have strengthened her interest in comparative legal systems and cross-border legal practice. At UC Irvine School of Law, Ms. Gökçe aims to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, strengthen her legal research and advocacy skills, and expand her expertise in international legal practice. Following the LL.M. program, she plans to sit for the California bar exam and pursue a career bridging legal practice between Türkiye and the United States.
H. Rana Gökçe – Türkiye/U.S.
Ms. Gökçe earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in Türkiye, where she undertook a legal internship involving a variety of practice areas, with a particular focus on insurance law, criminal law, and administrative law. During her legal training, she gained experience in legal research, case preparation, and legal analysis, developing a strong foundation in legal practice before relocating to the United States to pursue further legal education and an international legal career. In the U.S., she worked in the immigration law field as a case manager and later as a team lead, managing complex immigration matters, coordinating legal documentation, and collaborating closely with attorneys and clients throughout the legal process. These roles strengthened her legal writing, client advocacy, case management, and leadership skills while providing valuable insight into the U.S. legal system and the practical aspects of legal service delivery. At University of California, Irvine School of Law, Ms. Gökçe aims to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, strengthen her legal research and advocacy skills, and develop her knowledge of cross-border legal issues. Following completion of the program, she plans to sit for the California bar examination and pursue a legal career in California, focusing on international and comparative legal practice.
Asli Goncay – Türkiye /U.S.
Asli Goncay is a graduate of Istanbul University Faculty of Law and has practiced law in Istanbul for more than 30 years. Her experience includes international law, intellectual property, maritime law, labor law, and family law. She also provided pro bono legal representation to survivors of domestic violence in family courts for nearly a decade. After relocating to the United States, she earned an ABA-approved paralegal studies certificate from Irvine Valley College. At UC Irvine School of Law, she is expanding her legal expertise into U.S. law and plans to sit for the California bar examination to continue her legal career and contribute to her community through the practice of law.
Masaya Hieda – Japan
Mr. Hieda earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Keio University in 2017. An attorney at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu law firm in Tokyo, he has primarily been engaged in finance transactions, real estate transactions, and transactions related to renewable energy projects (e.g., development of mega solar power or wind power project). He has also worked for a Japanese real estate developer as an in-house lawyer, advising on development and investment for real estate such as residential buildings, commercial buildings, office buildings, logistics facilities, and data centers. At UC Irvine Law, Mr. Hieda hopes to expand his knowledge and expertise and build warm and lasting friendships with other students.
Byungsu Kang – South Korea
Mr. Kang is a patent attorney at Kim & Chang in South Korea, specializing in intellectual property law, with extensive experience in patent prosecution, counseling, and strategic IP matters. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from Seoul National University and was admitted to the Korean Patent Attorney Bar in 2016. Since beginning his legal career, Mr. Kang has focused on intellectual property matters in the fields of electronics and semiconductor technologies, advising clients on patent portfolio management, patent prosecution, and technology-related legal issues. Through his practice, he has developed a strong interest in the intersection of law, technology, and innovation in a global environment. At UC Irvine Law, Mr. Kang hopes to broaden his understanding of the U.S. legal system and strengthen his expertise in intellectual property law through interactions with faculty and international classmates. After completing his LL.M. degree, he plans to apply the knowledge and perspectives gained at UC Irvine Law to his continued practice as a patent attorney in Korea and to contribute to cross-border innovation.
Juseong Kim – South Korea
Mr. Kim earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Seoul National University in 2013 and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Hanyang University School of Law in 2017. In South Korea, he has served as a military legal officer since 2017 and as a public prosecutor since 2020, working at four different district prosecutors’ offices, including the Ulsan District Prosecutor’s Office. At UC Irvine School of Law, Mr. Kim hopes to deepen his understanding of the American legal system.
Xiangjing Kong – China
Ms. Kong received her bachelor’s degree from China University of Political Science and Law and earned her Juris Master from Tsinghua University. Equipped with an integrated legal and financial background, she holds China’s Legal Professional Qualification Certificate and has passed the Professional Level of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. She has over nine years of professional experience in investment banking at a securities firm in China. As an IPO Sponsor Representative certified by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), she has led multiple IPOs, refinancings and M&A transactions, focusing on capital markets practice. At UC Irvine Law, she seeks to develop systematic expertise in U.S. securities regulation and cross-border transaction law, integrating this knowledge with her experience in China’s capital markets to advise on Sino-U.S. cross-border transactions.
Sunghoon Kwon – South Korea
Mr. Kwon is a Korean attorney with Kim, Choi & Lim. He graduated from Korea’s Judicial Research and Training Institute as a member of its 46th graduating class. His practice focuses on corporate control and shareholder disputes, as well as complex corporate and commercial litigation. Through the LL.M. program at UC Irvine School of Law, he seeks to deepen his understanding of the U.S. legal system and comparative corporate law and to apply that knowledge to his cross-border legal practice.
Caroline Lacerda – Brazil
Ms. Lacerda is a Brazilian lawyer, licensed with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), with five years of experience in International Migratory Law. During this time, she served as the lead attorney responsible for Brazilian cases within a global immigration-focused legal tech company, handling all Brazil-related legal matters internally at the company while providing direct legal defense and guidance to migrants in complex international contexts. As a member of the international LL.M. Class of 2027 at UC Irvine Law, she hopes to deepen her theoretical knowledge and expand her work in the field of international law. She is fluent in Portuguese and English.
Tzu Yang Liu – Taiwan
Mr. Liu earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Chung Yuan Christian University. He is excited about further advancing his legal education as part of the LL.M. Class of 2027 at UC Irvine Law. His academic interests center on government power, fundamental rights, and human dignity, and particularly how these constitutional principles shape and impact our society and daily life.
Tomoyuki Miyazaki – Japan
Mr. Miyazaki earned his Bachelor of Laws degree at University of Tokyo in 2019. As an attorney at Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu law firm in Tokyo, he has primarily been engaged in finance transactions, financial regulatory matters and asset management businesses for both domestic and international clients. At UC Irvine Law, he hopes to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. law and acquire new perspectives that enable him to achieve his professional goal of becoming one of Japan’s top lawyers in his practice areas.
Gul Hassan Mohammadi – Afghanistan
Mr. Mohammadi earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at the American University of Afghanistan and his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at the American University of Central Asia. He has worked as a legal assistant and legal translator, conducting legal research, preparing documents, supporting clients, and handling legal communication in several languages. He has also written articles as a guest contributor for The Diplomat and Afghanistan’s top newspapers, focusing on legal and social issues. At UC Irvine School of Law, he is eager to learn more about the U.S. legal system, improve his research and advocacy skills, and connect with classmates from diverse backgrounds. Mr. Mohammadi’s goal is to build a legal career that brings together international perspectives and supports the rule of law.
Gabriel Montenegro – Cuba
Originally from Havana, Cuba, Mr. Montenegro completed his legal education in Spain while pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in law and business administration at CUNEF Universidad in Madrid. His academic interests include international business law, corporate law, and cross-border legal practice. Through the LL.M. program at UC Irvine Law, Mr. Montenegro aims to deepen his understanding of the U.S. legal system and develop the skills necessary to practice in an international legal environment. Beyond his academic pursuits, he enjoys traveling, tennis, swimming, and exploring different cultures. He is excited to join the UC Irvine Law community and to collaborate with classmates from around the world.
Suélen Pereira Coutinho do Nascimento – Brazil
Ms. Nascimento earned her bachelor's degree in law in Brazil under a full scholarship. She holds graduate specializations in civil law and civil procedure, applied constitutional law, public law, and extrajudicial law, and completed coursework in U.S. law and practice. A licensed attorney since 2012, Ms. Nascimento specializes in civil law, with extensive practice encompassing civil litigation, family law, contractual matters, and administrative social security proceedings. Her legal experience includes strategic client counseling, drafting complex pleadings, managing full-lifecycle judicial litigation, and appellate advocacy. Alongside her practice, she has engaged in community service, providing legal support to underserved individuals and promoting access to justice, particularly in the area of human rights. At UC Irvine Law, she aims to broaden her knowledge of the U.S. legal system, gain global perspectives from her international peers, and advance her legal career.
Yesim Ozayhan-Yorulmaz – Türkiye/U.S.
Ms. Yesim Yorulmaz earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Dokuz Eylül University in Türkiye. She is a licensed attorney and a member of the Ankara Bar Association and practiced primarily in insurance law before relocating to the United States. During her legal career in Türkiye, she gained experience in a broad range of legal matters, with a particular focus on insurance law, representing clients in diverse legal disputes. She also pursued a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree specializing in Insurance Law in Türkiye. Since moving to the United States, Ms. Yorulmaz has worked as a law clerk at an insurance defense law firm in California, where she gained practical experience in the U.S. legal system. She also pursued graduate studies in an MBA program. These experiences strengthened her interest in comparative legal systems and cross-border legal practice. At UC Irvine School of Law, Ms. Yorulmaz aims to deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, strengthen her legal research, writing, and advocacy skills, and expand her expertise in international legal practice. Following the LL.M. program, she plans to become a licensed attorney in California and pursue a legal career that bridges legal practice between Türkiye and the United States.
Hanyun Ren – China
Ms. Ren completed my Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. Her undergraduate studies laid a solid foundation in core legal subjects, including civil law, criminal law, commercial law, and international trade law. Ms. Ren developed rigorous legal reasoning, case analysis, and legal writing capabilities through coursework, moot court exercises, and academic research. Her university places strong emphasis on international business and cross border legal practice, which motivated her to pursue advanced LL.M. training in the United States. Ms. Ren is eager to expand her understanding of U.S. legal frameworks and engage in cross jurisdictional legal study and discussion with peers.
Hanieh Sadeghi – Iran/U.S.
Ms. Sadeghi earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Shiraz University in Shiraz, Iran. During her legal studies, she conducted research comparing accident liability laws in Iran and the United States, reflecting her interest in comparative legal systems and legal research. She gained practical legal experience as a legal consultant at two law firms in Shiraz, where she assisted clients and attorneys in a variety of legal matters. After moving to the United States, she continued to expand her legal experience by working as a law clerk at Ardema Law Office, where she developed a deeper understanding of the U.S. legal system and legal practice. At UC Irvine Law, Ms. Sadeghi is pursuing her Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree to strengthen her knowledge of the American legal system and broaden her expertise in comparative and international law. She hopes to build a legal career that bridges practice across jurisdictions while contributing to the increasingly global nature of the legal profession.
Polina Sidelnikova – Russia/U.S.
Ms. Sidelnikova is a Russia-licensed attorney and human rights lawyer with over twenty years of experience. She is a Registered Foreign Legal Consultant in Russian law with the State Bar of California. She earned her first law degree with distinction from Far Eastern State University in 2003. After twelve years of state service as a lawyer, including as head of the legal department of Vladivostok Customs, she entered private practice as an attorney in 2015. She has defended political activists and filed complaints with the European Court of Human Rights and UN bodies. As a Foreign Legal Consultant, she advises U.S. courts and immigration authorities on matters involving Russian law and human rights. She previously studied at American University Washington College of Law as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow (2021–2022). Ms. Sidelnikova is pursuing the LL.M. degree at UC Irvine Law to gain systematic knowledge of U.S. law, sit for the California bar exam, and expand her practice as a fully licensed U.S. attorney while continuing to handle cross-border matters and human rights cases.
Hiroyuki Totake – Japan
Mr. Totake started his professional career at a major credit card company, where he gained over 10 years of intensive practical experience before qualifying and registering as an attorney at law in 2007. Leveraging his deep industry background, he actively provides strategic legal support to fintech and financial services, with a strong focus on payment and remittance systems, including crypto. To foster an ecosystem where innovative financial services can emerge and thrive, he became a founding member of the Fintech Association of Japan, which has now grown into Japan’s largest fintech community. He also actively collaborates with government bodies, having served as an ad hoc advisor to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and assisting with key initiatives for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Mr. Totake’s regulatory expertise has made him a key contributor to several major financial law reforms in Japan. Recognized as a top authority in his field, he has been named a Leading Individual (Band 3) in FinTech Legal Ranking in Japan by Chambers & Partners for seven consecutive years (2020–2026).
Yuqi Wang – China
Ms. Wang earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from Hunan University of Technology. During her studies, she completed multiple internships at law firms in Shanghai and participated extensively in moot court programs, gaining practical experience in legal research, contract review and legal drafting. She also attended the summer school at the University of Manchester and sessions led by the Director of a Nobel Prize Laboratory on international development and academic forums on innovation and higher education. At UC Irvine Law, Ms. Wang aims to enhance her practical legal skills, deepen her understanding of the U.S. legal system, and broaden her perspective on cross-border legal practice in preparation for a career in international legal services.
Shuning Zhang – China
Originally from China, Ms. Zhang holds a bachelor of laws (LL.B.) degree from Anhui University of Finance and Economics, where she received multiple scholarships during her undergraduate studies. She passed the National Unified Legal Professional Qualification Examination in 2023. Her professional background includes internships at a court and a law firm as well as experience in the futures industry. She currently serves as legal specialist at a large insurance company. Ms. Zhang possesses the in-house lawyer qualification and has been honored as Outstanding Employee twice. During her time at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, she hopes to build professional connections and enhance her expertise, laying a solid foundation for her long-term career goal of becoming a judge.