Download Magazine - Levin College of Law - University of Florida

Connecting Cultures
B Y K A Y L A H A R R I S
Graduate helps UF Law students
gain Latin American experiences
People always say they love their job. Chris
Markussen (JD 72) loves her job. She enjoys
it so much she underwrote a study
tour in Chile for 10 UF Law and graduate
students, hoping they would discover the
enthusiasm she has for international business
and law.
As the chief counsel of international business for MetLife,
Markussen said she felt “The Legal Institutions of the Americas
Study Tour: Chile” program was an opportunity for the
students to view the interrelatedness between countries and
better understand our global economy. UF Law student Peter
Lynch agrees.
“I return from Chile convinced more than ever that a commitment
to vibrant international trade is the key to Americaʼs
long-term national security, world order and peace,” said Lynch.
Trade can focus nations on their similarities rather than their
UF law students (left)
in Chile; Markussen and
her husband, James, on
a trip to China.
differences, maintaining dialogue and an
inclination to work things out as partners,
rather than leaving heads of state to focus
on differences and interact through brinksmanship, sanctions,
and threats of force, he said.
“Competent attorneys to support the needs of these businesses,
and to operate dispute resolution mechanisms for international
trading partners are essential,” Lynch added.
The program provided practical exposure to Latin American
legal systems while promoting ties with law schools
and political figures in the region. The students spent their
spring break traveling throughout Chile visiting major legal
institutions, from Chileʼs new Justice Center to the Justice
Studies Center of the Americas, from a Chilean law school to
leading law firms.
“Itʼs a wonderful chance for people to see how another
culture does business, thinks and approaches the law,” Markussen
said. “I wanted to participate in giving an opportunity
to law and graduate students to become as enamored with
international work as I am.”
In addition, the students spent time exploring Chileʼs
history. The studentsʼ itinerary followed the development of
Chileʼs legal system. Their trip began with a discussion of
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