GW Law LLM student Sarah Brechwald spent this summer learning about International Human Rights Law at the GW-Oxford International Human Rights Law Summer School.
From July 6 through July 31, students from GW Law and other law schools around the world attend classes at the University of Oxford. The program focuses exclusively on international human rights law and the evolving impacts of government regulations.
Brechwald, who is expected to graduate in 2028, said she was drawn to the summer program because of its coursework focused on human rights, which falls squarely in her research interest. A practicing attorney who is studying for an LLM in National Security & Cybersecurity Law, Brechwald said the program helped her grow both as a person and a professional.
Read about Brechwald’s experience as a LLM student and in the GW-Oxford program below.
What made you want to pursue an LLM?
I’m most interested in the public policy aspects of the law, and so much has changed in the cybersecurity and national security sectors since I graduated from law school. The LLM program is a great way to update my understanding about a broad range of issues and learn about new trends directly from experts in those fields.
Why did you choose GW Law?
GW Law is one of the only institutions offering specialized LLM (National Security & Cybersecurity Law) courses online, so I’m able to take classes part-time from my home at Fort Campbell, Tennessee. I didn’t find that remote flexibility that fits my work and family life anywhere else, so I’m really grateful to be at GW.
(National Security & Cybersecurity Law is one of four programs that can be completed online. Learn more about LLM programs.)
What interested you about the Oxford Summer Program?
The program is geared toward understanding how international law can help people, including examination of governments’ role in protecting individual rights like freedom of expression while regulating advanced technology like AI. So the coursework is definitely relevant to my research interests. Plus, attending classes in person at Oxford is just an incredible opportunity, especially for a lifetime library kid like me.
What have you learned so far in participating in the program? How has it changed your understanding of international human rights law?
One thing that has really inspired me about the program is learning how the rights and freedoms we take for granted today were fought for and developed in the past through the daily work of ordinary people. They saw pain and suffering and wanted to help, but there was no roadmap. So they had to build it, figuring it out along the way. On the one hand, that’s a daunting realization, because it means there’s no one better coming to save us. We’re it. On the other hand, though, it means that it’s okay to jump in and start doing the work with the skills you have, even if you still need to learn as you go. The results may not be perfect, but it’s still a good start. We’re all capable of that.
Why are experiences like the Oxford program so valuable for law students?
I think one of the best ways to grow as a person (and as a professional) is to connect with people who are different from you. Getting to know students from all over the world and learning alongside them can really advance your education not just in the law but also in how to build relationships and find common ground. Attorneys have a reputation for knowing how to talk but not always knowing how to listen. In my experience, the best advocates can do both. International educational experiences are priceless in learning how to listen, understand, and connect with people.
What advice do you have for other current attorneys considering getting an LLM, MSL, or SJD?
I would absolutely recommend pursuing an advanced legal degree if that interests you. As career attorneys, we so often get caught up in the day-to-day details of our cases that we spend less time thinking about the broader implications of our work. Engaging with other students and faculty about research and ideas in your field can make you a better advocate by thinking about your work from different perspectives and different levels. You start looking beyond how to succeed in the legal system, to how to make the legal system better. I say go for it!
