A contingent from Nebraska Law including Professor Brian Lepard, associate director of the Space, Cyber, and National security Law Program Lauren Bydalek, and students Vanessa Dosoo, ’25, Maggie Pallesen, ’26, and Mollie Rowe, ’25, traveled to New York City in late October to participate in International Law Weekend (ILW). ILW, a major gathering of professors, practitioners and students interested in international law, was sponsored by the American Branch of the International Law Association and held at Fordham Law School. The theme of this year’s conference was “Crisis as Catalyst in International Law.”
Pallesen shared about her experience: “International Law Weekend was an extremely worthwhile experience. I was able to attend a variety of panel discussions on topics related to the past, present, and future of international law. As a student, having the opportunity to be in rooms with people that have a similar passion and deep respect for the practice of international law was nothing short of inspiring. I felt the conference was very student-oriented and allowed me to expand my knowledge and broaden my professional network with top international law professionals. Attending the conference solidified my desire to pursue a career in international law. I am very grateful to Nebraska Law for this opportunity.”
According to Rowe, “My favorite part of International Law Weekend was the opportunity to listen to world leaders and engage with fellow students and professionals who are shaping the future of international law. The experience was both motivating and meaningful, and I’m grateful to Nebraska Law for making it possible during my final year of law school.”
Dosoo shared: "My most notable takeaway from International Law Weekend was the keynote address by Sir Howard Morrison. He shared a message that resonates far beyond the field of international law and can inspire anyone pursuing a professional career. He said, 'Go up to the front door and knock. If they don’t let you in, go around to the back. If you can’t get in there, find a window and try to climb in. And if that doesn’t work, go to the roof and try to get in that way. Never take no for an answer.’ This powerful metaphor reminded me that persistence and creativity are essential when navigating challenges, whether in law or in life.”
The Nebraska Law students attend a panel on October 24 chaired by Professor Lepard on “Customary International Law: What Role Can It Play in Responding to Contemporary Global Crises?” Other panelists were: Noora Arajärvi, Coordinator of the Legal Advisor's Office, European University Institute, Florence, Italy; Adil Haque, Distinguished Professor of Law and Judge Jon O. Newman Scholar, Rutgers Law School; Oona A. Hathaway, Gerard C. and Bernice Latrobe Smith Professor of International Law, Yale Law School; and Sir Michael Wood, KC, Barrister, Twenty Essex London and former Special Rapporteur of the International Law Commission on the Identification of Customary International Law.
Professor Lepard and members of the panel examined the relationship between customary international law and multiple contemporary crises affecting international economic relations, the environment, human rights, and global peace and security today. They focused on the role of such crises in challenging existing customary international law norms, creating new ones, or reaffirming established norms as a bedrock for preserving peace and respecting human rights.
Professor Lepard is the Harold W. Conroy Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Nebraska College of Law and a recognized expert on international law. His most recent book is Reexamining Customary International Law, which he edited and to which he contributed several chapters. The book was published by Cambridge University Press in 2017.
