Friends of the Graduate Program at Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES -- Graduates and supporters of DU's Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate program extend around the world, but perhaps that support is no stronger than here.

Argentina, and Buenos Aires in particular, have seen a steady stream of talented young lawyers who have studied in Denver. This is due to the program's excellent support by many leading lawyers in the best firms in Argentina.

Pedro Serrano Espelta (on the right side in photo), partner in the well-known law firm of Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal and a leading South American oil and gas lawyer, has provided a great deal of support and encouragement to several members of his firm who have studied in Denver. One lawyer who has studied in Denver is Leonardo Rodriguez (left in photo, LLM graduate, May 2008), who was recognized as the Outstanding Student of the Year in 2008.

I (middle in photo) had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Serrano Espelta and Mr. Rodriguez about natural resources-related opportunities in Argentina, which is the 8th largest (in size) country in the world and has a multitude of resources -- oil and gas, mining, and renewables -- that will be developed in the coming years.

The warm relationship between DU and Argentinian law firms such as Marval, O'Farrell & Mairal is destined to become even closer, I think, as more lawyers and businesses from across the globe come to more fully understand the tremendous development opportunities in Argentina. In short, South America represents a fertile region for development for those who are looking ahead and planning for the future.