For the 6th year of its partnership with the Fulbright Program, McDermott Will & Emery is awarding merit scholarships to two students, enabling them to pursue their studies at the US university of their choice.

After a two-stage pre-selection process run by the Fulbright Commission, the finalists presented their academic and career projects to a jury made up of Fulbright France’s Executive Director, several McDermott partners and the Firm’s Human Resources Director.

We are delighted to announce this year’s two scholarship recipients:

• Marvyn Hilz, holds a Master’s in Innovation and Industrial Property Law from Université Paris-Saclay, will attend the University of California, Los Angeles
• Mathis Voche, now serving as a legal counsel at CANAL+ Group, holds a Master’s in Audiovisual Law, Economics & Management (D2A – Strategy & Management track) from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, will attend attend Yeshiva University in New York

Their outstanding achievements, determination and commitment were decisive factors in the jury’s choice.

“The students we met this year were exceptional. Their commitment to excellence resonates deeply with us, and we are thrilled each year to help them pursue their ambitions at first-rate universities,” notes Sabine Naugès, McDermott partner, on behalf of the jury members.

Jury members

• Martine Roussel, Executive Director, Fulbright France
• Romain Desmonts, Sabine Naugès and Fabrice Piollet, Partners, McDermott Will & Emery Paris
• Ana Cristina Barriendo Escuín, Human Resources Director – Lawyers, McDermott Will & Emery Paris

About the laureates:

Marvyn Hilz holds a Master’s degree in Innovation and Industrial Property Law from Université Paris-Saclay (High Honors, 2024), where he wrote his thesis on FRAND commitments. He also holds a Master’s in Intellectual Property and Digital Law, as well as a dual Bachelor’s degree in Law and Economics. He completed a semester at the University of Leeds and participated in the Cerebra Pro Bono Research Program. Laureate of the McDermott x Fulbright scholarship, he will pursue an LL.M. in the United States in 2025.

Trained at TAoMA Partners and Gide Loyrette Nouel, he worked on trademark and patent matters, including proceedings before the Unified Patent Court. In January 2025, he joined Schertenleib Avocats for a traineeship focusing on patent litigation and regulatory law in the life sciences sector.

Actively engaged in civic and academic life, Marvyn is particularly interested in the intersection of law, culture, and society. He also practices horseback riding, rowing, dance, and ceramic painting.

Mathis Voche is currently completing an LL.M. in Law and Management of Creative Industries at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, as part of a work-study program. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Law and Management, an MBA from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas, and a Bachelor’s degree in Private Law. Laureate of the McDermott x Fulbright scholarship, he will pursue a second LL.M. in the United States in 2025.

Following an initial experience as a contracts counsel at Agent Agitateur, he joined CANAL+ in September 2024 to work on film acquisitions and international festival partnerships. He previously completed internships in the judiciary, public administration, and law firms.

Deeply involved in the cultural sector, he produces a stand-up comedy night in Paris, sits on the board of the Art Faber research chair, and provides pro bono legal support to artists via the Barreau des Arts. He also writes and directs short films, composes music, and maintains a strong interest in contemporary creation.

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