A group of five students in the Gorove Society of International Law at the University of Mississippi School of Law traveled to New Orleans for the North American International Law Symposium where they had the opportunity to see the importance of the law from a global context, specifically from the perspectives of two of America’s most important and historic allies, France and Mexico.
The Gorove Society of International Law is named for the late Dr. Stephen Gorove, and is an organization that brings together law students interested in international law areas including aviation, business, environmental, and space law. Students Holdon Guy, Oliver Samples, Mary Upton Shirley, Keegan Jackish, and Gray Thomas attended, bringing along with them a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
“We learned a great deal from each other in the process, which ultimately allowed us to learn even more about the countries that took the time to host our organization and from the civil servants that play vital roles in representing their countries in a global context while simultaneously serving local communities,” said Samples.
Following the long drive from Oxford, the students were greeted by the Mexico’s New Orleans consulate.
“Our conversation with the consulate’s staff afforded us an opportunity to hear just how far these services extend to members of the Mexican community, both in New Orleans and abroad,” said Samples.
Additionally, students learned about the importance the consulate places on the relationship between Mexico and the United States including the connection of American businesses to states in Mexico, and vice versa.
“These connections, which are due in large part to the consulate, afford ample opportunities for development in both countries – whether through the creation of job opportunities, business and entrepreneurial growth, or the creation of new industry pathways in both countries,” Samples said. “While our first stop at the Mexican Consulate in New Orleans not only served as a welcoming surprise to the hospitality of the New Orleans community; but also the importance of supporting Mexican-American relations, a historic and indispensable alliance, and also as an unforgettable reminder of the importance of civil service.”
Students then visited the Consulate General of France’s office, where they discussed the difference between civil law and common law, a distinction worth knowing as numerous UM Law alumni decide to practice in Louisiana following graduation, while others will involve themselves in the civil law system through other practices.
Several students were also able to ask questions and discuss contemporary topics of global consequence.
“These relatively academic, cultural, and International Law oriented conversations between France’s Consul General and the Gorove Society served as a remarkable supplement to our previous community service and entrepreneurial discussions with the Mexican Consulate’s staff,” said Samples.