Sara Popescu

LLM Maritime Law graduate with practical internship experience across Singapore, Cyprus and Romania. Skilled in focused legal research, drafting, client interviewing and case analysis, with hands-on exposure to admiralty, P&I/insurance disputes and courtroom procedures. Proven track record supporting solicitors, preparing briefing notes, evidence packages and case materials to inform strategy; seeking a junior role in maritime or insurance practice.

Summer Intern at Oon & Bazul LLP (2024-07 – 2024-08)

4-week internship at a leading East Asian maritime law firm. Supported solicitors on admiralty and P&I/insurance matters by conducting focused legal research, drafting case documents and preparing briefing notes to inform strategy.

• Conducted legal research and prepared concise memoranda summarising relevant case law and regulations.
• Drafted documents and assisted with evidence collation for ongoing disputes.
• Attended team meetings and client consultations, contributing to case discussions and litigation preparation.

Summer Intern at Montanios & Montanios LLP (2024-06 – 2024-07)

I interned at a leading Cypriot shipping law firm, gaining mentorship from senior lawyers across admiralty, insurance and contractual disputes. Contributed practical research and drafting support to active matters.

• Researched case law and statutory materials, synthesising findings into briefing notes that supported claim assessment and strategy development.
• Assisted in drafting legal documents, client letters and settlement proposals, ensuring clarity and procedural compliance.
• Observed courtroom and arbitration proceedings and prepared summaries of hearing outcomes and next-step recommendations for supervising solicitors.

Clinic Student at Kent Law Clinic (2024-01 – 2024-05)

Supported a solicitor providing pro bono welfare and benefits advice; conducted case research, client interviewing and policy analysis to inform representation.

• Conducted legal research and drafted case summaries and submissions for tribunal matters.
• Led client interviews to gather evidence and identify legal issues, producing clear intake reports for the supervising solicitor.
• Analysed the impact of legal aid reductions and summarised findings to support clinic outreach and case prioritisation.

Spring Intern at Interservices S.A (2024-04 – 2024-05)

Placement supporting Romanian lawyers specialising in insurance and admiralty law with practical case work and industry liaison.

• Liaised with P&I correspondents and Lloyd's agents to gather commercial and claims information relevant to ongoing matters.
• Contributed to case research and drafting, preparing internal briefs and evidence packages for supervising solicitors.
• Observed court proceedings and produced concise reports on hearing outcomes and procedural implications.

Summer Intern at Aries Shipping Agency S.R.L (2023-06 – 2023-08)

Supported port agency operations at one of Romania's leading marine services providers, assisting logistics and client communications for vessel calls across the Black Sea.

• Coordinated arrival/departure logistics and berthing arrangements for vessel calls, liaising with port authorities and ship agents.
• Maintained vessel status reports and client communications, monitored cargo movements and assisted preparation of port disbursement accounts.

Society President at University of Kent (2024-09 – 2025-07)

Led the University of Kent Romanian Society, overseeing the committee and all activities during my final year.

• Organised cultural and professional events, managing logistics and volunteers to increase member engagement.
• Built partnerships with university departments and local organisations to run career panels and networking events.
• Mentored incoming committee members and documented a handover to ensure continuity.

Debating Coach at Bromsgrove School (2020-09 – 2022-06)

Coached school debating teams (2020–22): delivered weekly training on research, argumentation and public speaking, and prepared students for regional competitions including the Oxford Regional.

LLM in Maritime Law – University College London (UCL) (2025-09 – 2026-09)

LLB (Hons) – University of Kent (2022-09 – 2025-07)