Earlier this month, Amicus Partners ran a contest for all those who were interested in attending the LSAC LL.M. fair in Delhi. The idea was to allow non-NCR applicants to have a fair chance to meet the law school representatives of their choice. And, given the impressive list of participating law schools, I was not too surprised with the kind of response the contest generated.
Udbhav Nanda
The winner of the contest was Udbhav Nanda, a litigation counsel currently working in Odisha. I managed to get in a few questions with Udbhav since I was particularly keen on knowing the reasons behind wanting to enrol for an LL.M.
This is what he had to say:
(Edited excerpts)
Why do you want to pursue an LL.M.?
I do not want to study for an LLM in pursuit of a job in a foreign country. On the other hand, I would love to pursue an LLM degree in order to:
Streamline my field of specialization; i.e. dispute resolution
Interact with academicians engaged with the University
Build a transnational career
Be a part of a strong alumni network
How are you going about selecting just where to apply?
As I am still exploring LL.M. opportunities, the following are some of the parameters that I have collated so far in order to determine where to apply:-
Teaching faculty
Externship arrangements of the Universities
Living costs (this is over and above the Tuition fees)
Universal recognition of the determined course
And lastly, how was your experience of on the LLM fair? Would you attend other such fairs?
As far as the LLM fair is concerned, I had a great time interacting with the law school representatives. Having a myriad group of people from different schools, attending to the same questions made the entire process extremely interactive, comprehensive and convenient.
However, I would like to mention that having a legal teaching faculty as representatives of the schools would have proved more helpful and provided clarity on the offered courses.
Apart from this, the LLM fair was a fantastic experience. I genuinely appreciate and thank Amicus Partners for making this opportunity available for young students and lawyers from all over the country.
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.
Sanket Palshikar
In 2018, Sanket Palshikarenrolled for an LLM at the Victoria University of Wellington. A graduate of the Government Law College Mumbai (’15), Sanket is currently working as a in-house counsel in New Zealand. In this FPA, he shares his reasons for applying to Victoria University, studying and working in New Zealand, and a whole lot more.
How did you go about selecting just where to apply? And what were your expectations from the LLM course?
I was quite certain about pursuing a Master’s degree at some stage of my career, however I wasn’t quite sure when and how should I go about achieving it. After having worked for close to two years in the profession pursuant to completing my law studies, I had thought to myself, if I had to do it then it has to be now or never.
While I was going through the process of selecting a suitable law school to pursue my higher studies, choosing a commonwealth nation was my obvious choice. The deciding factor for New Zealand was the comparative financial affordability and the reputation of law schools in New Zealand.
My expectations from pursuing LLM were to polish my legal academic skills which is a key skill required in legal profession and to develop a better legal acumen during the whole journey.
Wellington is not the most popular choice for Indian law graduates – what got you looking at this particular university?
After narrowing down my search to New Zealand; Wellington and Auckland were my two probable choices. I had been in regular touch with my education consultants with respect to the universities and the papers it had to offer. I was quite impressed with the high quality of education standards and the academic background of faculties working at Victoria University.
It is recognised as one of the premier institutions in New Zealand for pursuing Masters of Law programme. The study at Victoria University is more of research based and involves critical analysis of propositions as opposed to the usual question answers patterns for exams and this is what got me interested. Thus, for all the aforementioned reasons, I chose Wellington and hands down, I made a right decision.
“The study at Victoria University is more of research based and involves critical analysis of propositions as opposed to the usual question answers patterns for exams “
Any advice on the application process itself? More specifically, the letters of recommendation and the personal statement?
The application process is something which requires careful consideration and a need to dedicate sufficient amount of time towards working on applications. I think it is important to read through a few sample ‘Statement of Purpose’ either from your friends, colleagues or even from those available online as it provides a good insight into the manner of drafting of SOP’s.
As far as the letters of recommendation are concerned, my professors were kind enough to give me a tailor made recommendation letter and that is something which would make your application stand out as opposed to any ‘standardised version of recommendation’. Thus, my advice would be to work coherently on such application procedures and avoid taking a casual approach.
Did you apply for/receive financial aid?
Yes, I received a partial scholarship from Victoria University of Wellington.
How has the LLM experience been? What are some of the advantages of studying in New Zealand from the perspective of finding employment?
The whole LLM experience has been an exciting journey throughout; from getting used to the colder temperatures, giving presentations in classes, writing long academic papers, doing internships and enjoying some coffee by the waterfront at the end of the day.
The greatest advantage of studying in New Zealand is that Masters of Law is listed as Level 9 course of study which is categorised as one of the higher academic qualifications in New Zealand in terms of finding employment after finishing law school.
Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who is considering a Master’s abroad?
My advice to Indian law grads will be firstly to take a call if you actually want to pursue a Master’s degree from a foreign university after considering all the factors. If you are determined to do so then, get out there and make optimum use of the opportunities available while being at a law school. This might include all the curricular and extra-curricular activities and also to make some new connections.
If you would like Amicus Partners to provide some personalised advice on your LLM applications, please fill up this form and we shall get back to you as soon as possible. Do mention your contact details for a speedy response.
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.
Yashasvi Tripathi
Yashasvi Tripathi is a 2017 graduate of the National Law University Delhi. Immediately after her undergrad, Yashasvi enrolled for an LL.M. at New York University. In this FPA, she discusses the importance of networking, the value of an LL.M., passing the NY Bar and a whole lot more.
From your profile at NLU D, it appears that a master’s was almost a given. But did you ever consider working for a few years before enrolling for a post-graduate degree?
I was always sure of pursuing master’s from the beginning of my law school. I wanted to have few work options, like judicial clerkships, for me just in case I couldn’t make it to a good university for my masters right after law school. However, I would add here, it’s always better to have work experience before pursuing masters.
When did you start the application process, and how did you go about shortlisting where to apply?
I began the application process in August. I shortlisted colleges based on the faculties that they had, programs that they offered, and their general ranking.
Any tips on the application process itself, more specifically the written requirements?
Having a list of colleges, their deadlines and their requirements in terms of SOP, LORs etc. served very well for me. It’s nice to get SOPs reviewed by someone who has gone through the process.
Further, it’s important to personalize a SOP and write it in form of a story having past-present-future components of one’s law career and academics. Also, it shouldn’t seem to be iterations of the resume.
Not quite connected to the LL.M. but how early did you start researching on rentals? Was it relatively easy to find a place close to campus?
I opted for the university’s housing. However, I am aware that few students got through the FB housing pages.
How was your LL.M. experience? Looking back, what have been some of the toughest bits about the course?
The LL.M. experience for me has been very enriching, professionally and personally. I will always remain grateful for the opportunity. I got to learn from the academicians whose pieces I would read in my law school in India. I had the opportunity to study with some of the best legal minds in the world, and had some of the most vibrant academic discussions in our lectures. I always enjoyed the diversity of our LL.M. batch and each one of us had something interesting to offer.
The toughest bit of the LLM in New York City for me was to simultaneously manage my LL.M. curriculum, networking and career events, academic events, the newness of the city and the culture. Initially it was overwhelming with so many deadlines, but by and by we learn to master it.
NYU does have a large LLM intake – any tips on how to make the most of the course?
I would recommend studying and learning as much as possible, and networking with people, both in and out of the university in one’s filed, as two most important aspects of an LL.M. program.
Hence, it’s very essential to choose course load wisely, to be able to maintain the balance between in class and out class essential activities. I would also recommend active participation in class given the lecture method in NYU is Socratic.
You have also managed to clear the NY Bar – any advice on when to start prepping for this?
I believe it’s enough if one follows the bar prep courses schedule. They usually begin in May after the LL.M. course. I didn’t appear for the July bar exam but I appeared for the February bar exam. I had fewer days to prepare for the exam as I was working by that time.
I believe time duration doesn’t really matter. What matters is how we are preparing for it. It’s essential to practice as much as possible and cover everything under the syllabus at least once.
What is your reading of the US legal recruitment market when it comes to international LLM graduates?
I believe work experience is really important for recruitment for LL.M. graduates. US legal market has good work opportunities for corporations, tax and immigration fields for foreign LL.Ms. I cannot overemphasise the importance of networking in the US.
Lastly, any advice for the Indian law grad who may be considering a master’s abroad?
It is a very enriching opportunity. One grows as a person multi-dimensionally. I would always recommend few years of work opportunity before pursuing a master’s abroad.
If you would like Amicus Partners to provide some personalised advice on your LLM applications, please fill up this form and we shall get back to you as soon as possible. Do mention your contact details for a speedy response.
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.
Abhilasha Ramakrishnan
Abhilasha Ramakrishnan is a 2019 graduate of King’s College London, where she completed her LLM with a focus on Transnational Law. She enrolled for the LLM right after completing a BBA LLB from the Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College of Law in Bangalore. In this FPA, she discusses her LLM experience at LLM, the application process itself, and a whole lot more.
Did you consider working for a few years before the LLM? Or were you keen on enrolling for a master’s right after your graduation?
I was very keen on doing my LL.M. right after graduation. I had wanted to do an LL.M. since my second year of law school. Around my fourth year, I knew I wanted to specialize in public international law.
How did you go about selecting where to apply? What were some of the schools you shortlisted?
I found the UK to be an excellent country to study international law in. The UK is a party to most international instruments and has incorporated those laws into its own domestic laws. Once I had narrowed down on the country, it was a matter of choosing which university I wanted to apply to.
“Once I had narrowed down on the country, it was a matter of choosing which university I wanted to apply to.”
I had a few colleges in mind and looked up the LL.M. programmes of each of those schools. Ultimately, I had applied to the University of Cambridge, LSE and KCL. What drew me to KCL was its Transnational Law programme which focused on international law from a transnational law perspective. (For those wondering, Philip Jessup describes Transnational Law as ‘including both public and private international law and other rules that do not fit into either category’).
I also liked that the School of Law was situated right in the middle of London and within walking distance from the Royal Courts of Justice and several other courts.
Any advice on the application process itself, more specifically the letters of recommendation and the personal statement?
The application process is pretty straightforward. One can apply through the online application portal ‘King’s Apply’ and upload all the documents/transcripts there. KCL accepts both TOEFL and IELTS scores. Applicants have to write a personal statement of about 1,000 words.
One does not need to use flashy language in their SOP. However, one should aim to tailor the SOP towards each university and the different courses/specializations offered. Also, proofreading is crucial.
Regarding letters of recommendation, King’s is one of the very few colleges that does not require letters of recommendation (I believe this is a recent development).
Did you apply for/receive financial aid?
I had applied for one scholarship, but I did not receive it. The process for the scholarship involves writing two essays: one of about 1,500 words on a particular legal topic and the second a statement of purpose of about 200 words (this is separate from the personal statement required as part of the application).
How was the LLM experience? What were some of the more challenging (and rewarding) aspects of the LLM?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at King’s. Being taught by experienced international lawyers and barristers in a campus situated but a stone’s throw away from several courts and public libraries was undoubtedly hugely beneficial. Apart from KCL’s own libraries, students also have access to the University of London’s Senate House Library and the IALS library. King’s has a number of societies and clubs and also hosts numerous career fairs and networking events.
The coursework constantly encourages students to challenge what they already know and to contribute to their fields of interest. It comes as no surprise that students are expected to do a great deal of reading and preparation before each class.
“The coursework constantly encourages students to challenge what they already know and to contribute to their fields of interest. “
Generally, students are given anywhere between 50-200 pages of reading material and are strongly encouraged to contribute to class discussions. Additionally, some modules require students to write research papers (instead of exams) for the final assessments. By the end of the year, one can easily expect to walk away with copious amounts of knowledge and a lifetime’s worth of memories.
What is your reading of the employment opportunities for international LLM graduates in the UK?
The LL.M. is only an academic degree; it does not enable the graduate to work as a solicitor or barrister in the UK. To my knowledge, firms do not have any special preference for LL.M. graduates (unless they have already qualified in the UK), nor is an LL.M. a requirement to apply for training contracts.
An LL.M. is essentially a way to gain specialized knowledge about a certain area of the law. That being said, it is certainly not impossible for international LL.M. graduates to get a job abroad. In this regard, prior work experience in one’s home country is definitely an asset. It is also a matter of hard work, perseverance and networking.
Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who is considering a master’s abroad?
It is important to remember that there is no ‘one perfect foolproof route’ to success. A master’s is an all-round enriching experience that forces one to broaden one’s horizons and think outside the box. I strongly believe that there is no right or wrong time to do a master’s.
“A master’s is an all-round enriching experience that forces one to broaden one’s horizons and think outside the box. I strongly believe that there is no right or wrong time to do a master’s.”
Admittedly, having some prior work experience is definitely an advantage if one is seeking employment abroad. Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend it to everyone, irrespective of the stage they are in their careers.
If you would like Amicus Partners to provide some personalised advice on your LLM applications, please fill up this form and we shall get back to you as soon as possible. Do mention your contact details for a speedy response.
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.
Rishabh Sheth
Rishabh Shethis an LL.M. graduate from the University of Durham (’18), where he focused on competition law.
In this FPA, the ILS Pune graduate (’17) discusses the reasons behind choosing Durham, the job market in the UK, educational loans, and a whole lot more.
As a law student, when did you start considering applying for an LLM? And did you consider working for a few years after your LLB before enrolling for an LLM?
Since I had decided to go for an LL.M quite early I had started looking for universities casually since my first year. However, at the same time I was also ready to wait, get some experience in profession and then pursue LL.M.
But since I had enrolled at Durham University and got an opportunity, I decided to go for my LL.M immediately.
How did you go about selecting where to apply, and what got you to narrow down on Durham?
In terms of selecting a university, it is very important to consider the rankings of the department (in our case say Law) and then look at the name of the university. For instance, Oxford University might be excellent in terms of overall ranking as a university, but there may be an instance where a specific department has excellent reputation like Kings College or UCL for Antitrust.
I had received offers from Queen Mary, University of Glasgow, University of Nottingham, and Durham. I narrowed to Durham owing to its reputation, collegiate system, course (i.e., Corporate Law), flexibility in choice of subjects and last but quite important, the fees.
Any advice on how to go about the application process itself?
I read the process in and out and then approached a consultant to apply for my candidature. While applying to any university, I would request prospective candidates to attain clarity on what are their aspirations and reflect them in their statement of purpose. Avoid extra fancy and flowery language. Keep you statement of purpose “original”.
Did you apply for/receive financial aid?
Yes, since I had budget constraints, I applied to a nationalised bank for education loan. I availed a scheme by Central Government, the “Pradhan Mantri Padho Pradesh” scheme. In addition, I ensured that I apply to a university where living costs do not haunt me. And finally, I worked part-time during my term time and full-time during vacations.
How was your LLM experience? What were some of the more challenging aspects of the LL.M program?
There are several challenging aspects for an LL.M. For me it was difficult to juggle my part time job (which was from 11-4 at night) and ensure that I utilize the resources provided by the university.
The curriculum of a university might not be very challenging, but nothing stops a student from accessing the library resources and write a scholarly article. So it is imperative upon the student to have a greed in mind in terms of acquiring knowledge as much of the course is on research and academics.
What is your reading of the employment opportunities available to international LLM graduates in the UK?
An LL.M from abroad is not a ticket to a foreign law firm. The chances are very difficult. To give you some perspective, for the 80 training contracts given by Freshfields every year, more than 2,000 applications are received out of which 400 are called to the office and after several rounds of interviews and assessments, these contracts are given.
In addition, upon receiving a training contract the candidate is required to complete a graduate diploma course for a year, legal practitioner’s contract for 6 months, 2 years as a trainee solicitor and then begin as an Associate.
This is the reason why training contracts are given 2 years in advance. However, everything is sponsored by the firm and maintenance grant is also provided.
To conclude, the opportunity is less and time consuming, on the contrary upon gaining experience in an Indian law firm (say 4-5 years) a person may get an opportunity because it becomes easy for a foreign law firm to deal with transactions in India.
Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who may be considering a master’s abroad?
I request students to get clarity on thoughts. I have seen students burning their parent’s cash in London and then at the end of the course they are extremely worried about recovering the costs specially with the pay-scale in India. If you are granted an opportunity to work, please do so.
Get some experience and then go for an LL.M, because an LL.M is masters in a specific field of law and you can be sure of what you want to master, only after working in the profession.
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