By Indira Kalbaj
As the summer unfolds, I find myself reflecting on a chapter of my legal journey that has been truly transformative. The experiences and knowledge gained have not only deepened my understanding of the law but have also shaped me both personally and professionally. This personal growth, I believe, is a testament to the potential for growth and transformation that lies within each of us.
Shared Journey in Rome with Christele Mushagasha
In May, my colleague and friend, Christele Mushagasha, and I embarked on a month-long adventure through the Temple University Beasley School of Law Summer Program in Rome. Together, we took all three courses the program offered—Global Legal Perspectives, International Civil Litigation, and Advising the Multinational Corporation on Global Legal Issues. Each class was taught by dedicated Temple professors and enriched by guest speakers and immersive field trips.
We were not just reading about international law; we were living it in a country where centuries of legal evolution have shaped today’s global frameworks. One of the most memorable highlights was our visit to the Italian Supreme Court, where we had the privilege of meeting and learning from a Supreme Court judge, gaining first-hand insight into the workings of Italy’s highest judicial institution.
Rome was not just the backdrop of our studies—it became part of the learning experience. Some of our favorite moments were spent on Temple’s campus terrace, reading with the Trinità dei Monti and the Spanish Steps in view. In that unique setting, lessons on international law and
cooperation felt vivid, relevant, and inspiring, sparking a new level of interest and curiosity in our studies.
This experience went beyond academic and professional growth—it gave us the gift of genuine connection. For Christele and me, it was not only a summer of learning but also the beginning of a friendship built on shared challenges, discoveries, and aspirations. We look forward to
nurturing that bond as both colleagues and friends in the years ahead.
Individual Reflections and Professional Growth
Alongside the program, I had the privilege of interning with Meranda Avvocati, a respected law firm in the heart of Rome led by Gianluca Meranda. Under his mentorship, I worked on cross-border matters that involved clients from different jurisdictions. This gave me the rare opportunity to compare legal practices across systems—contrasting the U.S. legal writing style, which is structured, concise, and case-driven, with the Italian civil law tradition, which emphasizes statutory interpretation and elegant prose rooted in centuries of history. This comparative experience not only broadened my legal knowledge but also deepened my understanding of the cultural nuances in law and how it impacts advocacy, client communication, and case strategy.
This comparative experience deepened my understanding of cultural nuance in law and how it impacts advocacy, client communication, and case strategy.
I was also able to continue my ongoing work with the American Red Cross, where I received encouraging feedback from my mentor, who praised my contribution to the mentoring project: “Indira, thank you for that excellent foundation document.” That recognition reinforced my passion for humanitarian work and the intersection of law, service, and human dignity.
Finally, my summer was enriched by meaningful connections. Meeting Ersi Bozheku, a distinguished Albanian criminal defense attorney practicing in Italy, was a significant highlight. Our discussions about the strength and global presence of the Albanian legal community were inspiring and reminded me of the importance of building bridges across cultures and legal systems. Encounters like these not only broaden our perspectives but also strengthen the global legal community.
This summer has been a rich tapestry of learning, mentorship, cultural immersion, and friendship. I am deeply grateful to Temple Law, my professors, Meranda Avvocati, the Red Cross, and the remarkable peers and professionals I met along the way. Their support and guidance have been invaluable, and I am filled with a deep sense of appreciation and respect for their contributions to my journey.
Here is to the global legal community—and to the paths that connect us all.
