Sixteen students from eight countries arrived at the Syracuse University College of Law this August to join its Master of Laws (LL.M.) Program. The LL.M. is an advanced law degree for international legal professionals to learn first-hand about the American legal process and its laws. Many of those in this year’s cohort hold advanced degrees and have notable careers as public prosecutors, corporate lawyers, judges and government officials. The LL.M. Program is completed over two semesters with an option to stay for a third, particularly for those planning to take the New York State Bar Exam.
“We welcome this year’s LL.M. cohort, most of whom come to Syracuse Law as highly trained legal professionals looking to further their knowledge of U.S. legal practices. We are privileged to have their global perspectives to further enrich our Law School community,” says Dean Terence Lau.
Meet a few students from the LL.M. Class of 2026:
Stanley Desmoulins LL.M.’26
Originally from Haiti, Stanley Desmoulins hailes from Montreal, Canada, and is a managing partner for Lexur Legal Services Professional Corporation in Toronto, which specializes in family law, business law and wills and estates. He is a graduate of the Law Practice Program of the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law, a Juris Doctor Graduate of Law Faculty of Moncton University, and holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from Haiti State University and an MBA from the School of Management at the University of Quebec, Canada.
When he is not working or studying, Desmoulins is passionate about music, community involvement and sports — with a particular admiration for basketball greats Michael Jordan and LeBron James. He has a history of volunteering with Rotary International, which he hopes to continue while in Syracuse, as well as with Toastmasters to further develop his leadership and communications skills. In addition, he intends to integrate into the Central New York community through legal pro bono work.
Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?
“I chose to pursue my LL.M. at Syracuse University College of Law for several reasons. First, I am pleased to be able to attend an LL.M. program that is in close proximity to Canada in order to remain close to my family and professional network while studying in the U.S. Next, the program will provide me with a solid understanding of the U.S. legal system and prepare me for admission to the New York State Bar, enabling me to practice in New York. The Law School has a strong bar preparation system in place, which will further support my professional goals. Syracuse Law also attracts students from across the United States and abroad, creating a diverse and enriching academic environment. Finally, my interactions with the faculty and staff at Syracuse Law have been professional and encouraging, and the excellent scholarship system reflects the Law School’s commitment to supporting students and investing in their success.”
What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?
“Looking ahead, I wish to continue my work in family law while also expanding into consulting and collaborating with businesses on legal matters. I aim to provide legal guidance to public figures in the areas of sports, entertainment, lobbying, and contract negotiations. This LL.M. will equip me with the necessary knowledge, skills. and international perspective to confidently pursue these diverse professional opportunities.”
Kimberly Ramos Gamez LL.M. ’26
Originally from the Philippines, Kimberly Gamez most recently worked in Manchester, U.K., as a qualified solicitor in England and Wales specializing in clinical negligence acting on behalf of claimants. She holds multiple degrees in law and international affairs from across Europe and Asia, including a post-graduate diploma in professional legal practice from the University of Law, Birmingham, and a post-graduate diploma in law from the University of Sheffield, both in the U.K; an LL.M. in international contracts and arbitration law from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland; and LL.M. in international and European Union Law from Tilburg University in the Netherlands; a master’s degree in global affairs from the University of Buckingham in the U.K.; and a bachelor’s degree in consular and diplomatic affairs from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Philippines. Earlier this year, Gamez served as a judge at the International Criminal Court Moot Court in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?
“I chose Syracuse Law primarily because of its strong reputation in trial advocacy and litigation. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar about the LL.M. program hosted by Syracuse’s Study Abroad Specialist Andrew Horsfall ’05, L’10. His presentation and the insights he shared about the program’s structure made me confident that Syracuse is the right fit for my academic goals.”
What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?
“I am interested in pursuing corporate law, particularly cross-border transactions because I enjoy the complexity of working across different legal systems.”
Halyna Rudych LL.M.’26
Halyna Rudych has 11 years of legal experience as a Ukrainian attorney at law in corporate, business, family, real estate, labor, criminal law and more. She also has paralegal experience in the U.S. Originally from Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine, she lived in Watertown, Massachusetts, before moving to Syracuse for the LL.M. program. Rudych originally was a puppet show artist, receiving a diploma from the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State College of Fine Arts and Theatre in Ukraine before earning a bachelor of laws and a master of laws from the Zaporizhzhia National University, Faculty of Law. Once she relocated to the U.S., she earned a certificate in paralegal studies from Mount Wachusett Community College and most recently worked at Centerboard, Inc., Community Center in Lynn, Massachusetts, where she helped conduct legal research and was responsible for ensuring the company’s practices were compliant with federal and state laws and regulations.
Why did you choose to attend Syracuse University College of Law?
“I had an interview with Study Abroad Specialist Andrew Horsfall, and we had a great conversation after which I felt that this school would be the right choice for me — and a great place to begin my legal career in the U.S. The law school also offered me a partial tuition scholarship, which means not only financial support but also faith in my legal future. I truly appreciate that.”
What area of the law are you interested in pursuing?
“I am interested in building a career as a public defender and civil litigation attorney. I have been working with the nonprofit Centerboard, Inc., to receive Department of Justice recognition and accreditation and provide immigration legal services for low-income individuals. I plan to accomplish this project after law school, and I hope it will help many people look forward to the future with optimism and confidence.”
See here for information on Syracuse University College of Law’s Master of Law (LL.M.) Program.