Starting a PhD in law: How do you know it’s the right path for you?

In this interview, Maria Ana Pocas Lourenco, Doctoral Researcher at the Luxembourg Centre for European Law (LCEL), reflects on the early stage of her PhD journey.

Maria shares how a subject she initially approached with hesitation gradually became a genuine intellectual passion, what motivated her to move directly from her Master’s into doctoral research, and how she navigated doubts about gaining practical experience first.

Whether you are currently writing your Master’s thesis, considering a PhD, or simply curious about what academic research in EU law looks like at the starting line, Maria’s story provides reflections and practical insights for anyone thinking about taking that first step into doctoral research.

‟ You’re thinking about a PhD? My advice is to ask yourself whether the idea of exploring one question in depth truly excites you. At the beginning especially, it’s that curiosity that keeps you motivated.”

Maria Ana Pocas Lourenco

Doctoral Researcher at the Luxembourg Centre for European Law

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Maria, in one sentence: what is your PhD about?

My PhD examines the evolving meaning and role of the concept ‘competition on the merits’ under Article 102 Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and how it relates to the goals pursued by EU competition law.

What made you choose this topic?

My relationship with EU competition law actually started off on the wrong foot; at the beginning of my master’s in EU law, it was a field that did not stir much enthusiasm in me. Yet, it slowly started growing on me when I realised that this field raises fundamental questions about the state intervention in the economy and is inherently linked to economic and philosophical analysis. This made me want to learn more about the topic and motivated me to start a new research project.

When did you know you wanted to do a PhD?

I started thinking about doing a PhD when I was writing my master’s thesis. I enjoyed the process of researching, organising ideas, and endeavouring to present them in an original way a lot. I saw the PhD as an opportunity to deepen my knowledge in areas that I was less familiar with and to embrace a new challenge.

What was your biggest doubt before starting?

In fact, one of biggest doubts was whether I should first acquire some practical experience, such as doing the bar internship. Since I did my master’s right after my bachelor’s and started the PhD immediately afterward, I was a bit afraid that this would not give me the chance to understand what I would really like to do in practice. Although I still think that is a valid consideration, a few months into my PhD I do not think this is a problem at all; what is most important is to find a topic that is of real interest to you, explore it, and do not be afraid to challenge yourself.

What does a “usual” PhD day look like?

Like in most jobs, I would say first that you must be ready to spend a lot of time sitting down and reading; coffee is usually a must too. It involves a lot of debating with yourself (and it is not easy to reach conclusions), and in that sense it can feel a bit lonely at times. This is why it is so important to be part of a research community that supports you both academically and personally, helping you to stay positive and highly motivated.

What opportunity did you get through the LCEL that you didn’t expect?

I think there are many very good and unique things about the LCEL. From the beginning, I felt like I had the freedom to work on and shape my research project and present my own ideas; being able to discuss them freely with my supervisor has been extremely important and highly motivating for me. I have also been extremely lucky to meet colleagues and discuss our research project; having common interests and exchanging ideas definitely challenges you. In addition, the LCEL is very often involved in the organisation of events and conferences, which gives us the opportunity to discuss our research projects with different leading academics in the field.

What is the best way to prepare for a PhD already during your Master?

I would say that the most important things is to understand whether you enjoy the process of researching and writing your master’s thesis. I think it is also a good opportunity to understand how you like to conduct research; it is something that varies from person to person, so it is good to understand how you work best. In terms of substance, I actually did not take much from my master’s thesis into my PhD. I think there are definitely advantages to doing so, but it can also be exciting to start from scratch in a different field that genuinely interests you.

What are you most excited about right now?

I am very excited about putting my first ideas on paper. I am ready to rewrite them as many times as needed, but I think it is extremely rewarding to see your research gain, as it were, some sort of ‘shape’.