ARCO Alumni

When Norman Nadorff arrived in Luanda, Angola, in 2006 to commence his position as senior counsel of BP Angola, he didn’t know that he would help create and implement a program that would bring forth a sophisticated level of education in oil and gas law, the first of its kind in Africa, and one of the few in the world.

Nadorff also didn’t know that the program would eventually earn him the 2009 Annual Education Award from the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators.

Now, three years into the oil and gas LL.M. program at the Agostinho Neto University College of Law, Nadorff has taught and helped graduate two sections of professionals in the oil and gas business.

“The idea is to upgrade the skills of Angolan lawyers and other professionals,” Nadorff said. “We run it every two years and enrol about 40 students. It’s been quite successful and students have managed to enhance their careers.”

One of the success stories emerging from the program is that of Susana Ramos, who won a Fulbright Humphrey grant as a result of the program. She is studying at an American University and specializing in anti-corruption law.

Nadorff says that the networking opportunities for students enrolled in the program have proven to be the best indirect benefit.

“Networking has become just as important as the academics,” Nadorff said. “The program has raised the stature of the law school, and we’ve established great relationships and dialogue with other universities around the world.”