The NUM International Program of Legal Studies (NUM iLAW) at the National University of Management is pleased to announce a special guest lecture titled “Building a Career in Law from the First Day of Law School,” taking place on 20 October 2026, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Hall A, National University of Management (NUM), Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The lecture will feature Mr. Edwin Vanderbruggen, Senior Partner at Andersen & VDB Loi, an experienced international legal practitioner, policy adviser, and scholar with more than three decades of professional experience across Asia.
About the Guest Lecture
Building a successful legal career does not begin after graduation. It begins from the first day of law school through the knowledge students gain, the skills they develop, and the opportunities they pursue.
This interactive session aims to help students better understand the legal profession and prepare for their future careers. Drawing on his extensive professional experience, Mr. Vanderbruggen will share practical insights into legal career development, the changing legal job market, and the skills required to succeed as a young legal professional.
The lecture will explore several important topics, including:
Legal Career Paths: Understanding different career opportunities available to law graduates in Cambodia and internationally.
AI and the Future of Law: Exploring how artificial intelligence may change the legal profession and the skills future lawyers will need.
Essential Legal Skills: Developing legal research, writing, public speaking, networking, and professional skills from Year 1.
Career Planning and Specialization: Understanding the importance of choosing a legal field and preparing for future professional opportunities.
Employers' Expectations: Learning what law firms and other employers look for when recruiting young lawyers.
Further Education: Exploring the potential value of pursuing an LL.M., MBA, or other postgraduate qualifications.
About the Guest Speaker
Mr. Edwin Vanderbruggen is an international legal practitioner, policy adviser, and scholar specializing in international economic law, public policy, energy, infrastructure, and cross-border transactions.
With more than 30 years of experience across Asia, he has advised governments, international financial institutions, development agencies, and multinational enterprises on legal reform, investment policy, international trade, taxation, and major infrastructure projects.
He is a Senior Partner at VDB Loi and Andersen in Southeast Asia, where the firms employ more than 250 lawyers and consultants across six countries in the region.
Throughout his career, he has worked with major international institutions, including the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other development organizations.
Alongside his professional practice, he has lectured at universities in Europe and Asia and continues to contribute to academic research in international economic law and global governance.
An Opportunity for Future Legal Professionals
Through this guest lecture, NUM iLAW aims to encourage students to begin preparing for their legal careers early, strengthen their professional skills, and better understand the opportunities and challenges of the modern legal profession.
The session will also provide an opportunity for students to engage directly with an experienced international legal practitioner, ask questions, and receive practical career advice.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Venue: Hall A, National University of Management (NUM), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Guest Speaker: Mr. Edwin Vanderbruggen, Senior Partner at Andersen & VDB Loi
Registration: https://forms.gle/jvg4dtG9j6RgvgtMA
For more information, please contact the NUM iLAW Office at 017 611 252 or ilaw@num.edu.kh.
NUM iLAW looks forward to welcoming all participants to this meaningful learning opportunity.
