Student Spotlight: Nax Hamouche, LLM ’22

Nax Hamouche, LLM ’22

What is your favorite part about being a NYU Law student?

First of all, NYU Law is probably one of the most socially and academically progressive law schools in the world. NYU Law is an intellectual powerhouse where people come together to help the world. The environment is so diverse that classrooms are more like the UN General Assembly with almost every country being represented. On top of that, the friends I made at NYU are now family. Second, NYU Law is the world leading institution in my field of interest, international law, with no other close competitor. The opportunities it offers in all areas of international law are infinite. It's always a humbling experience to bump into Academics and Practitioners you've quoted your whole life in the Courtyard and to chat with them!

What has been your favorite law school class so far? 

I have liked and benefited from all of my classes at NYU Law. I am in the LLM in International Legal Studies program, and my strategy in Fall was to pick courses, seminars and a simulation on top of my Clinic in different areas of international law as well as in US law. I am following the same strategy for Spring. If I have to pick one, I would go with the UN Diplomacy Seminar that complements the UN Diplomacy Clinic (UNDC). For this seminar, we had guest speakers from the UN, IOs, Permanent Missions and private practice and an insider view on UN Climate negotiations as our professor was in the AOSIS (Alliance of Small Island Developing States) negotiating team at the COP26 in Glasgow. I felt like I was asked to unlearn all I have ever been taught for that seminar. It was fascinating to observe what we were critically reflecting on in class, every day at the UNHQ and when advising our Missions. The UNDC has overall changed my life in ways I cannot yet begin to fathom.

What's the last book you read and loved?

I recently read How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other by Naomi Klein. Klein plunges us into the psychology of the immobilism facing climate change and calls on us to rediscover fraternity, to reduce inequalities, and to ensure a future for our children as the deadlines are imminent. This book is a wonderful lesson in courage and hope."