Amicus Partners

First Person Accounts (FPA’s) are meant to provide a first-hand account of law graduates who have pursued, or are pursuing, a post-graduate course (an LLM or otherwise) from different universities across the world.

In 2021, Apoorva Vijh graduated with an LLM from Penn State Law, focusing on International Commercial Arbitration. Now a dual-qualified lawyer (India and California), Apoorva shares more of her journey as an international student, preparing for the California Bar and so much more. 

I am curious though what were the schools, apart from Berkeley, you had shortlisted once you had decided to pursue an LLM abroad? What were the factors you considered while making this list? 

I only applied to Penn State University, UC Berkely and University of Pennsylvania. Creating a list of these colleges involved careful consideration of several key factors. Firstly, academic reputation was paramount. I researched institutions known for excellence in International Commercial Arbitration, evaluating faculty expertise, research opportunities, and program rankings.

Professor Thomas E. Carbonneau, one of the biggest names in arbitration academia in the US, taught us US Arbitration at Penn State, which is my biggest flex! The availability of specialized programs and courses at Penn State aligned with my career goals influenced my choices, as did the overall structure and flexibility of the LLM programs.

Alumni success stories and the strength of the alumni network played a role in assessing the post-graduation support and potential career outcomes.

Lastly, I considered the institution’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, recognizing the value of exposure to different perspectives in shaping a comprehensive legal education.

What were some of your expectations from the LLM?

Embarking on my LLM journey at Penn State, I held several expectations. Firstly, I anticipated gaining specialized expertise in my chosen field of law, honing my skills to a level that would enrich my professional practice. Additionally, I expected exposure to diverse legal perspectives, given Penn State’s reputable faculty and international student body.

I also looked forward to the cultural exchange inherent in an international academic environment, anticipating personal growth through exposure to different legal traditions and viewpoints.

Was it always the plan to sit for the California Bar after graduating? 

Not at all. When I moved to the US, I went with an open mind and with a “we’ll see what happens” attitude. It was much later during LLM that I realized the need to be a licensed attorney understanding the potential for growth it brings with itself.

It took a while to find the right direction regarding the bar examination which eventually led me to the beautiful and sunny California!

Sticking with this, how did you approach the job-hunting process? Did Penn State offer career development services?

To be honest, I found the job-hunting process to be quite challenging, at least in my case. I graduated in 2021 during the time when Covid-19 pandemic had still captured the world. The economy and job market were unpredictable, not to mention, most of them were either closed or laying of existing employees.

I sent in more than 100 applications in a span of two months leading me to only 4-5 offers, one of which I took as a Law Clerk in Los Angeles, California.

Penn State did provide assistance in the job hunt process by providing guidance on approach and including CV and Cover Letter writing workshops.

However, with Covid-19 pandemic dominating the world at that time, there is only so much that they could do.

Apart from the ginormous offerings at the Creamery, what would you say were some of the highlights of the LLM experience at Penn State?

Although nothing can be a bigger highlight than the Creamery, I did have some good days. The Penn State LLM program offers a wide variety of elective course helpful in curating a specialization of one’s interest. Not to forget, the university encourages to engage in innumerable co-curricular activities.

During my time, I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an Advisor for the Penn State Moot Court team selected for the Williem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Competition held in Vienna, Austria each year. Never in the history of Penn State had they included any LLM candidate to be an advisor to the all J.D. team.

I was lucky, I think.

I was also chosen as the Junior Editor by the German Law Journal, Washington and Lee University School of Law, Virginia. Lastly, one of the things which made me really glad, was being elected as the LLM Representative to represent the South Asian Law Students Association, Penn State Law and organize social activities and events representing the South Asian countries and their traditions.

Could you tell me a bit more about the macro-level differences in litigation practice between California and say the Supreme Court of India? Would you say there is a greater emphasis on procedure in the US as compared to India?

As a dual licensed attorney, I would navigate distinct legal landscapes characterized by unique procedural nuances and cultural influences. In California, the legal system is firmly rooted in common law traditions, placing considerable emphasis on precedent and case law. The state’s civil procedure is meticulously outlined in the California Code of Civil Procedure, and the discovery process is a hallmark of litigation, allowing for comprehensive information exchange between parties.

Alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, are also integral to the Californian litigation practice, providing flexible avenues for dispute resolution outside the courtroom.

Conversely, practicing law in India involves navigating a legal system with a blended character, drawing from both common law and civil law traditions. The Code of Civil Procedure governs civil litigation, and while an adversarial approach is evident, the legal culture is also influenced by an inquisitorial spirit, particularly in matters of justice and fairness.

The hierarchical court structure, with district courts, high courts, and the Supreme Court, requires a strategic understanding of jurisdictional dynamics. Additionally, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms are actively encouraged, with the Arbitration and Conciliation Act providing a comprehensive framework for arbitration proceedings.

As an attorney, the challenge lies in adapting to these distinct legal frameworks, understanding the cultural nuances, and effectively advocating for clients within the parameters of each jurisdiction’s legal practices and norms.

As for the California Bar, you have discussed how arduous the process is – what kept you going?

As a foreign trained attorney preparing for the California Bar Examination, several factors propelled me forward despite the notorious difficulty and lower passing rates associated with the exam.

Firstly, a deep sense of determination and commitment to professional growth motivated me. Recognizing the challenges, I approached the preparation process with resilience. To be honest, I came across people on my journey who suggested me to change the jurisdiction from California to some other state, given that California requires highest pass rate in the United States.

I am glad I stuck to my instinct.

Additionally, a strategic study plan and a disciplined approach played crucial roles. I diligently adhered to a well-organized study schedule, focusing on the specific subjects and skills emphasized by the California Bar Examination. Seeking guidance from experienced mentors and accessing resources tailored to the exam’s format and requirements were integral to my preparation strategy.

Furthermore, maintaining a positive mindset was essential. Acknowledging the difficulty of the exam, setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories along the way helped sustain motivation during the arduous preparation period.

Lastly, a strong support system, mine being my family, especially my mom, provided emotional encouragement and the confidence to enter the exam room with faith.

Moving away from professional growth, how did you deal with the personal or cultural challenges that come about with moving to a new country? Again, what were the ways in which you kept motivations high?

Moving to the US has been the biggest bet of my life which presented both personal and cultural adjustments. I actively sought to immerse myself in the local culture, engaging with the community through various activities and events. This not only broadened my understanding of American society, I also recognized the importance of maintaining a balance between embracing the new culture and preserving elements of my Indian identity.

This involved participating in cultural exchange initiatives, joining relevant communities, and celebrating festivals and traditions from home. Connecting with fellow international students and professionals who shared similar experiences provided a valuable support system and a platform for sharing insights on coping with cultural adjustments.

Dealing with personal challenges also involved cultivating resilience and adaptability. Additionally, staying connected with family and friends back in India through regular communication helped create a sense of continuity and support.

One of the most common motivations behind a foreign LLM is finding employment abroad – do you think this is a good reason to pursue an LLM? Any advice you would like to share for prospective LLM applicants?

I believe that the motivation to pursue a foreign LLM with the aim of finding employment abroad is a valid and strategic reason for many individuals. However, the decision to undertake an LLM program is also often driven by a desire to gain specialized knowledge in a particular area of law, exposure to a different legal system, and the opportunity to enhance one’s professional qualifications. It can open doors to international job opportunities, legal practice in a specific field, or even engagement with multinational corporations.

Building a life abroad comes with its own challenges and hiccups. It is essential for individuals considering this path to thoroughly research and understand the legal job market in their desired jurisdiction. Networking, building connections with legal professionals, and staying informed about immigration and licensing requirements are crucial steps to facilitate a successful transition to a legal career abroad.

My advice to prospective LLM applicants is to start with a clear understanding of their career goals, thoroughly research LLM programs, considering factors such as faculty expertise, program structure, and available specializations. Be prepared for the academic rigor of the program and develop effective study habits. Embrace the diversity within LLM programs, as engaging with individuals from various backgrounds enhances understanding of global legal issues.

Lastly, do not stop working hard until you reach where your heart wants you to be!

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