Faisal Alotaibi (LLM '18 | Saudi Arabia)
LL.M class of 2018 Alumnus Faisal Alotaibi, now a lecturer in law at the University of Hafr Albatin in Saudi Arabia, gained a valuable global perspective during his time here at UC Davis School of Law that has proven useful in many aspects of both his career and life. He now uses and shares this perspective to help students connect legal principles to real-world practice.
After earning his LL.M. at UC Davis School of Law, Faisal went on to the University of Liverpool to earn his Ph.D., focusing his research on condominium laws and practices in Saudi Arabia. He considers this accomplishment to be a very important step in his career stating, “It was a significant milestone for me and has already influenced how I approach both teaching and research.”
Faisal traces much of that foundational thinking back to his studies at UC Davis. “My time at UC Davis was a truly valuable and memorable experience,” he recalled. “It helped me understand how legal systems function globally and provided a comparative perspective that I now incorporate into my teaching and research.”
Faisal still remembers his first initial reaction to the campus. “I remember feeling impressed by how welcoming and organized everything was,” he said. “The campus had a friendly atmosphere, and it didn’t take long to feel part of the community.” He also found the classroom experience positively distinct from what he had known before. “They were interactive, and students were encouraged to speak up and share their views,” he said. “It was a more discussion-based approach that really helped me develop confidence and think more critically.” One course that was particularly valuable to him was the Negotiations elective taught by Professor Millard Murphy. “The lessons from that class have influenced how I approach communication and decision-making, not only in my academic life but also in everyday situations.”
Adjusting to a new curriculum and academic structure took time, but Faisal found support within King Hall. “Everything was different from what I was used to in Saudi Arabia, but the professors and the international programs team were very supportive, which made the experience much easier,” he said. Studying in the U.S. also offered personal growth. “The U.S. legal system and culture were different from what I was used to, but I approached it with an open mind,” he said. “I made an effort to interact with local students and faculty, which helped me understand the system better and adjust comfortably.”
Staying connected with classmates has been one of the most rewarding parts of Faisal’s UC Davis experience. “I’ve stayed in touch with several of my classmates,” he said. “We still exchange ideas and updates about our work, which helps keep that Davis connection alive.” It’s also something he’s learned to value more with time. “I wish I had understood earlier how important it is to build professional and academic connections during the program,” he said. “Networking is something that continues to pay off long after graduation.”
His advice for future LL.M. students is straightforward. “Take full advantage of the opportunities at Davis,” he said. “Get involved, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to engage with your professors and classmates. The program is not only about studying law. It’s also about growing personally, building global perspectives, and preparing for the next stage of your career.”