Bastien Pavec
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Delsol Avocats
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
Since leaving Exeter, I was admitted to the French bar school and did a series of internships in international companies (e.g., Arval BNP Paribas) and law firms (e.g., Clifford Chance, and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius). Clifford Chance Paris recruited me as an associate after my 6-month internship there. I worked there for about 3 years. I am currently working as an associate in Delsol Avocats, a French law firm with a number of cross-border matters. Overall, I specialized myself in healthcare law.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
I chose this career because I am passionate about law, and really like working on a number of different matters with various types of clients. My main focus is on healthcare law because I was lucky enough to meet a senior lawyer (with whom I am still working as of today), Gaëlle Merlier, that shared with me her enthusiasm for this niche expertise. I enjoy the fact that this is a very dynamic sector, which raises numerous legal and non-legal issues. This is extremely stimulating from an intellectual perspective. And I also feel like I am contributing to the development of a number of innovations / projects that serve public interest.
Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?
I was part of the Debating Society (which was challenging, as I am not an English native speaker) and the Chess Society. I also tried a few other societies at the time. I really enjoyed my time there, and am still thankful.
What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?
Weirdly enough, I really enjoyed working on my dissertation. In addition to that, the seminars were all of a very high level of quality, with very dedicated teachers. I enjoyed the fact that the teachers had a very different teaching method, trusting their students to do extensive researches in advance of every single classes. Finally, the biggest highlight was the volunteering opportunity at the UNO that I had in the context of the business and human rights seminar.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
Beyond the academic aspects, I really enjoyed the numerous opportunities that I had to connect with a number of amazing people with very different backgrounds (including teachers, fellow students, and my flatmates on the campus). This heavily contributed to my personal and professional development. Also, this was my first opportunity to evolve in an English environment.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Exeter is part of a long-standing exchange program with Rennes, which allowed me to come studying there for a very low cost. Without this exchange program, I would probably not have been able to obtain a LL.M. in the United-Kingdom for financial reasons.
Do you have a piece of wisdom or general advice you’d like to offer?
I would recommend not unnecessarily rushing things, and being mindful of your personal needs. It is extremely easy to embark in a so-called prestigious career, and realize a few years later that it was not the best choice for you.
As an international alumnus, could you share any advice you’d like to offer to international students considering studying at Exeter?
When it comes to the application process, the level of English and financial resources are not everything. I would recommend not self-censoring oneself, and giving it a try.
