Three Legal Scholars from Ethiopia, the Philippines and Ecuador Awarded Vester Hughes Fellowships for the 59th Academy of American and International Law

The Center for American and International Law (CAIL) is proud to announce the Vester Hughes Fellows for the 59th Academy of American and International Law. The Fellows, who are legal professionals from Ethiopia, the Philippines, and Ecuador, received full scholarships to attend the 59th Academy.

The Vester Hughes Fellows Fund was established in 2021 to honor the late Vester T. Hughes Jr., a distinguished attorney and dedicated supporter and former CAIL trustee, by supporting educational opportunities for international legal professionals. The Fellowships have paved the way for numerous legal professionals worldwide to enhance their knowledge and skills through their participation in the Academy and their support of the rule of law.

This year's Vester Hughes Fellows are:

  • Ruta Gebretsadik Alemayehu from Ethiopia, a judge on the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
  • Ali Loraine Manrique from the Philippines, serving at the Department of Justice - Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution in San Juan City.
  • Daniela Zumarraga Paredes from Ecuador, working with Bustamante Fabara in Quito.

The 59th Academy, hosted by the Southwestern Institute for International and Comparative Law (SWIICL) at CAIL’s education center in Plano, Texas, welcomes 44 legal professionals from 22 countries. This multi-week program offers participants practical skill training and substantive law subjects, including legal writing, negotiations, international arbitration, litigation, business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, international taxation, intellectual property, and cybersecurity.

The Academy provides a unique platform for legal professionals from around the world to engage in rigorous academic programs, cultural exchange, and professional networking. The fellowship recipients will join peers from various countries, gaining invaluable insights and forging connections that transcend borders.

"We are honored to have Ruta, Ali, and Daniela as Vester Hughes Fellows at the 59th Academy," says Jay Ray, SWIICL Director and Vice President of CAIL. "The Vester Hughes Fellowship not only promotes their growth but also strengthens our global network of legal professionals committed to upholding justice and the rule of law."

Graduates of the Academy will join a distinguished alumni network of over 3,300 professionals from 130 countries, many of whom have achieved significant success, including roles such as the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the Prime Minister of Peru.

CAIL relies on donations to promote expanded access to programs like the Academy. To learn how to support CAIL's mission, please click here or contact the advancement office at advancement@cailaw.org or 972-244-3438.

__________ 

The Center for American and International Law - Founded in 1947, The Center for American and International Law is a nonprofit institution based in Plano, Texas, dedicated to advancing justice and promoting the rule of law through the professional development of legal and law enforcement practitioners worldwide. Today, CAIL's educational institutes have established internationally recognized forums and programs addressing law enforcement administration, energy law, international and comparative law, transnational arbitration, law and technology, criminal justice, and other relevant topics. Thousands of lawyers and law enforcement officers from all 50 states and 130 countries have participated in CAIL programs.

Media Contact
Karla Lárraga, Communications Officer
klarraga@cailaw.org | (972) 244-3436