Rémi Rivoal, 24, obtained an LL.M. in European and International Law at the China-EU School of Law. He gained work experience at the French Parliament, a Beijing law firm and the European Commission. Lately, he joined Van Bael&Bellis, a Brussels-based law firm dedicated to EU law and World Trade Organization (WTO) matters.
If you could give your younger self, who is just about to start at the China-EU School of Law, a piece of advice, what would that be?
Embrace the experience. Of course you will study hard but do also take full advantage of spending one year in China: living in the dorms, eating Chinese food every day, learning Mandarin, practicing the martial art Tai chi and travelling the country. Do your best to understand the Chinese culture and integrate yourself. Then the way you see the world will change even if you do not realize it at once, and the moment you leave China, you will only wish to learn more about it. I remember I quoted philosopher Laozi at the 2014 graduation ceremony, he said: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Almost three years later I am still sure that for me the China-EU School of Law was that one step.
How did your studies at the China-EU School of Law prepare you for your current job?
At my law firm Van Bael&Bellis, we provide legal advice on trade and competition. I work for example on anti-dumping questions or other EU regulations on trading goods our clients are faced with. Globalisation being a reality in trade, we have a lot of international clients including many from China. Thus, my background was clearly a big asset others did not have when I applied for the job. An LL.M. degree from China is nothing common for a European lawyer, even though understanding Chinese culture and also a bit of the Chinese language is valuable for the clients. In trade, moreover, Prof. Peter van den Bossche from Maastricht University, who is a Member of the WTO Appellate Body, was one of my lecturers at the China-EU School of Law. He awoke my interest for WTO law and therefore definitely contributed to my career choices.
What is the China-EU School of Law’s biggest plus?
The biggest plus is the school’s uniqueness. You are learning from the most distinguished professors, in a school that is at the heart of China-EU cooperation with prestigious partners in Europe and China and you graduate from a renowned university. Where else would you find that? In the 21st century, placing a bet on the ever increasing friendship between China and Europe cannot be a mistake.
He held the graduation speech in 2014, today, Rémi Rivoal is working at a law firm in Brussels.
Photo: Van Bael & Bellis
