Larissa Leal Páez
Junior Associate | Ocean Rights
“The Ocean connects and sustains ecosystems, communities, and nations. Law, and international law in particular, shapes how societies organise their relationship with the natural world. In the Anthropocene, rethinking those legal structures and the values embedded within them becomes essential.”
On the Record
Larissa Leal Páez is an international lawyer specialising in Ocean governance and the Law of the Sea. Her work focuses on international legal research, policy analysis, and the development of legal frameworks aimed at strengthening the protection and governance of the Ocean.
She is a Mexican-qualified lawyer and holds an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge, where she specialized in international law and served as General Editor of the Cambridge International Law Journal. During her studies, she explored the intersections of international dispute resolution, global governance, and the economic dimensions of regulatory systems.
Prior to joining Ocean Vision Legal, Larissa interned at the United Nations Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS). Earlier in her career, she gained over five years of legal experience working on cross-border transactions and regulatory matters at international and domestic law firms in Mexico.
Qualifications
- LL.M. in International Law, University of Cambridge (2025)
- Winter Courses in Public International Law, The Hague Academy of International Law (2023)
- LL.B., University of Monterrey (UDEM), Magna Cum Laude (2021)
Publications
- Cavazos Villanueva, G. & Leal Páez, L., The Legal System of the United States of America, in Contemporary Legal Systems, UNAM (forthcoming)
Personal
Originally from Mexico, Larissa grew up near one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions, an experience that sparked her interest in the role of international law in protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening global ocean governance. Larissa lives in Mexico and enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly playing tennis, swimming, and kayaking. She is also a passionate reader and a great admirer of literature.
Support Our Work
The Ocean needs more than awareness. It needs accountability. Your support helps advance strategic legal action, achieve strengthen Ocean Rights and support Ocean-dependent and Indigenous communities working to protect the ecosystems they know best. Together, we can help turn legal obligation into lasting Ocean protection.
