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Colorado Law is proud to highlight some of our new Master of Laws (LLM) students. The LLM program fully immerses students in Colorado Law and offers inclusive access to programming, courses/modules, and the greater University of Colorado Boulder campus. LLM students have unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences that enrich our community of scholars and students, while advancing Colorado Law’s intellectual leadership across the globe. In this edition, meet the LLM class of 2026’s Ruth Fahy!

Where are you from?Ìý

RF: I’m from Galway in the west of Ireland. Best place in the world! Although I will admit that Boulder is fast becoming a home for us; it’s truly an incredible place to live.ÌýÌý

What inspired you to pursue an LLM degree?Ìý

RF: A couple of reasons. I work in sporting compliance with the Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer Club) in Denver and know that a more rounded education in international law will add value to our Club. I’m also keen to sit the Bar Exam and am using this course to prepare myself appropriately.Ìý A key piece for me is meeting like-minded folks in the legal industry in Boulder and Colorado. Enrolling in ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ LLM degree has already proven to be one of the best decisions I've made since moving to the United States in early 2023.ÌýÌý

What is your educational background and/or what was your career prior to coming to Colorado Law?Ìý

RF: After graduating with an LLB in Law from the University of Limerick, I spent some time working in different areas, and traveling, before formally entering the legal field. At the time I wanted to feel out a potential career in business, and so sampled roles in project management and business operations. I always tried to stay connected to sport, whether that was through playing League of Ireland soccer, or working in sports broadcasting as a pundit and analyst. I was lucky to work in some fantastic roles during that time, like co-commentating on the FIFA Women’s World Cup and UEFA Champions Leagues games. I feel those experiences have always really stood to me.ÌýÌý

I have a genuine passion for learning which took me to the UK to study a post grad in sports law, and later a brief non-humanities diversion into dietetics and nutritional science in Dublin, before making the decision to commit to law. I worked in a general practice firm in Dublin and in the legal department of the Football Association of Ireland, before qualifying as an attorney with William Fry in Dublin. I think the training and mentorship received at William Fry, and later at Ogier Leman LLP as a sports attorney, prepared me effectively for the transition to the United States. What has stood to me the most though is adaptability. Being nimble and seeking sound judgment is a solid combination when working in the ever changing arena of professional sport. No day is ever the same. And I love that!ÌýÌý

Why did you choose to attend Colorado Law?Ìý

RF: Colorado Law has an incredible reputation both domestically and abroad. I am three months into the LLM course and can understand why. Our professors are truly excellent, and I can see why this program produces such high-quality attorneys. I won't pretend it is easy trying to balance an LLM and work, but I know that the challenge will be worth it.ÌýÌý

Also, Boulder is absolutely stunning, as is the Colorado Law campus. My wife and I have just moved out here from downtown Denver and we are literally walking around wide-eyed most days at the beautiful Boulder mountain backdrop.ÌýÌýÌý

What are your hobbies outside of work/school?ÌýÌý

RF: Hobbies would generally include any pick of sports, but I’m recovering from a sports-related knee surgery right now so that has unfortunately been put on hold. Thankfully I'm at a point now post-op where I can hike, so I have been out exploring the Boulder trails. I would swim in the sea year-round in Ireland and really miss it but am planning to substitute those Irish sea endorphins with that of the Boulder Reservoir once swimming season is back open!ÌýÌýÌý

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?Ìý

RF: I’m really excited to study sports law at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ during the Spring 2026 semester. I’ve studied sports law in Ireland and the UK before, but can’t wait to experience a university program in the United States. Completing formal study in US sports law has always been a goal of mine.ÌýÌý

I’m also generally just looking forward to enjoying Thanksgiving and winter in Boulder and witnessing the snow begin to fall in the backdrop of the Boulder flatirons. I haven't had a chance to truly enjoy ski season in Colorado just yet so hopefully (knee permitting) I can experience some winter sports in early 2026 here too.ÌýÌý