International law pursues justice across borders for human rights

Patrick El Saddik’s pursuit of human rights and transformative policies in international law champions justice across borders.

It was the last flight out of Beirut, Lebanon, before the pandemic closed international travel in March 2020.

Patrick El Saddik came to the United States to visit relatives.

Unable to fly back home to Lebanon and in lockdown because of the pandemic, he decided to move up his timetable and earn his J.D.

“It was always the plan to study law and earn a law degree,” El Saddik said. “The timing changed for me due to COVID-19, and it was a good thing.”

El Saddik earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 2012 and a master’s in business administration in 2014.

“My aunt was always telling me to pursue law,” he said. “She encouraged me, and given I was stuck in the U.S., it was time to move my career forward and pursue my dream.”

His aunt, Ronda Akl, is an attorney. As owner of Akl & Associates, she has more than 35 years of experience working in real estate law and helping people buy their dream homes. She works collaboratively with agents and brokers to achieve smooth real estate transfers in central New York. She earned her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.

Living with his aunt and uncle in the U.S., El Saddik began studying for the LSAT. A few months later, he took the exam online and applied to several law schools.

He chose Vermont Law and Graduate School, where he was offered a merit scholarship, which covered about 60% of the cost.

“Vermont Law is a small, diverse campus with a caring community that made me feel at home,” El Saddik said. “The scholarship helped tremendously, as I was not looking to incur a lot of debt.”

While attending VLGS, he worked summer jobs with legal aid groups, making connections. The law school sponsored his attendance at the American Immigration Lawyers Association conference.

“I met immigration lawyers on a mission to promote justice, advocating for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy,” he said. “Some of the nicest people I met are still connected with me on LinkedIn.”

These interactions led El Saddik to learn more about human rights and immigration as they relate to international law.

“I had to change [immigrant] status during my stay,” he said. “Having been through the process, I know what’s involved.”

As an international student in the U.S., El Saddik learned first-hand what it takes to open a bank account, apply for a Social Security number, obtain insurance and get a driver’s license.

“It is a long process with a lot of documents needed,” he said. “My focus on immigration is a part of international law and addresses a wide array of issues, such as civil and political rights, economic and social rights and the protection of marginalized groups.”

Scope of practice

El Saddik earned his J.D. in 2024 and began working at Hiscock Legal Aid Society in Syracuse.

He said most immigration issues in the U.S. fall under federal law, but some things, such as refugee law and political asylum are governed by international law.

“We deal with all types of cases where people want to gain citizenship or sponsor loved ones to come to the U.S. and become permanent residents,” he said. “There are also those who want asylum due to fear of returning to their home country, and other humanitarian programs, such as temporary protected status, visas and helping to end human trafficking.”

El Saddik said human rights issues can be complicated and a typical day in the office involves taking calls from clients and doing free consultations, gathering information for visa applications, creating plans to aid clients and meeting with his supervising attorney to determine what types of assistance can be provided.

El Saddik has one year left on his current visa. He then hopes to open his own practice or find an employer to sponsor him.

“With immigration law as it applies to federal law, I can assist a client living in any state,” he said. “I will soon take the Multistate Bar Exam.”

He also plans to pursue an LL.M. in admiralty law, also known as maritime law.

“I want to add to my knowledge base to practice law in more than one area,” he said.

Advice to law students

El Saddik said that to be successful in this area of practice, it is important to learn other

languages.

“I speak three languages: French, Arabic and English,” he said.

He also stressed the need to learn about the cultures of other countries.

“Before meeting with a client or doing business with another law firm abroad, do research about their culture to be better informed,” he said.

To help excel in international law and any of its subsets, El Saddik recommends attending conferences to gain insight; volunteering at places where international law is the focus, such as the United Nations; and traveling to other parts of the world.

He urges law students to get practical, hands-on experience to help them understand the complexities of international law.

“Students may find they like the field, and others may realize it’s not for them,” he said.

El Saddik noted that international law requires strong interpersonal skills and compassion.

To succeed in this field, he recommends that law students pursue an LL.M. focused on international law; seek internships at international organizations; develop proficiency in foreign languages to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues; attend professional development conferences, seminars and workshops related to international law; and stay current on international legal issues, landmark cases and changes in international law.

El Saddik, who received the Dean’s Leadership Award while attending VLGS, credits the school with providing a diverse learning environment that fueled his legal career.

“For students that don’t wish to travel to Vermont, the law school has an online J.D. program,” El Saddik said. “This can save time and money that would otherwise be spent on housing or travel.”

El Saddik has a motto that has always been a driving force behind his achievements: With love, anything is possible.

“Whether it’s your personal or professional life, anything is possible if you love it. Love what you do; embrace and love the difference you’re making in the world,” he said. “I’ve been through a lot, and this is what I believe.”

This article appeared in the Winter 2025 issue of The National Jurist.