From the Argo Scholarship to Harvard Law School: the story of Alexander Canetta
Meet Alexander Canetta, last year’s Argo Scholarship winner, who is using the grant to pursue an LLM at Harvard Law School. We asked him about his experience with the scholarship, what he learned from it, and – here comes the fun part – his life as an LLM student at Harvard. Read on!
Argo Scholarship | Thinking, improvising and taking on challenges
How would we describe Alexander’s experience with the Argo Scholarship in one word? Insightful. From working through an M&A case and learning to negotiate, to thinking on his feet during the final presentation. It was an experience that tested his skills in real-world scenarios.
“I had been considering doing an LLM for a while, so when I came across the Argo Scholarship, I jumped at the chance. I won’t lie, I was a bit nervous beforehand. But as soon as I arrived, I felt at ease. The atmosphere was relaxed, my team was great, and the pressure of solving an M&A case within a limited timeframe made it all the more exciting. Presenting in front of the jury also forced me to be quick-witted – a skill that’s essential for any lawyer. All in all, an incredible experience with an even better outcome.”
Why should you apply for the Argo Scholarship?
“The Argo Scholarship is more than just a competition. You meet new people, get a behind-the-scenes look at a law firm and tackle a challenging case. And of course, the biggest reason: you get the unique opportunity to fund your advanced studies. At the time, I was on Erasmus in Paris, but I came back to Belgium just for the Argo Scholarship. Still have zero regrets!”
Alexander’s ultimate tip: “Don’t stress too much. Go in with an open mind and focus on the experience. Whether you win or not, participating in the Argo Scholarship is a valuable step in your professional journey!”
Harvard Law School | The benefits of an LLM in the USA
Alexander used his Argo Scholarship grant to study at Harvard Law School in Boston. There, he had the freedom to handpick his courses – though that came with a high-stakes priority system (stress!). So, what has his experience been like so far?
“Studying at Harvard Law School is nothing short of amazing. The professors are not only well-known experts in their fields, but also incredibly passionate about their subject. The courses are intellectually challenging. For instance, I took a negotiation workshop where we prepared a different case every evening and negotiated it the next day. And beyond academics, the social life is a huge plus. You meet LLM students from all over the world and get to travel on weekends. We even spent Thanksgiving in Maine – think: a classic American dinner, a cozy cabin in the woods and long nature walks. A truly unforgettable experience!”
“The Argo Scholarship was more than a competition. It was an opportunity to challenge myself, meet inspiring people and take a big step toward Harvard Law School.”
– Alexander Canetta
How do you choose the right LLM?
“LLM or business school? UK or US? Choosing an LLM isn’t always straightforward. Personally, I was fascinated by common law during my studies. My thesis supervisor had studied in the US, and my comparative law courses sparked my interest in the legal system there. Harvard Law School was therefore the perfect fit for me.”
Alexander’s ultimate tip: “Start early and do your research. Talk to alumni who won scholarships, people who’ve studied in the US, and gather as much information as possible. And don’t let the paperwork scare you – it’s a hassle, but trust me, it’s 100% worth it!”
