About Me

Name

Daniel Athias

Prior Education

Centro Universitario do Estado do Para (bacharel em direito, 2011), Universidade de São Paulo (mestre em direito, 2018)

Before My LLM Year

I worked as an antitrust and anti-corruption attorney at a boutique law firm in São Paulo, Brazil.

What Makes Me Different From My Classmates

I came into the LLM program with more experience, so I already knew what kind of law I liked practicing and what subjects I preferred. However, I didn’t limit my courses to antitrust.

My Time at Michigan Law

Why I Chose Michigan Law

The academic program here is very strong, with the benefit (and difficulty) of taking classes with JD students. You’re also not treated as just a number; the small class size means you really get to know the people here.

Biggest Hesitation About the LLM Year

Taking a year off work to focus on studying. I don’t regret it, though!

What Surprised Me Most About Michigan Law

The level of expertise each professor has in their respective fields and their availability to help students.

My Favorite Class

Anti-Corruption: Law and Practice with Professor Timothy Dickinson and Securities Regulation with Professor Nico Howson. And, for a bonus class: Contract Theory with Professor Sanjukta Paul.

The Most Difficult Thing About the LLM Year

Making difficult choices about what you have time to do. There are too many interesting classes, too many interesting events, and you simply cannot do everything.

What Makes Michigan Law Special

There is a big sense of community here, and people are friendly and helpful. The alumni I spoke with before and after coming to Michigan are very passionate about the time they spent here.

The Best Thing About Ann Arbor

The city is very walkable, and there are trails nearby. The concerts at Hill Auditorium are a highlight.

Fun Stuff

When I’m Not Studying

I’m spending time with friends from the LLM, SJD, and visiting research scholars cohort.

My Favorite Way to De-Stress

Running or going for a walk at the Border-to-Border Trail.

Favorite Book

Most recently, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond.

Favorite Movie

Perfect Days

Favorite Food From Home

Maniçoba

Favorite Item at the Kirkland & Ellis Cafe

Brewed coffee