Luis Pando Lopez is a long way from home. Currently a Senior Market Analyst - Regulatory Affairs at the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate in Calgary, Pando Lopez arrived in Canada from his home in Colombia in September 2011 to begin his LLM studies at UAlberta Law. At that time, Pando Lopez was a professor in the Energy and Mining Law Specialization program at the Universidad Externado de Colombia, with a distinguished academic background, including Masters degrees in Economics and Public Services and Energy Law from the Universitat de Barcelona, Spain and Instituto Superior de la Energia, Spain, respectively.
At UAlberta Law, Pando Lopez studied with Professor David Percy, and wrote a comprehensive thesis on "The Introduction of Competition in Regulated Markets: Analysis of Colombia's Natural Gas Industry." In his thesis, Pando Lopez made many comparisons with the introduction of competition in Alberta. He completed his oral examination in May 2016 and successfully submitted a revised version of his thesis in July 2016. Pando Lopez received his LLM at Fall Convocation in November 2016.
JD student Jenny Du interviewed Pando Lopez about his background and experiences during his thesis-based graduate degree.
Q: Why did you choose UAlberta Law?
A: I chose UAlberta Law because of its reputation and the prestige of many of the professors, particularly in the field of Oil & Gas Law.
Q: What was your best memory from your time at UAlberta Law?
A: Playing the outdoor soccer final with my teammates on the UAlberta Law soccer team - also, my lengthy debates with Professor Percy about not only energy law and regulation of public utilities, but also European soccer and rugby.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a Master of Laws degree? Why did you choose the thesis-based LLM, rather than the course-based?
A: I decided to pursue an LLM to continue my academic development. I chose the thesis-based LLM because I wanted to focus my research and academic writing on a specific subject matter that addressed problems currently affecting the natural gas market in Colombia.
Q: How would you summarize your thesis ("The Introduction of Competition in Regulated Markets: Analysis of Colombia's Natural Gas Industry")?
A: My thesis is a comparative study on regulation, competition, and consumer protection applied to natural gas utilities in different legal systems such as the civil law system in Colombia, and the common law system in Alberta.
Q: How did you overcome the challenges of researching and writing such a comprehensive and technical thesis in your second language?
A: This was a major challenge for me, particularly the writing part which entailed countless hours of reviewing and editing.
Q: For students interested in the thesis-based LLM, could you tell us more about the process of writing your thesis, preparations for the oral examination? Any tips or advice?
A: First, have a clear research proposal. Second, define the scope of your thesis and prepare an outline with a clear introduction. Third, research and document your findings and notes. Fourth, write the main body of your thesis while periodically reviewing it with your supervisor. Finally, write your conclusions and edit your final thesis. With respect to the oral examination, the key is to know your thesis, have clarity about your main conclusions, and especially - remain calm during the examination.
Q: Candidates for the thesis-based LLM typically complete the program requirements in one to four years. What are the benefits of completing the program over a longer period of time?
A: In my case, it took me a bit longer than expected, particularly the writing part, but I feel that more time allowed me to present a more clear and comprehensive thesis that didn't require major revisions after the oral examination.
Q: Were you working part-time or full-time while you were an LLM student? How did you manage your time?
A: During the first two terms, I had a part-time research position at the University. This worked well as it was in line with my research activities for my thesis and the schedule was flexible. However, there were times when I was working full-time, back in Colombia and in Alberta, where making time for my thesis was challenging.
Q: How did you become interested in Energy Law? Could you tell us more about your work teaching and researching and your education in Spain and Colombia?
A: My first job after finishing my undergraduate law degree at the Universidad del Rosario in Bogota was at one of Colombia's top law firms, which at that time was involved in a major restructuring of a vertically-integrated electric utility. After that, I worked as Secretary General of Colombia's natural gas association, where I learned more about energy law and regulation.
I then decided to undertake post-secondary education in Spain focusing on energy law and economics. I completed a Master of Economics and Regulation of Public Utilities at the Universitat de Barcelona, which introduced me to the complexities of regulation of electric and gas utilities, as well as the economic aspects of competition policy. I followed that with a Master of Energy Law at the Instituto Superior de la Energia, a specialization program developed by Repsol in Madrid which focused on the different legal aspects of energy activities, at both the Spanish and European levels.
My professional and academic experience in energy law and public utilities eventually led to my involvement as a researcher and professor with the Universidad Externado de Colombia, where I currently teach courses for the Master of Energy and Mining Law program, while researching and publishing articles in the energy law field.
Q: Out of the courses you completed during your LLM, which was your favourite and why?
A: My favourite was Oil & Gas Law with Professor (now Justice) Renke. I enjoyed this course not only because it provided me with the basic knowledge of Oil & Gas Law in a common law jurisdiction, but because Professor Renke engaged students in interesting debates and discussions about relevant decisions by the superior courts of Alberta and Canada.
Q: What can you tell us about your current work in Calgary with the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate? How is your academic background valuable in your work?
A: The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) represents residential, small business, and farm consumers of electricity and natural gas in Alberta. I'm part of the Regulatory Affairs group which deals with proceedings before the Alberta Utilities Commission and provides policy recommendations to the Government of Alberta. The UCA was a main part of my thesis as I was interested in how utility consumers are protected in a deregulated natural gas market such as the one in Alberta. My knowledge of regulation of electricity and natural gas utilities as well as my legal background on competition and consumer protection fits perfectly into my role as market and policy analyst.
Q: What are your plans for the future? Do you see yourself pursuing a PhD down the road?
A: For now, I plan to continue working at the UCA and learning more about consumer protection and public policy. A PhD is not a priority for me at this time, but I always leave the door open for further academic development. Never say never.