Induction Week at Queen Mary in Paris: New LLM Students Begin Their Journey

14 October 2025

Queen Mary’s Paris campus welcomed its new cohort of LLM students 8-12 September 2025 for an engaging and informative induction week. Nothing was missing: orientation sessions, campus tours, social and networking opportunities, and an engaging Opening Lecture event followed by a drinks reception.

Students were introduced to the university’s academic and professional resources, including dedicated careers support, access to CCLS’s award-winning pro bono clinic qLegal, and library services. They also enjoyed a full walkthrough of the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP) facilities and guided tours of the building and its amenities. This helped ensure a supportive study environment, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

The highlight of the induction was a special Opening lecture by distinguished guests for the Paris cohort and members of the Parisian legal community. Queen Mary welcomed Ms Flavia Silvestroni, Legal Officer and expert in International Trade and Public Procurement Law at the European Commission, alongside Mr Achilleas Pitsavas, Legal Counsel at the European Investment Fund and proud Queen Mary alumnus. The event sparked lively engagement from the new students, who asked questions on career pathways, cross-border legal practice, and the realities of working within EU institutions.

Ms Silvestroni offered a clear and comprehensive analysis of recent developments in a complex and dynamic area of law. She also gave useful insights to professional practice in an EU institution. Her contribution highlighted not only the practical relevance of EU law, but also its importance for the next generation of legal practitioners.

Mr Pitsavas’ reflections left a lasting impression. Drawing on his career since completing his LLM at Queen Mary, he emphasised that careers are rarely linear. Adaptability and resilience are essential to navigating the legal profession. His insights offered both motivation and reassurance to the new LLM students.

In a full house — including students, professors, and special guests — the event perfectly captured the spirit of Queen Mary’s Paris campus: academically rigorous, internationally connected, and personally enriching. For us as new LLM students, the week also offered reassurance about how Queen Mary operates: a balance of academic rigor with strong professional support, and a clear sense that our career development is taken seriously from day one. It gave us confidence not only in the resources available, but also in the pathways that lie ahead.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms Silvestroni and Mr Pitsavas for sharing their insights and experiences, and to all who joined us for this memorable lecture. A special word of thanks goes to Associate Professor Dr Maria Fanou (School of International Arbitration), together with the entire CCLS Paris team (and notably Ms Angeliki Polatou) and the ULIP team, for their dedication in bringing this event to life and for their continuous support of the Queen Mary CCLS Paris community.

Induction Week 2025 has set the tone for an enriching academic year ahead. Being part of Queen Mary CCLS is both an honour and a privilege — and experiencing it in Paris adds a distinctive dimension: rigorous legal training complemented by the city’s cultural vibrancy and international outlook. This unique combination gives students not only academic excellence, but also the inspiration of a truly Parisian touch.

More information

• Find out more about the Queen Mary's Paris LLM programme.
• Find out more about qLegal.
• Dr Maria Fanou is Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in International Dispute Resolution, Academic Director of the Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM programme in London and the Acting Director of the Paris LLM programme.
• Find out more about Queen Mary's School of International Arbitration.