CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Before becoming a Business Litigation lawyer at Womble Carlyle, Whitney Kamerzel used her legal skills to defend the rights of citizens in developing nations. Kamerzel recently spoke with the University of South Carolina School of Law Alumni Magazine about her global pro bono work – and how the school’s international focus helped her in these efforts.

Kamerzel, a 2017 USC Law graduate, tells the magazine that the school’s global reach was something she wanted and looked for in a law school.

“We have professors who have worked for organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank and who have important connections all over the world. I knew the international law program would prepare me for a successful career,” she said.

Kamerzel put her interest in international law into action as a law school student, researching human rights issues in Uganda. After graduation, she chose to volunteer for a human rights organization in Cambodia before entering private practice.

“My mentor, Professor Joel Samuels, pointed out to me that my first activity after law school should be to work pro bono. I realized he was right. In terms of practicing international law and giving back to the community, I wanted an experience that would set the stage for my career in the future,” she said.

In Cambodia, Kamerzel worked with local attorneys and officials to resolve human rights abuses caused by foreign businesses.

“My work in Cambodia had a creative element that constantly challenged my brain,” she tells the USC Law magazine. “Since the ball never stopped rolling, it was a smooth transition to practicing law in the US.”

Click here to read “South Carolina Law's Global Reach Attracts Law Students” in the University of South Carolina School of Law Magazine.

Whitney Kamerzel is a Business Litigation attorney in Womble Bond Dickinson’s Charlotte office.  Her practice involves a variety of dispute resolution and general civil litigation matters.