Emily Escartin Rosas' Pursuit of an LLM in IP Led her from Panama to a New World of Open Doors
Her decision to come from her home nation of Panamá to pursue an LLM in intellectual property law was not only a transformational academic journey for Emily Escartin Rosas, LLM-IP ’25, but also a personal growth experience.
“I gained knowledge, friendships, and a new sense of confidence in my legal career,” Emily says. “It reaffirmed my passion for intellectual property and opened doors I never imagined.”
Having earned an LLB at Universidad de Panamá and an LLM in commercial law from Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua, also in Panamá, Emily decided to seek a second LLM in the U.S. and chose UNH Franklin Pierce for its reputation in IP, which aligned well with her career aspirations.
“The opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and engage with a curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of IP law have been invaluable,” she adds, “especially coming from a different legal culture.”
During her year in Concord, New Hampshire, Emily came to appreciate the friendly residents (“the sense of community makes you feel warm even on the coldest winter days”), often venturing downtown — a short walk from the law school campus — for good coffee. She often found a nook at a local coffee shop to read or study. Emily also immersed herself in student life, serving as an SBA Governor for her LLM class and helping behind the scenes to plan the Barrister’s Ball, which she counts as a highlight of heryear.
“Get involved as much as you can,” Emily advises future students. “Attend events, meet new people, participate in activities, and become part of the community. The relationships and memories you make here will last a lifetime.”
Academically, Emily appreciated the accessibility of the professors, recalling her first discussion with Professor Staney Kowalski, whom she met on the first day of orientation. In her classes, Emily enjoyed discussions with a diverse group of peers, and hearing a variety of distinct perspectives that helped her broaden her understanding of how IP works around the world. Her English also improved as a result of her immersion in American education and for that she’s also grateful.
While her classes were all engaging, Emily particularly liked the International Technology Transfer Institute clinic, where she gained an understanding for how IP intersects with international treaties while working on a research project related to her home country.
“Get involved as much as you can. Attend events,
meet new people, participate in activities, and
become part of the community."
“The diverse perspectives of my classmates and professors have deepened my understanding of intellectual property rights and their global implications,” Emily says. “Overall, my experience has been a blend of rigorous academic challenge and personal growth, setting a solid foundation for my future career.”
To hear more about Emily’s time at UNH Franklin Pierce, watch this recorded webinar, “Life Beyond the Classroom: The Non-Academic Side of the LLM Experience”.
