Tulio Martins, LL.M. Class of 2022

1. What country are you from and where did you get your law degree?
I am originally from Brazil, 2 years ago I immigrated to the US. I got my law degree from Centro Universitario 7 de Setembro, Fortaleza, Brazil.

2. Tell us something about yourself and your country of origin?
When I finish Law School in Brazil and passed the bar, I gave myself the opportunity to live in Germany for a year. In Germany I studied German at the University of Munich where I made a lot of friends and had the best adventure in my life. When I moved back to Brazil, I started working in the public sector as a Court Clerk. After 7 years of practicing, I moved to the US and decided to change my career. Because I love sports and love working out, I decided to become a personal trainer, which was my profession until this year when I decided to go back to law school to be able to practice law in the US.
Brazil has more animal and plant species than any other country in the world. We love Samba music, soccer and carnival.

3. Why did you decide to seek a graduate degree in the U.S. and what attracted you to SMU Law?
Because my goal was to become a lawyer in the US and I knew that after the LLM program I would be able to sit for the bar.
I have many friends in Dallas that came from a Civil Law System like me and attended the same program. They told me good things about the school and the faculty. All of them passed the bar at first try and became successful lawyers.

4. What has been your favorite class?
My favorite class is Business Association. Dean Camp knows how to teach international students. I think because of his experience living abroad he understands our needs and our difficulties as foreign students. He also encourages us to pursue our dreams.

5. What is our favorite thing to do in Dallas?
I love Dallas. I can feel the southern hospitality because the people are very friendly. I love watching the Cowboys, the Maverics and walking on the Katy Trail on the weekends. The restaurants are the best.

6. What are you planning to do after graduation?
I plan to sit for the Texas Bar (July 2022) and get a job in a law firm where I can practice Immigration Law.

7. What tips or advise do you have for a new LL.M. student?
I would tell them to study hard, to make connections and to enjoy the opportunity because Law school is intense but its fun. There are many events at SMU and many opportunists to build up your network.