Pursuing an LL.M. in the U.S. Boston College Law School

Today’s Presenters Karen Bysiewicz, Director, Graduate and International Programs Penn State Law Jessica Richman Dworkin, Assistant Dean International and Graduate Programs The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Gail J. Hupper, Director LL.M. and International Programs Boston College Law School Jane E. Schukoske, Director Master of Laws Program in the Law of the United States University of Baltimore, School of Law

Where We Are BOSTON PARIS BALTIMORE COLUMBUS STATE COLLEGE

Today’s Agenda What can a U.S. LL.M. do for me? Overview of U.S. Legal Education Where do I start? How do I choose? How do I apply? Bar exam Career opportunities Your Questions

What do I do with an LL.M? Work in EuropeWork in the U.S. Law firms In House Counsel/business International organizationsInternational Organizations Government/not for profit organizationsNot for profit organizations

Why do an LL.M.? Train in the Anglo-American legal system Study law at an advanced and specialized level Gain opportunity for work experience in the US Sit for a US Bar examination

Training in the U.S. Legal System Civil law systems differ from the U.S. common law system in these main ways: – Centrality of codes in contrast to case precedent – Roles in the legal profession – judges, lawyers, prosecutors, notaries, juries – Law practice – negotiation, ethics, evidence, burden of proof, writing style – National law – U.S. state and federal laws – National judicial system with Constitutional court – U.S. state/federal court systems

Legal Education in the U.S. Law School – usually sits within a university 200+ law schools Approximately 141,000 law students 47% of law students are female

Study at an advanced, specialized level Graduate education, rather than undergraduate Professional orientation, rather than theoretical Common law reasoning – significance of facts, cases, analogy Importance of attending, preparing for and participating in classes Syllabus: course outline and learning contract Professors hold office hours, relatively informal

What to Expect in the Classroom Frequently, J.D. and LL.M. students take courses together Mixed-gender classrooms; wide age-range of students Socratic method: heavy reading load, participation is expected and required Professors are approachable, accessible Entire course grade often based on final exam (written, not oral)

Degrees Offered Master of Laws (LL.M.) Post-JD or foreign law degree One-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) Post-bachelors degree Three-year Doctor ate (S.J.D.; J.S.D. or Ph.D.) Degree for academic s Two to seven years

Typical Degree Progressions Undergraduate Degree Bar Exam SJD International Law Degree LLM J.D.

U.S. Academic Year

Where do I Start: Researching Schools llm.uniiks.com, and (LL.M. programs) (J.D. programs) Rankings School Websites Check for ABA accreditation (over 200 ABA- approved schools) ABA Guide to Law Schools

What is important to me? Factors to consider: Academic Student Life

How do I choose? Academic factors Specialization or general knowledge of U.S. practice Program requirements Course offerings Faculty and their areas of research Scholarships Class size

How do I choose? Make sure law schools have the programs, classes, and support that you want Non-School Online Information – Be wary of forums and discussion boards – Contact the school if you have any questions Rankings – Example: U.S. News and World Report – Use with caution!

How do I choose? Consider other factors: – Urban v. rural setting – Large university v. small college – Public institution v. private institution – Cost of living – Where will you feel the most comfortable?

How do I apply? Application: online or paper Transcripts/Credential Evaluation Personal Statement Letters of Recommendation TOEFL or IELTS

Preparing to apply Take the TOEFL Choose recommenders and give them an ample amount of time Create a resume Write personal statement Request and send transcripts Submit application prior to deadline of school

The Personal Statement What should you address? Motivation Career goals Interest in the legal profession Experience in leadership, service, or diverse environments Suggestions Identify and address most critical issues Polish and proofread! Consider tailoring to fit different schools Support with details Add addendums if needed

Letters of Recommendation General Rule: Law schools prefer letters from someone who is impressed with you; not someone whom you believe will impress the school.

How do I afford it? Expenses: Tuition: $10,000 to $42,000+ per year Living expenses: $6,000 to $23,000+ per year Plus books, travel, personal expenses Financial Aid Resources: Limited aid from schools Scholarship programs Loans and work study

Finances A word about Financing the Degree: Merit-based scholarship awards – How admissions committees make award decisions Need-based scholarship awards – Demonstrating need as an international applicant Public v. private institutions Third-party scholarship opportunities Fulbright Scholarships

Orientation programs LL.M. Programs are short, so focus right away! English fluency is a must. Programs convey academic expectations, law school systems, resources for students, course websites. Visits to courts and law offices provide context. Summer programs in Legal English are available. Resource: “Summer Programs Offered By American Universities of interest to Foreign Lawyers and Advanced Law Students”

Career Development Opportunities Optional practical training (OPT) allows LL.M. graduates to work in the U.S. for an additional year. On campus work during the academic year is permitted. Internship and Employment Resources are available

Penn State Law LL.M. Program

The Bar Examination Each state has its own licensing requirements, its own bar examination, and its own requirements for permission to sit for the bar. Every state allows students from ABA-accredited law schools (J.D. graduates) to sit for the bar. Several states allow LL.M. graduates from ABA- accredited law schools to sit for the bar; other requirements may apply (i.e., NY, CA, DC, VA, OH, IL, TN, etc.)

Character and Fitness Be wary of advice to omit any information that is requested. Failure to disclose is often more detrimental to an applicant’s chance to become a licensed attorney than was the original offense.

Contact Information Karen Bysiewicz Penn State Law Jessica Richman Dworkin The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law Gail J. Hupper Boston College Law School Jane E. Schukoske University of Baltimore School of Law

Thank You!

Penn State Law LL.M. Program

Academic Program 24-credit program to be completed in one academic year Can personalize curriculum or Can choose from specialized areas: – Business Law – Arbitration, Mediation, and Negotiation – International and Transnational Law – Antitrust, Competition Law

LL.M. Experience Practical skills classes Optional bar preparation classes Courtroom and legal system field observation JD/LLM mentors

Student Life Penn State has a large, vibrant international community of nearly 2,500 international graduate students.

Financial Assistance All students are considered for Penn State Law scholarship which range from $3,000 to $7,000 – No separate application necessary Information available on outside funding on request.

Countries represented in recent LL.M. classes Argentina Austria Azerbaijan Brazil China Egypt France Germany Italy India Japan Kyrgyzstan Moldova Netherlands Nigeria Russia Taiwan Thailand Turkey Pakistan Philippines Republic of Korea South Africa Ukraine

Career Opportunities Optional practical training is available to graduates of the program On campus internship placements Active alumni network of Penn State