As an Associate and later a Senior Associate at OAKE Legal in Abuja, Nigeria, Theophilus Emem worked on transactions for independent power producers, a federal government funded power project, and a transaction for export sale of power within West Africa. “I developed a lot of experience in the energy sector,” he explained. “And I felt I should be preparing myself to take on more leadership roles. I thought an advanced degree would equip me with the relevant knowledge and skills that I need to for the opportunities ahead.”

Once he decided to pursue an LL.M., he began looking for schools that had strong energy programs. Vanderbilt stood out for its Energy, Environmental & Land Use program, as well as its location in Tennessee, near Oak Ridge and within the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Emem found the orientation process eased the transition to the U.S. “The faculty were very supportive, telling us how to maximize our opportunities and making us feel really at home,” he said. “Every needed support was provided, including resources for personal development, opportunities to enhance my network and support for my mental wellbeing.”

Through his coursework, Emem was able to tie various aspects of the law together into a more comprehensive understanding of the energy industry and how to operate within it in a legal capacity. Energy Law with Professor Jim Rossi provided him with deeper knowledge of the US energy sector, including energy regulatory frameworks, energy federalism, energy resources, energy transition goals, challenges, and energy future for the U.S. Financing of energy project requires significant capital investment and Professor Yesha Yadav’s Securities Regulations provided comprehensive knowledge about U.S. securities laws and regulatory framework that should be complied with when companies raise capitals. Corporations with Professor Randall Thomas addressed corporate concepts and legal issues, while Mergers and Acquisitions with Professor Brian Broughman taught him the theories, mechanics, and practice of corporate merger and acquisition transactions. The mediation skills he learned in Professor Larry Bridgesmith’s Mediation class were invaluable. “All of the professors are experts in their individual areas,” he said, “and when you put all of the coursework together, it’s been an invaluable learning experience for me.” He also found that learning alongside J.D. students provided a broader perspective that he would not have gotten in a different format.

After taking the New York Bar Exam post-graduation, Emem plans to continue exploring opportunities to work in the U.S. He would eventually like to find another position overseas before returning to Nigeria, which is in the early stages of shifting to an energy structure in the power sector that looks more like America’s, with the recent constitutional amendment that has further decentralized the Nigerian power sector. “In the long-term, I would like to work with national, international, or multilateral organization that are interested in increasing energy infrastructure development and improving energy access and energy security in Nigeria and Africa,” he said. “I think the knowledge I’ve gained through school and professionally will be very useful.”

“I’ve had a great experience at Vandy,” he concluded. “I found a very supportive community, with wonderful faculty and students.”