The Admission Interviews, are meant to provide insights into LLM admissions right from the law school itself. The idea behind this series is to provide that little bit of extra information that may not be available on the law school’s website.
In this edition, I speak with Tara Maulooud, the Assistant Director of International Admissions at Saint Louis University’s School of Law.
What do you think is the value of an international LL.M.? And how does Saint Louis University School of Law deliver on this?
The value of an international LL.M degree stems from the academic and professional legal skills students obtain during law school. We, at SLU LAW, take pride in our quality of legal education.
The faculty at SLU LAW are leaders in scholarship, teaching and service. Their research advances the study and practice of law and their commitment is apparent from the first day of class. Drawing from their legal expertise and experience, the faculty work closely with students guiding, challenging and mentoring them through the complexities of the law.
The main feature of the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers degree program is its attention to the individual needs of its students. After an introduction to U.S. law, the curriculum allows each LL.M. student to work with a faculty advisor to design a course of study meeting the student’s professional goals and interests. Our students are offered a comprehensive curriculum with significant coursework opportunities in commercial and business law, health law, labor and employment law, intellectual property, and tax law.
Additionally, our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to mentor and advise our students in obtaining practical experiences, improving their legal research and writing skills, and obtaining a job or internship during and after law school. SLU LAW is committed on creating successful lawyers, and we work closely with our students to help them achieve their career goals.
How has SLU LAW dealt with the COVID pandemic? Is there anything that prospective LLM applicants ought to keep in mind while considering SLU LAW?
Saint Louis University is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. The University continues to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as state and local health officials.
We are currently advising prospective LL.M. students on their student visas and are helping answer any questions they may have about traveling to and studying at SLU LAW. We are also working with our current LL.M. students to find them a job or internship for their Optional Practical Training (OPT).
With respect to the Health Law LLM, could you share some more details on the externships that graduates have gotten in the past?
Students admitted to the LL.M. in Health Law may apply for field placements (credit earning externships/work experiences during the fall or spring semester). The Center for Health Law Studies has relationships with health care delivery systems, pharmaceutical benefits managers, health law related government agencies, and trade organizations throughout the St. Louis area where students regularly complete field placements.
Our field placement sites include: BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, Hospital Sisters Health System, Ascension, Express Scripts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Navvis Healthcare and the American Association of Orthodontists.
Given the short nature of the LLM itself, how do you think international lawyers can make the most of their LLM experience?
International lawyers should find an LL.M. program that has a strong academic program along with dedicated faculty and staff for professional skills and career advice. International law students often struggle to network professionally in a foreign country, so it is imperative to find a law school that genuinely cares for their academic and professional success.
Students should network with local lawyers, join student law groups for professional and social events, participate in externship or internship programs, and be an active student.
SLU LAW offers detailed advising so that students can take advantage of all of the wonderful opportunities that are available to them at SLU LAW.
What advice would you have for the Indian law graduate who may be considering applying for an LLM to a US law school?
Indian law graduates who may be considering applying for an LL.M., should contact the international admissions office at SLU LAW. We are happy to answer any questions in regards to obtaining a student visa, finding an apartment, traveling and living in the U.S., etc.
We are committed to our students and proud of our exceptional and detail-oriented advising. We also have wonderful resources for Indian students, including Saint Louis University’s Indian Student Association and SLU LAW’s Asian Law Student Associations.
Our community is diverse, and we are proud of it!
For more details on the LLM application, you can refer to this form here.
The documents required to be submitted include:
- An official diploma from each postsecondary school you have graduated from, including English translations.
- Two letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes.
- A written personal statement. The personal statement may contain information about any special factors, achievements, concerns or plans that the candidate would like to bring to the attention of the admissions committee. Please limit the statement to 500 words or less.
- A current résumé.
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores sent to Saint Louis University (institutional code 6629). We accept a minimum TOEFL score of 85, minimum IELTS score of 6.5, and a minimum Duolingo score of 110.
If you would like to learn how to build your India recruitments, reach out to us at contact@amicuspartners.co.in. We can help.