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  • First Person Accounts: Revanth Ashok on the LL.M. at PennState Law

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

    Revanth Ashok is in the LL.M. Class of 2020 at PennState Law,
    Revanth Ashok

    Revanth Ashok is in the LL.M. Class of 2020 at PennState Law, and was awarded the SILF-MILAT Best Law Student of India (male) after participating in the NR Madhava Menon SAARC moot. This award comes with a fully-funded LL.M. at PennState Law, an offer this 2019 law graduate from SASTRA University decided to take up.

    In this FPA, he discusses what goes into a good personal statement, the LL.M. experience at PennState Law, and when and why an international LL.M. makes for a good option for the Indian law graduate.

    As an undergraduate student, when did you start thinking about a foreign LLM? When did you start the application process?

    I got admitted into the LL.M. program in an unconventional way. In 2018, I participated in the N. R. Madhava Menon SAARC Mooting Competition. At the end of the competition, I was interviewed by panelists consisting of Senior Advocates of the Supreme Court of India who were part of Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and a representative from the Menon Institute of Legal Advocacy Training (MILAT).

    There were students from numerous law school participating in the competition and the interview. My CV and my personality were analyzed in the interview. The interview was for students who were in their final year of law school. After due deliberation, the panelists awarded me the SILF-MILAT Best Law Student of India (male) – 2019.

    As a result of this award, I was offered an LL.M. at Penn State law in Pennsylvania, USA. I was not required to formally apply. Initially, I did not intend to do an LL.M. but I was unable to resist this wonderful opportunity. I would highly recommend participating in this moot court competition as it gives an exciting opportunity for the final year law students to get themselves into a prestigious foreign law school.

    How did you go about shortlisting just where to apply? What were some of the other schools you applied to?

    I did not consider other law schools once I received my admission into Penn State Law.

    When it comes to the application itself, any advice on how to go about the personal statement? 

    During my final year in law school, me and a couple of my friends were drafting personal statements for foreign LL.M.s (we all eventually got admitted in various LL.M. programs).  A personal statement, as opposed to a statement of purpose, is a document which narrates your academic, professional and non-academic experiences.

    At the outset, please remember that everyone has a unique set of accomplishments but what makes a personal statement stand out is the way in which one narrates their accomplishments.

    When it comes to any writing, brevity is the soul of wit. So, keep your personal statement clear and concise. Avoid jargon and colloquialisms. We might have numerous accomplishments which we would want to incorporate but it is unwise to do that, especially when we might exceed word limits.

    Take the best parts of your CV and incorporate them into your personal statement. While writing your personal statement ask yourself – does this document present a holistic view of who I am and what I have accomplished? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right path.

    “While writing your personal statement ask yourself – does this document present a holistic view of who I am and what I have accomplished? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right path.”

    When it comes to the drafting itself, I personally use a method called CODER, short for Collect, Organize, Draft, Edit and Redraft. Once you make a first draft, review it for grammar, punctuation and language errors. While you edit the personal statement, seek the help of your professors or colleagues who you think have better experiences with language and proof reading.

    Have a uniform style throughout the document. Style here means the cogency, use of impactful adjectives, and the use of appropriate language while describing your experiences. Do not be superfluous.

    Once you correct the errors and apply your own style to the document, have people proof read it again. Redraft the whole document.

    Did you apply for/receive financial aid? 

    I was given a full tuition fee waiver part of my award. Penn State Law also offers financial aid to LL.M. students who deserve it. A few of my friends and peers at who are in the LL.M. program at Penn State Law have received substantial financial aid.

    How has the LLM experience been thus far? What have been some of the most valuable learnings made? 

    My LL.M. experience has been fantastic. For me, the most valuable learnings could be broadly divided into two parts. One, education within the law school. Two, education beyond law school.

    My classroom educational experiences were edifying. I was given the option of tailoring my course to my interest and needs. I specialized in corporate laws. The Deans and the administrative staff were absolutely fantastic in helping with the process. Almost everyone, including the faculties, students were amicable and approachable.

    My in-class learning experience was exceptional. The faculties made the best use of technologies (such as audio-visual aids) to assist them in delivering lectures. We had guest speakers in certain courses to talk about the real-world happenings in a particular legal domain. In addition, various expert speakers lectured at the law school almost every day on contemporary politico-legal issues.

    In my second semester, I had the opportunity to pick certain subjects which were taught by attorneys who are currently practicing law. They gave me real world legal insights. I was also part of the Penn State University’s Intellectual Property Clinic, where I had the opportunity to deal with clients directly and assist them with their legal needs. The Clinic also helped me get hands-on experience with drafting and filing legal documents with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

    The professors here play the dual role of being the teacher and the mentor. This was life changing for me as I was yearning for mentor from whom I can look up to, learn from, and emulate certain traits.

    “The professors here play the dual role of being the teacher and the mentor. This was life changing for me as I was yearning for mentor from whom I can look up to, learn from, and emulate certain traits.”

    My experiences outside law school were equally exhilarating. Penn State is very inclusive and embraces diversity. The LL.M. class was diverse. My peers hailed from several different nationalities with varied experiences in the legal field. Getting acquainted with such a diverse group gave me a “global exposure”.

    I regularly attended speaker series which pertained not to law but business. I had the opportunity to visit different schools and listen to lectures that had no relation to law. It really expanded my perspective and knowledge and complimented my legal education quite well.

    In sum, my LL.M experience helped me develop a deeper interest in law and expanded my perspectives in ways that I never imagined was possible.

    Any predictions on how US law schools will adapt to the COVID pandemic in the years to come?

    US law schools have adapted to the COVID situation in at a lightning pace. Their pedagogy has evolved. The faculty amended our syllabus swiftly considering the plight of the students. As the technological infrastructure was very strong pre-COVID, the shift from in-class lectures to virtual lectures was almost seamless. The structure of the final exams was modified. Student support from faculty and various Deans was incredible as inputs from students were continuously being taken.

    We had frequent meetings with the Deans to speak about our concerns, and the responses from the Deans and administrative staff was prompt and sensible. Consequently, the grading scheme was eased.

    The IT support in my law school was exceptional and they were working round the clock to help the students in the transition to virtual classes. Students’ mental health was given a priority and students who required support had the opportunity to virtually talk to counsellors. Various e-events for students were held to lighten our moods and keep us motivated.

    “Students’ mental health was given a priority and students who required support had the opportunity to virtually talk to counsellors. Various e-events for students were held to lighten our moods and keep us motivated.”

    Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who is considering a master’s abroad? 

    First and foremost, the laws you will be studying will be the laws of the country where the law school is located and some international law. If you want to specialize in Indian laws, then you should not be considering a foreign LL.M.

    Second, estimate your financial burden. Foreign LL.M.s are burdensome without financial aid as the cost of tuition and the cost of living is very high in countries like the UK and the US.

    Provided you have the necessary financial backing, consider this: A foreign LL.M:

    · Will increase the breadth of your knowledge by exposing you to a completely different legal and judicial system;

    · Helps you to adapt to new and challenging circumstances as you will be competing with students from various parts of the world;

    · Helps you create valuable and meaningful connections and relationships; and

    · Gives you exposure to a new societal, political and cultural setup of a country which widens your perspectives, which is necessary for one to become a good lawyer.

    If the above mentioned things interest you, then you must consider a foreign LL.M. Good luck!

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  • The #LLM Admission Interviews: Steven Freedman, Kansas University’s School of Law

    The Admission Interviews, are meant to provide insights into LL.M. admissions right from the law school itself. The primary idea behind this series is to provide that little bit of extra information that may not be available on the law school’s website.

    Steven Freedman, the Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Kansas School of Law.
    Steven Freedman, University of Kansas School of Law.

    In this edition, we speak with Steven Freedman, the Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Kansas School of Law. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on the value of a US LLM, why the accelerated JD may make more sense for international lawyers who are looking to work in the US, and a lot more.

    We try to ask this to as many people as we can – what do you think is the value of an international LL.M.?

    There are many benefits to acquiring an LL.M. at a U.S. law school including one year of in depth study of the American legal system, eligibility to join state bars in a limited number of states, as well as the chance to spend a year in a wonderful location.

    And how does KU’s School of Law deliver on this?

    KU Law provides an outstanding opportunity for LL.M. students seeking curriculum flexibility at a very reasonable tuition rate. With the LL.M. in American Legal Studies, students can either follow a curriculum that prepares them for the N.Y. bar exam, or choose a tailored curriculum in the field of their choice.

    Regardless of the classes students choose, they will all enjoy some of the most reasonable per credit and per semester rates in the U.S. All while studying at the University of Kansas, an AAU accredited comprehensive doctoral-research university that among the premier universities in the Midwest United States.

    Finally, students enjoy living in the beautiful and safe city of Lawrence, Kansas, one of America’s quintessential college towns.

    How has the School of Law dealt with the Covid pandemic? Is there anything that prospective LLM applicants ought to keep in mind while considering KU School of Law?

    For international students we have invited our LL.M. students to defer their entry until January, 2020 or until such time as the student visa process allows travel to the U.S.

    You also offer an accelerated JD programme for international lawyers. In your experience, what has been some of the most valuable takeaways for international lawyers who have opted for this course?

    The two main benefits of the program are an additional year of study of the American legal system and eligibility to join the bar in all fifty states.  Further, students graduating with a JD have a very significant employment advantage for practicing in the United States.

    Given the short nature of the LLM itself, how do you think international lawyers can make the most of their LLM experience?

    Learn the culture as much as the law.

    Lastly, what advice would you have for the Indian law graduate who may be considering applying for an LLM to a US law school?

    I think the folks who benefit most from LL.M. programs are those who use that knowledge to practice law in their home country.

    LL.M. students seeking employment in the U.S. face substantial challenges. Not only are bar passage rates low after just one year of study, but employers show a strong preference for JD graduates.

    For students whose goal is to practice law in the U.S., we recommend the 2-Year JD program.

  • “Lawyers aren’t going away, but the way we work is changing”, Dean Tonya Evans, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law

    Tonya Evans is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, and the former Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Online Programs. These programs include LL.M., Master’s and Graduate Certificates in Intellectual Property and Commerce and Technology. Dean Evans also created and directs the school’s Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Law online professional certificate program and developed its world-class instructor pool and curriculum.

    Tonya Evans is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, and the former Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Online Programs.
    Professor Tonya Evans, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law

    Earlier this year, she spoke on the creation of the “new collar industry”, and how law schools need to adapt to the changing work environment. Here is an edited transcript of the podcast.

    (Edited excerpts)

    Could you define what a “new collar industry” is and especially how it compares to the traditional blue or white collar industry.

    The new collar job is a combination of our traditional notions of blue collar and white collar. If you think of blue collar, and it tends to focus on skills, and white collar as being more “professional,” the idea of the new collar job is the skilled professional.

    The education realm is really changing in the sense that there are a number of companies, and we’ll talk about that, that are no longer requiring a formal or traditional four year education. And in that way they’re focused more on the skills and credentials and certifications than a four year degree at a liberal arts college in that sense.

    What sort of specific jobs out there would you consider to be new collar?

    So when I think of this, I also think of the jobs that exist today that did not exist five, let alone 10 years ago. So social media manager, anything related to data, product manager, a project manager on the data side, anything relating to artificial intelligence and machine learning, blockchain technology, anything involving smart contracts or crypto currency, crypto assets, both on the technology and the non-technology side because not everybody necessarily knows how to code.

    But there’s this uptake of a lot of jobs and careers and industries, I should say, that require those with web 3.0 knowledge on both sides of the proverbial screen, to be sure.

    How is the both the traditional undergrad and legal industry conforming to this changing industry?

    You see, and our law school is a great example offering certificate programs that are professional and not focused on a Juris Doctor degree. Not everybody is going to go for a legal education per se, but they want to know about the legal and business aspects of technology.

    So, for example, our blockchain, cryptocurrency, and law online certificate program, I have some lawyers and certainly law students, but more often there are people coming from the business world who want to understand how blockchain technology and crypto assets are impacting their industry, their customers, their clients, what it means for their business.

    And so in that way, we want to prepare the next wave of lawyers and certainly those in business and the legal world to understand how to converse with the technology world to make anything that we’re doing on the legal side or the business side, to do it better, faster, and cheaper by leveraging technology.

    How are schools handling that? And employers, for that matter because they want to make sure they get someone that they’re actually going to be able to perform well in that industry.

    Absolutely. And so they’re focused on digital badges, certificates, and certifications. And on the business side, they want to be assured that someone who writes on a resume, “I’ve been certified to code C ++” or “I know JavaScript” [is being truthful].

    How do they have the assurance? Well, digital badging and certification is a great way. So for example, with the online certificate program we have digital badges that represent specific skills, and those who earn all of the badges in the certificate, they earn a mastery certificate. So not only will they say, “I learned about crypto economics and blockchain governance” [but also say] “I learned about data privacy insecurity, I learned about intellectual property and blockchain”. The combination of all of those things makes a mastery certificate that can be connected to LinkedIn and all the other online platforms.

    An employer can go to those platforms and they don’t have to rely on a paper resume or CV to say this person did it. They can look at the specific skills run by an online digital badge partner and be assured that that took place.

    This seems like a fantastic way for employers to make sure they’re getting someone that has very specific skill sets.

    That’s the reality of where education is now an education across all areas, both at the probably associates level, the bachelor’s level, and postgraduate professional levels as well. What specific skills [do people have] above and beyond just the love of learning?

    I am a lifelong learner so I love that too, but people want to come out of traditional educational environments knowing that they can get a job.

    In what ways can you make yourself more attractive in the business and employment landscape? Even if you’re working for someone right now, up-skill, figure out what your next move within your organization might be or what skills and credentials you will need if you want to lateral out or move up or start your own business.

    How do you foresee this directly impacting the legal industry?

    Well, there’s a really interesting move in the legal industry to prepare lawyers to have conversations with technologists in the IT department and those who are coding to leverage the existing master contracts that we have in order to figure out ways that we can automate certain functions.

    To give you an example of my time as a literary law specialist. I had contracts involving escalating royalties, for example: Sell 5,000 units and on the 5,001 escalation of royalties from 10% to 12.5% or from 12.5% to 15%.

    Those are things you shouldn’t have to pay a lawyer $300 or $400 an hour to do. That should be automated. That could be connected to what we call an Oracle outside information that informs the script. And you know, it could be tied to Amazon sales records and once [you get] 5,001 [in sales], it would automatically update the contract.

    Essentially, there are master agreements underneath that lawyers do, and there’s coding the coders and IT specialists do. They need to be able to talk to each other. This is an area that’s ripe for innovation on the law side.

    Lawyers won’t go away, but the way that lawyers are interacting with business people, and in terms of our advice and how we work with them is going to certainly change!

    (This interview was first published here)

    Learn at UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law and join the powerhouse in legal education. Now accepting applications for online graduate law programs. Apply today. 

  • #StudentCorner: I want to pursue an foreign LL.M. This is why.

    #StudentCorner: I want to pursue an foreign LL.M. This is why.

    By Muskaan Wadhwa

    To pursue an LLM from a foreign university is something I started pondering over during my second year of law school. This was the year when I first did a Public International Law (PIL) moot and was amazed by the vastness of the field and the extent of interpretation. It was also the year I realized that the practical aspects of PIL and International Dispute Resolution are largely eschewed from the law school curriculum in India. A foreign LLM seemed like the ideal way to channel my passion for the subject.

    But that is not the only reason why I want to pursue an LL.M. Here are the rest.

    A LLM from a foreign university will enable me to learn from renowned faculty who are experts not only in the theoretical aspects of the subject but also in practical aspects. Unlike India, professors abroad are also practicing lawyers. Some of them are authorities in the field of PIL and have in fact contributed to the development of the law. I believe that studying under the guidance of professors like these would enable me to maximize my intellectual potential and obtain a novel understanding of the subject.

    Moreover, the classroom environment in foreign law schools is quite different from what I’m exposed to currently in India. Giving emphasis on the Socratic method, these classrooms are student-driven, with professors pushing students to think and expanding their horizons and intellectual development.

    A lecture I recently attended stressed upon heterogeneity as a prerequisite for robust problem solving and thinking. Foreign universities are a melting pot of different cultures, religions, political opinions, and nationalities. A classroom with such a diverse pool of people would enable me to widen my canvas of thought and imagination. Moreover, the LLM is a good way of networking and making connections with potential future leaders in the legal market.

    I also believe that an LLM opens up several new opportunities on the professional front. I would either like to get into academia or write the bar exam and become a Barrister abroad, preferably Canada. The LLM degree is a good segue into doing that.

    Being in my fourth year of law school, I often face dilemmas where different bits of advice are offered by different people. I’m still conflicted as to whether I should obtain some work experience and then go abroad or jump right in. And I also deliberate over whether an LLM degree would serve me better or a JD.

    I’m also cognizant of the variables that might affect my plans of obtaining a foreign degree, be it funds, family, or changes in immigration laws.

    Nonetheless, I expect my foreign degree to enable me to develop skill sets essential to any lawyer, my personality, and most importantly, provide me an enriching experience, both academically and personally. Which is why the foreign LLM shall continue to be something I aspire for.

     

    (Muskaan is a fourth-year law student at Christ University’s School of Law, and a research intern at Amicus Partners. In case you are a law student who wants to contribute to this section, reach out to us at contact@amicuspartners.co.in)

    (Lead image by Porapak Apichodilok)

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  • First Person Accounts: Ankita Rath on the LL.M. at Boston College Law School

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

    Ankita Rath is graduate of the SVKM School of Law, NMIMS ('18) and is part of the LLM Class of 2020 at the Boston College Law School.
    Ankita Rath

    Ankita Rath is graduate of the SVKM School of Law, NMIMS (’18) and is part of the LLM Class of 2020 at the Boston College Law School. In this interview, Ankita discusses the LLM application process, her own LLM experience at BC Law, what prospective LLM applicants ought to keep in mind, and a whole lot more.

    Were you considering a foreign LLM right after your undergrad? Or was the plan to always work a while and then apply? 

    I had always planned on pursuing my LLM abroad. I planned on going for my Masters, within a year after I finished my undergrad so that I could work a little bit before I could start with my Masters.

    I was afraid, I will not want to get back to school, once I started working full-time.

    The Boston College of Law is an interesting choice – how did you go about selecting just where to apply? What were some of the reasons that  got you to narrow down on Boston College? 

    When I decided to begin with my applications for LLM, I prepared a very detailed excel sheet, with law schools across USA, Canada and UK that had distinguished LLM programs, especially in Human rights.

    It took me close to a month only to prepare the list of law schools, rankings, the eligibility criteria, the fees, the availability of scholarships, deadlines, etc. In my opinion, having a detailed layout of applications is very important, as it makes sending out applications, and subsequently the decision of finally picking out “THE ONE” relatively easier.

    “In my opinion, having a detailed layout of applications is very important, as it makes sending out applications, and subsequently the decision of finally picking out “THE ONE” relatively easier.”

    I started receiving my acceptance from a couple other schools early in April, and I had to make a decision by the first week of May. I will admit, it was a tough call since the other schools that I got accepted into were equally good. However, when I finally decided to pick Boston College Law School, I referred back to the excel sheet to compare it with the other schools that I got accepted into.

    Considering the ranking of BC-Law, the scholarship that I was awarded and the location of the college, being in a diverse and intellectually sound state like Massachusetts, I was inclined to pick BC-Law. Additionally, the Human Rights Program that I wanted to pursue, had great courses, taught by very experienced professors.

    Any advice on how to approach the application process itself? More specifically, the statement of purpose and recommendation letters.

    Time is the essence of law school applications. Most law schools unofficially start accepting applications for the forthcoming year, after the commencement of the Fall semester immediately.

    When one is applying for a Masters abroad, it is important to bear in mind that most seats are offered on a rolling basis, so it is always better to be prepared well before the deadlines. Procrastination in sending out applications may not always end well.

    The most cumbersome process in the applications is writing the Statement Of Purpose(SOP). SOPs are also known as Personal Statements, so it must reflect one’s true self, and how your life has led you to the point where you are finally sending out this application . To be honest, I spent countless hours, writing several drafts of my SOP, and then so many weeks getting it reviewed, before I could finally convert it to PDF.

    “To be honest, I spent countless hours, writing several drafts of my SOP, and then so many weeks getting it reviewed, before I could finally convert it to PDF.”

    The SOPs are always read by the law schools, I repeat, ALWAYS. The SOPs bridge the gap between your resume and personal interview. Therefore, having enough time to write a good SOP is very important.

    The Letters of Recommendations(LOR) are equally significant in an application. I would suggest anyone applying to at least have three LORs, 2 academic, and 1 professional. The academic LORs should preferably be from professors of the same field that you are hoping to apply in.

    The professional LORs should ideally be from an employer who has known you for a good amount of time. The LORs can be a true game-changer in applications.

    Did you apply for/receive financial aid? 

    I did receive a significant amount of financial aid through the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, along with my acceptance into Boston College Law School.

    How has the LLM experience been? How has BC Law reacted to the Covid pandemic, and how have you found the shift to online teaching? 

    My LLM experience at Boston College Law School has been impeccable. The professors, the students, the entire community at BC Law has been very welcoming. BC Law has a host of mentorship programs that were particularly very helpful for me. In terms of picking out the courses, networking, helping out with outlines, to even finding a good place to have chai and samosa, you always have mentors who are willing to help.

    Apart from that, all professors have office hours, which makes it easier for students to pick their brains outside of class. The pedagogy of all courses are very meticulously prepared by the professors to cover the fundamentals as well as cater to the needs of the dynamic world with respect to each course.

    “The pedagogy of all courses are very meticulously prepared by the professors to cover the fundamentals as well as cater to the needs of the dynamic world with respect to each course.”

    The outbreak of Covid-19 has been very challenging for all of us. BC Law, like most schools resorted to remote learning. Honestly, it has been pretty hard trying to substitute an in-class experience, to one across the laptop screen. They implemented teaching methods that were more lucid. The professors and the entire community at BC-Law have tried their best to be supportive of this situation and more than prepared to help at all times.

    Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who is considering a master’s abroad? 

    Choosing to move across the globe to pursue a Masters is not an easy decision to make. There are way too many factors to weigh and ensure that you get your money’s worth during the course and after the completion of the same. I am not sure if I have any life-altering advices, but there are a few things that I wish I did.

    Firstly, having a good work experience, i.e, 2-3 years before pursuing a Masters abroad is very helpful, if you are planning on seeking a job after. Secondly, while choosing the law school, please do not ignore the location and the market for your industry in that location.

    “While choosing the law school, please do not ignore the location and the market for your industry in that location.”

    Networking is very important in the legal profession, so being in a location that will give you relevant networking opportunities is always a bonus. Thirdly, do not panic-apply. I mean, applying to multiple schools is a reflex action when you think about Masters abroad, but please be sure of the schools you are choosing to apply, and make sure, all your applications are curated to the specifics of the school you are applying.

    My last piece of advice is for all Indian grad students hoping to pursue an LLM abroad. If you are planning to pursue an LLM abroad, make sure you and use this opportunity and make it into a milestone of your life.

    However, I should also mention that, in case, due to any reason, (mostly Covid-19), you do not get in, do not lose hope, as it is a mere setback, not the end. Trust me when I say this, it is a long life, and we are pretty much going to be lawyers for most of it.

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