PUBLISHED:November 03, 2011

Isabelle Mercier-Dalphond LLM '12

Isabelle Mercier-Dalphond LLM '12

Interview With


Name: Isabelle Mercier-Dalphond
Class Year: 2012
Home: Montréal, Canada
Law School: University of Montréal

Where is home? What is it famous for?
I am from Montréal, Canada. Montréal is famous because it’s a unique and beautiful European-style city in North America, where the main language is French. Canada is also well known for its natural resources, cold winters, beavers, Mounties, hockey, and maple syrup. I would like to specify that, contrary to what people think, and although it is undeniably delicious, we do not eat maple syrup with every dish.

What is your field of interest? Why?
I played badminton competitively for more than eleven years, and the sport has always been an integral part of my life. This is the reason why I’m especially interested in sports and entertainment law.

Why did you decide to pursue an LLM at Duke?
I chose Duke because it’s among the best law schools in the United States; it has a strong LLM program and offers great opportunities related to sports law. I decided to pursue the general LLM (as opposed to just a masters in sports law) in order to expand my knowledge of American law, while taking more specialized courses in sports and entertainment law.

How do you think the LLM is going to help your career?
First of all, I will have a better understanding of American law, which is a huge advantage for any lawyer involved in international transactions. Secondly, the knowledge gained in my specialized courses will be useful in my future practice. Finally, I am sure that all the extraordinary people that I have met here will, in various ways, help my career.

What’s the biggest advantage of studying in the United States?
Studying American law is a huge advantage because cross-border issues invariably arise between Canada and the United States, and the most important transactions in the sports and entertainment industry take place in New York or Los Angeles. Moreover, studying in the U.S. is a great way to better understand the American culture.

What has been your favorite class so far? Why?
Unsurprisingly, “Sports and the Law” has been my favorite class because that is my field of interest, and it was the first time I could take a specialized class such as this one, because sports law was not a subject given at my previous university in Montreal.

You are an accomplished athlete and have won multiple national and international badminton championships throughout your life. What is the influence of sports on your daily life and your studies?
Playing sports at high level has really helped shape my character. It also influences my daily life and my studies because, through sport, I have developed a strong work ethic, as well as learned how to perform under pressure.

What is your favorite thing about Duke so far?
What I like the most about Duke is the whole experience: learning in a stimulating environment, being taught by renowned professors, and meeting interesting people from all over the world, including the United States.

What are your plans for the future?
After taking the New York State Bar examination in July 2012, I hope to join an international law firm, either in New York or Montréal, and, hopefully, work with high-profile clients in the sports and entertainment industries.