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Q&A with
LL.M. Student Roberto Sagredo
Roberto Sagredo earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile) in 2017. He was admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of Chile in 2018. Since 2019, Sagredo has been a professor of constitutional and indigenous law at the University of O’Higgins in Rancagua in Chile, where he also teaches introductory law courses. At the university, he has taught collaborative online courses alongside colleagues at the National University of Córdoba in Argentina. He regularly participates in constitutional law seminars and conferences in his country, focusing on incorporating indigenous issues into Chilean legal culture. He also engages in the private practice of law, mainly in family and succession matters. At UC Irvine Law, he is eager to learn about U.S. legal culture as well as pedagogical approaches in legal education, hoping to develop networks for intercultural exchange. After completing his Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, he plans to continue his career as a professor.
Q: Why did you choose UC Irvine Law and what would you like to share about your experience so far?
I chose UC Irvine Law because it stood out among my options as the law school with the best student-to-faculty ratio. For someone like me, who is passionate about teaching and academic growth, this was a key factor. I was also impressed by the diversity of research centers and the flexibility of the curriculum, which allow students to explore their interests in depth. And of course, studying in Southern California was a relevant factor.
My experience so far has exceeded expectations. The professors have been incredibly attentive and genuinely welcoming, encouraging my participation in class. Some J.D. students have gone out of their way to make LL.M. international students feel part of the community, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. The LL.M. program team has been remarkable in ensuring that both our academic and personal experiences are as enriching as possible. It’s been a wonderful journey so far, and I look forward to continuing this experience through to graduation.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a Master of Laws degree?
Teaching has been a significant part of my life since 2019, alongside my private legal practice. I've had the privilege of offering various courses and engaging in conferences on constitutional law and related fields. Over time, I came to realize that teaching is my true passion. Pursuing graduate studies felt like the natural next step to deepen my knowledge and enhance my ability to shape future generations of lawyers.
My decision to pursue a master’s degree in the U.S. was also influenced by my previous experience as an exchange student here and my belief that the legal system and teaching methods in this country offer a valuable new perspective to improve my skills. After building a strong academic profile and securing financial assistance, I took the leap earlier this year, and it has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far.
Q: What are your current research interests?
My primary research focus is Indigenous law, which inspired me to take Tribal Nations and the Law with Professor Heather Tanana. Through this course, I’ve had the privilege of working with her as a research assistant on Indian water rights. I am particularly interested in studying various legal approaches to resolving conflicts between non-Indigenous populations and Indigenous peoples, such as tribal governments and treaty-making, with the aim of contributing to the development of rules and institutions that foster meaningful intercultural relations in my home country, Chile.
In addition, I am deeply passionate about strategic litigation in fundamental rights — a field that is still in its early stages in Chile. I believe it holds immense potential for improving lives through impactful legal work. This interest led me to take a course with Professor Mark Rosenbaum on strategic litigation in education, which has provided invaluable insights into how law can serve as a tool for social change.
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking about pursuing a career as a professor?
Teaching is more than a profession—it is a vocation. It is about giving to others rather than focusing on yourself. If you feel the pull to share your knowledge because you believe it can make a difference, then you should seriously consider becoming a professor. In law, the stakes are even higher: you are not just teaching doctrine; you are shaping future lawyers who will carry your lessons into courtrooms and communities. Behind every legal debate are real people with real hopes, and as a professor, you have the chance to instill in your students a vision of law that is as human as it is principled.
This is not a career to chase for money or prestige but for the quiet satisfaction of knowing you are planting seeds that might one day grow into something extraordinary. If that excites you more than the size of your paycheck, welcome to the best job in the world.
Q: What do you miss most about Chile?
Having been here for just three and a half months, I haven’t really had time to feel homesick yet. Communication with loved ones is so seamless nowadays that it’s a completely different experience from when I studied abroad years ago. That said, there are two things I genuinely miss. First, going to the stadium to cheer for Universidad de Chile, my soccer team, it’s a tradition that’s hard to replace. Second, I miss teaching constitutional law. This semester, I was scheduled to teach a course on fundamental rights, which is my absolute favorite. Sharing ideas, challenging students, and fostering critical thinking are parts of teaching that I deeply enjoy.
I’ve tried to channel my passion for teaching into class discussions here, but I also hope to find more opportunities to engage in conferences or debates. And if not, I’ll gladly pick up where I left off when I return to Chile.
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