Mark Ortega '23 (LLM)

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After receiving his LLB from the National University of Singapore and practicing law for a number of years, Mark Ortega ’23 decided to pursue a career in academia. With an LLM in environmental Law from Haub Law, Mark returned to Singapore where he is pursuing his aspirations of teaching and research.

Please tell us a bit about your background.

I received my LLB from the National University of Singapore (NUS Law). From there, I practiced law in a large local law firm, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, for over four years. I then transitioned to practicing as an in-house legal counsel to a national agency, the Info-comm Media Development Authority, a telecommunications and media regulator in Singapore. I did that for over two years when I decided to pursue academia with a specific focus on environmental law. This was a switch more in line with my personal values, and I spent time as a Visiting Researcher with NUS’s Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL) before applying for an Environmental Law LLM at Haub Law.

What drove you to pursue an LLM at Haub Law?

Haub Law has the #1 Environmental Law program in the United States. It is also grounded in practical skills, which is a perspective I had hoped to capture. Its faculty has many environmental law academics who are leaders in their respective fields. It has a very diverse and interesting environmental law program and classes. I had also done an exchange year in London during my LLB days, and so I wanted to experience a US University. Of course, the proximity to NYC was an exciting factor too!

What was your overall experience with Haub Law’s LLM program?

It was great, particularly for my purposes. Given my academic slant, I had gravitated more towards a focus on research and writing. While it was at times a stressful experience, the process is ultimately rewarding, especially when the ideas, research and writing start to all come together. The mentorship and support I received at Haub Law was very good on all fronts. There were so many professors and courses that I enjoyed. I really valued (and loved) the course, Science for Environmental Lawyers, taught by Professor Aiello-Lammens (a scientist!). It was so valuable to give me the confidence to read scientific papers and incorporate it into my research. I also really enjoyed and highly valued International Environmental Law, taught by Achinthi Vithanage. There was so much helpful content, delivered in a thoughtful and digestible way, with rigor and attention to detail. If I had to choose, I think by far my favorite class would be Environmental Justice with Professor Smita Narula. She really leads with her heart and wears that heart on her sleeve. It’s something I’ve never experienced before in any law school or legal setting, and she has become a real role model for me – the kind of Professor I’d like to become. It’s also been amazing to hear from community organizers, leaders, and movement lawyers – the work on the ground, their day-to-day, their struggles, what drives them. It’s been so incredibly inspiring and moving. Professor Josh Galperin is a mentor and friend who is a great person – he supervised my LLM thesis (which has recently been published), and we had connected over email before I even applied for Haub Law through a mutual contact. We have shared research and personal outlooks – towards environmental law and policy and trying to imagine a better future while carefully scrutinizing and shaping our own. And, of course, there is Professor Jason Czarnezki – he has such a depth of current knowledge of Sustainable Business Law, a hugely complex and rapidly-evolving area. He also has a very sharp and focused eye for detail, and always pushed and challenged me.

What advice would you have for someone interested in pursuing an LLM?

Figure out WHY you’re doing your LLM and keep focused on that goal and vision. An LLM is exciting and there’s so many opportunities and people to meet and connections to make, but realistically you cannot do it all. It is important to prioritize and focus, while also keeping an open mind to exploring opportunities and taking risks. Guard your time but be open and generous with it too – life always has surprises! Also, importantly, research the institution and apply widely. Focus on individual professors (especially if you’re planning on entering academia), since the individuals and mentors really make a difference – they certainly did for me at Haub Law. Talk to people who went to the school you are thinking of applying to and what their experience was like.

What is next for you?

I am currently a Sheridan Fellow in the NUS Faculty of Law, where I was previously a Tutor / Teaching Assistant. This is towards my goal of pursuing academia with a focus on environmental law. Teaching has been very rewarding for me thus far, even as it has been challenging. I’m also an Academic Fellow of the Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL), where I regularly contribute in conferences, seminars, and research workshops related to environmental law. I have also had time to pursue my research interests and publish – I published my article, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting from an Environmentalist’s (Not Investor’s) Lens, with another one coming shortly. I am also thinking of entering a doctoral program as well to further pursue my studies.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I was in New York, I really enjoyed heading to NYC and getting lost in its parks, museums, and bookstores. Now that I am back in Singapore, I continue to enjoy spending time in museums and bookstores, and also spending quality time with loved ones. Exercise has always been important to me as well – it regulates my moods. When the weather cooperates, I enjoy hiking and taking in nature.