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  • First Person Accounts: Mitsu Chavda on the LLM at UC Davis School of Law

    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.

    Mitsu Chavda recently graduated with an LLM from the UC Davis School of Law, and is currently working in the City Attorney's Office of Los Angeles.
    Mitsu Chavda

    Mitsu Chavda recently graduated with an LLM from the UC Davis School of Law, and is currently working in the City Attorney’s Office of Los Angeles. At UC Davis, Mitsu pursued concentrations in Immigration law, as well as Criminal law and Policy.

    An avid biker, and with an LLB degree from V. T. Choksi Sarvajanik Law College in Surat, Mitsu spent several years working as a paralegal (and then lawyer) with her lawyer mother, before embarking on the LLM. In this FPA, she shares her reasons for choosing UC Davis, applying for an LLM, and how one can make the most of the LLM experience as a foreign trained lawyer.

    Before going into the study of law, tell us a bit about your love for biking. How did this come about? What have been some of your more memorable biking adventures?

    My goal was to spread awareness about the remarkable achievements of our paraplegic soldiers. As citizens of a great nation, we often overlook the contributions of our soldiers who serve and protect us. These individuals were fully able-bodied when they joined the armed forces.

    Despite being injured or wounded in the line of duty, they continue to make our country proud by pursuing higher education and winning gold medals at international competitions for differently-abled athletes. Their resilience and dedication serve as an inspiration to the younger generation.

    To raise awareness, I decided to personally connect with people through a bike ride.

    Growing up, was a legal career always on the cards? What prompted you to work as a paralegal at Chavda Law Associates?

    I am a second-generation lawyer, following in my mother’s footsteps. Growing up, I witnessed her struggles and often assisted her with drafting, filing, and documentation work. She even paid me for my help, which instilled in me the value of earning an honest living. This experience sparked my interest in maintaining a paralegal job.

    While working at the office, I took on the dual roles of a paralegal and a law clerk. This exposure deepened my passion for law, especially when I saw people from all walks of life expressing their gratitude for helping save their family members’ lives.

    After completing your law degree in India, why did you choose to pursue your LLM at University of California, Davis? Were there any specific factors which made UC Davis stand out?

    Honestly, I’m still figuring out why I decided to pursue an LLM in the US. I handled numerous cases involving NRIs and noticed that even highly educated people were often unaware of their rights and the laws.

    In this era of Google and ChatGPT, many were more misinformed than ever. I saw firsthand how AI struggled with the complexities of legal cases, something my clients didn’t always understand. Many of my NRI cases were intertwined with the local laws of the countries they resided in, and since most of my clients were in the US, this might have motivated me to come here.

    The story of my admission is quite amusing. I was browsing the internet, googling top US schools for international lawyers, and emailed several schools asking for application fee waivers. Columbia, USC, UC Davis, and Hofstra waived the fees, so I applied to them and got accepted at all.

    The real challenge began then. Each offered me a scholarship, with UC Davis providing the highest and USC Gould School of Law the second highest. After I accepted the offer from UC Davis, they even increased my scholarship.

    I started researching the schools and future prospects, realizing that the job market for LLM graduates is highly competitive. I decided that I might pursue another LLM or a PhD from Columbia, which is still a dream.

    However, UC Davis received very positive reviews, particularly about their professors. After taking a virtual tour of the campus, I felt a strong connection. Everything fell into place smoothly, from the admission process to securing accommodation on campus, making UC Davis the clear choice for me.

    Did you apply for or receive any financial aid or scholarships for your LLM program? Any advice on how to go about preparing one’s finances?

    When you apply to any law school for an LLM as an international student, you are automatically considered for scholarships offered by the school. Your LLB results, extracurricular activities, and achievements all play a significant role, but it’s crucial to present them effectively to the colleges you apply to.

    As I always say, you are your own product, and you should know how to market yourself—every detail matters.

    However, I must stress this point to all aspiring LLM candidates: studying in the US, along with the living costs, is not cheap, especially with the INR depreciating. Financial planning is essential. I strongly urge prospective students to gain some job experience before coming to the US. The reasons for this will be discussed in the next question.

    What were your expectations before starting the LLM program, and were these expectations met?

    Our education system is quite different from the US education system, which involves a lot of reading before classes. Memorization, or “rattafication,” might not be the best strategy for exams here. My only expectation from UC Davis before coming to the US was to earn a single degree, just a general LLM.

    However, I ended up specializing in two concentrations: Immigration Law and Criminal Law and Policy, which has been the best outcome.

    Throughout my career, I’ve observed two types of students. The first group thinks, “It’s America, let’s party,” and they take the bare minimum of subjects to meet requirements. They don’t select their courses strategically and try to schedule all their classes on one or two days so they can party or wander the rest of the week.

    The second group, on the other hand, believes, “We have nothing else to do here, so why not max out credits?” They take as many subjects as possible to learn and educate themselves about the legal system of a foreign country, which can significantly benefit their careers.

    This might sound philosophical, but I believe our expectations should be from ourselves, not from others.

    How did you approach the application process for the LLM? Any specific advice for prospective LLM applicants about preparing their applications?”

    I strongly emphasize not using online templates for writing a statement of purpose (SoP). It’s crucial to write from the heart. My SoP was uniquely filled with my passion for web series like “Suits,” “The Good Wife,” and “Attorney Woo.” Watching these shows, I compared them to the Indian judicial system and found them fascinatingly different, sparking my interest in learning US laws.

    Interestingly, this same SoP was rejected by self-proclaimed career counselors, yet it secured me admission offers with substantial scholarships from some of the top educational institutions in the USA.

    As I mentioned earlier, you are your own product to market, and no one else knows your story, struggles, strengths, and weaknesses like you do. You can market yourself better than anyone else, which not only aids in admissions but also in crafting compelling cover letters for job applications and succeeding in interviews.

    Every day, I continue to learn from the people I meet across all walks of life.

    Currently, I am privileged to work in the highly sought-after City Attorney’s Office of Los Angeles in the criminal division, under the guidance of experienced attorneys Gabrielle Taylor and Meredith Ford. Each day, I glean valuable insights not just about law and work, but also about life skills. I’ve especially honed my leadership, people management, and interpersonal skills.

    Yes, securing employment in the US as a foreign-trained attorney is challenging, but is it impossible? No.

    Can you discuss any career development services or support provided by UC Davis that you found helpful?
    Career Services at UC Davis are exceptional; they provide invaluable support with crafting resumes, cover letters, and preparing for interviews. Their availability and dedication to student success are commendable.

    For those who know how to leverage these resources effectively, every tool offered proves beneficial. Conversely, without awareness of available resources, even the best services may go unnoticed or underutilized.

    What were some of the highlights of your LLM experience at UC Davis? Any particular experiences, projects, or opportunities that stood out to you?

    At UC Davis, like many other law schools, there are regular noon seminars organized by the law school associations and college, where attending means you get free food—a highlight of the day for many students. While this may not seem significant at first glance, law school in the US is incredibly demanding and mentally exhausting. Balancing thesis papers, exam preparation, job searching, and skill classes like moot court leaves little time for personal activities like cooking.

    Professors teach from morning till evening, and classes taught by visiting judges and practicing attorneys often run late into the evening. In this context, free food, access to wellness rooms for naps, and opportunities to detox from digital devices like phones and laptops are blessings.

    Moreover, the focus at law schools tends to heavily favor JD students over LLM students, leaving LLM students to carve out their own niche. I took on additional responsibilities by working alongside student organizations to establish my place. I was involved in almost all the clubs, but the roles that stood out the most were as a publishing editor of the Immigration and Nationality Law Review (INLR) and as the LLM representative for the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Association (SAAPA), not to mention being part of the King Hall Board Games Association—because once a gamer, always a gamer.

    In the US, such extracurricular academic activities significantly enhance your resume and set you apart from others in the competitive job market. Each position I held taught me a wide range of skills. INLR provided comprehensive training in thesis writing, footnoting, and editing, while SAAPA offered valuable sensitivity training, which I found particularly fascinating and beneficial.

    How did you handle the personal and cultural adjustments of studying abroad?

    I won’t say it’s hard, but adjusting to life in the US certainly isn’t easy either. One of my toughest challenges was learning to cook and manage cleaning duties on a weekly basis, along with other chores and responsibilities. These tasks can be quite demanding.

    As many Indians would agree, in India, we often rely on house help and domestic assistance for these tasks, whereas in the US, you’re largely on your own.

    Fortunately, adjusting culturally wasn’t a big shock for me as I’m a social butterfly and tend to fit in easily everywhere I go. Being an extrovert, I enjoy striking up conversations with anyone and everyone, which greatly eased my transition and helped me navigate life in the USA. Additionally, I never felt like I was a misfit needing to adjust—I had my own plans, principles, and a strong sense of identity that guided me.

    Already a lawyer, I knew I wasn’t better than anyone, but I also wasn’t lesser than anyone else.

    Building friendships was challenging initially, but Law school clubs and especially my board games club played a significant role in helping me connect with others. I formed strong bonds with people who shared my passion for gaming, and these friendships extended to forming study groups and supporting each other academically.

    I firmly believe that everyone should have a hobby and pursue it wherever they are. Hobbies not only provide enjoyment but also help in fitting in easily in new environments.

    Lastly, any advice would for future LLM applicants who are considering studying abroad?

    This question hits close to home, and I have a few heartfelt pieces of advice:

    • Financial Planning: It’s important to plan your finances meticulously, even if you have support from family or a spouse. US living expenses can be daunting, and smart financial management will alleviate stress and let you focus on your studies.
    • Gain Experience: Before heading to the US, gaining work experience back home is invaluable. US employers value practical experience, especially since a foreign law degree might not initially carry as much weight. This experience will not only help you settle into US life but also boost your job prospects.
    • Thorough Research: Dive deep into researching courses, professors, and college reputations. US rankings matter, so choosing a respected institution opens doors. Explore job prospects post-LLM and connect with alumni for insights into career paths.
    • Self-Reflection: Take time to clarify your goals and vision for pursuing an LLM abroad. Going without a clear path is like shooting an arrow blindfolded—you need to know where it’s headed. Ensure your LLM aligns with career aspirations and personal growth.
    • Have a Backup Plan: It’s wise to have alternatives if things don’t go as expected. Whether it’s exploring different careers, additional courses, or new job markets, a backup plan offers flexibility and peace of mind.
    • Avoid Unethical Advice: On arrival, you’ll hear lots of advice, some less ethical. Ignore any suggesting illegal or unofficial activities. Engaging in such could harm your legal status and future opportunities.
    • Understand Immigration Laws: Get familiar with US immigration laws for international students. Knowing your rights and responsibilities eases your adjustment and study abroad challenges.
    • Support Mental Health: Mental exhaustion is real in the demanding US academic environment. Reach out to people facing challenges and offer support. It’s okay to seek help if you’re struggling mentally; many resources are available on campus.
    • Volunteer and Network: Embrace volunteering and extracurriculars. They enrich your CV and build a network that fuels career opportunities. Networking is key; it opens doors to internships, jobs, and personal growth.

    If anyone needs help, whether in person or legally, feel free to reach out to me on social media. I have a unique name that makes me easy to find and connect with.

    (This interview was conducted by law student, Sophia Satapathy)

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  • What a call for interns taught me about the (possible) future of international higher ed and LLM recruitments

    Photo by Gabriel Varaljay on Unsplash

    A couple of weeks ago, I had shared on LinkedIn my requirement for an intern. The post was short (and in hindsight slightly ambiguous), requiring a 300 word note and little else. Completely aware of where Amicus Partners stands in the hierarchy of Law School Desirableness (low, low, low – millennials, you know what I am talking about), I was not expecting too many applications.

    Within ten days, there were close to one hundred and fifty applications. The LinkedIn post received nearly 50,000 “impressions”. For context, my posts tend to have less than 500 impressions on average.

    Given that Amicus Partners works in the field of student enrolments, and the fact that social media appears to be built on turning life experiences into lessons, I thought it was interesting to try and draw parallels between internship applications and student enrolments.  

    And these are some of the learnings made:

    Lesson number one, India has a LOT of law schools

    A lot.

    Despite being in the field of legal education for well over a dozen years now, I don’t think I have truly realized the sheer number of law schools (and law graduates) India has. Of course, mainstream focus has always been split between the NLUs, some of the traditional universities, and a few private players, but there is so, so (so!) much more beyond them.

    From a student recruitment perspective though, this does pose a problem of focus – should one aim to cater to as many law students (and potential applicants) as possible or instead choose to focus on just a few institutions?

    And whatever be the eventual choice, how does one begin reaching out to them? If only there was a social media platform that could meet this requirement….

    Lesson number two, LinkedIn is the social network to focus on

    For a few years now, I have seen declining levels of engagement in the traditional favourites of Facebook and Instagram, and this experience forced me to truly appreciate the powerhouse that LinkedIn has become.

    Indian lawyers and law students are moving onto the platform like never before, online groups and communities are being formed, and use cases are being discovered and developed across the board.

    Those 50,000 post impressions? That was because my post was shared by four different pages whose sole goal was to share legal internship opportunities. In fact, the post was even picked up by a website (LawBhoomi) which again, only caters to Indian law students.

    What can student recruiters take from this?  In short, if you are recruiting law graduates from India, you need to be on LinkedIn. Ideally, this would mean more than just being visible but instead having campaigns with high levels of engagement.

    Did you ask me for an example? What are the odds!

    Lesson number three, Indian legal curriculum must include professional development

    The responses to the call for applications made it clear that there is a high demand for internship experiences. The quality of applications, on the other hand, also made it clear that there is abundant scope for soft skills training and professional development.

    Either law schools are not devoting enough time and resources to make their graduates “job/internship-ready” or the students are not taking advantage of these resources.

    I suspect that the answer lies somewhere in between, but whatever be the case, I certainly think this is an area that international law schools can focus on as part of their recruitment strategy. They have the human resources and expertise required, of this I have little doubt.

    And finally,

    Lesson number four, Chat GPT is everywhere!

    Probably 90% of the applications received had been made with some form of AI assistance; this was usually most obvious in the short note component of the application.

    Why is this relevant for recruiters?

    Well, for one it means that (recruiting) schools will have to develop clear positions on the use of AI, be it for applications or the coursework itself. For another, it means that the application process might need to be rethought – it will take only so many iterations of a machine generated SoP to make it seem completely human made.  

    I have no doubt that recruiters are aware of this dilemma, and shall wait and watch to see their solutions.

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  • The good people: Navigating the world of LLM student recruitments and US law schools

    On most days, you will find Sarah Dorner standing at her desk, dividing her attention between the two computer screens in front of her. The walls of her office are adorned with pictures and mementos from across the world, gifts of gratitude from lawyers who have graduated from the UNH Franklin Pierce of School of Law in Concord, New Hampshire.

    This is not too surprising; as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions at the law school, Dorner is the first point of contact for graduate applicants. It is a role she embraced more than five years ago after graduating with a master’s in public administration; it is also a role that is complex and demanding, with multiple moving parts.

    Sarah Dorner, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law
    Sarah Dorner, UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law

    Over the course of months, and sometimes years, the Concord native advises potential applicants, participates in LLM themed webinars, takes part in “recruitment fairs” across the world (with colleagues from other law schools), develops graduate communication and outreach strategies, and plays a crucial role in evaluating the applications themselves.

    Her role does not end there.

    Although the position may not have asked for it, Dorner has also pushed for a greater degree of integration of LLM candidates within the law school, making space for non-JD students. This would include cultural programming for foreign-trained lawyers (as most LLM candidates are), as well as offering on-campus employment opportunities.

    It is, quite clearly, a lot.

    On her part, Dorner is driven by the difference she can make in people’s lives. “For our graduates, [the UNH Franklin Pierce master’s] program is a transformative experience,” she says, “and I get to be a part of it. This is something I really enjoy.”

    This sentiment, this feeling of contentment from helping others, is a recurring theme when it comes to those who work in the field of international higher education.

    As Dorner puts it, “People who work with international students, who are interested in people, [who are] interested in the world are, by default, good people.”

    Nearly seventy miles to the southeast of UNH Franklin Pierce, in the city of Boston, lies the Suffolk University Law School. Here, Bridgett Sandusky has watched with interest as the number of LLM programs offered by US law schools has grown exponentially over the last two decades.

    And, much like Sarah Dorner in New Hampshire, Sandusky has welcomed LLM candidates from all over the world, often being the first point of contact before they entered the law school, and remaining their friend and advisor through their time within the law school.

    Currently the Assistant Dean of Graduate Law Programs at Suffolk Law, Sandusky joined the law school way back in 2005. “At that time,” she remembers, “we were one of the few law schools who offered an LLM. Not anymore.”

    Bridgett Sandusky, Suffolk University Law School

    As this rather critical article from 2013 finds, the number of LLM programs in the US grew by 65% in just ten years. As per the Law School Admissions Counsel (LSAC), which often acts as the admission portal for US LLM programs, there are 153 US law schools which offer at least one LLM program. With a majority, if not all, of these specifically designed for foreign-trained lawyers.

    Interestingly, not only has the number of LLMs changed, but for Sandusky, the very purpose of the LLM has as well. “I have seen a trend in that more and more international students want to take the Bar exam,” she says, referring to one of the most popular Bar examinations in the country, that conducted by the New York State Bar.

    Instead, just a few decades ago, foreign trained lawyers who enrolled for the LLM were more attracted by the concept of gaining specialized knowledge.” “Those LLM candidates,” says Sandusky, “used to be looking for knowledge and training that would be valuable back home.”

    This change in goals, and the number of LLM programs on offer, are just two examples of how transnational legal education has changed over the past three decades or so. Perhaps the most important one is that relating to finances.

    “[Financial aid] is becoming a bigger problem with each passing year,” says Sandusky. Compounded with the increasing costs of education (or education inflation), this often means that conversations with LLM applicants can be difficult to say the least.

    “I am very transparent about how much [the LLM] is going to cost,” say Sandusky, “and it just breaks my heart to hear that they won’t be able to make it.”

    Despite the relatively small size of Suffolk Law’s LLM class, and the fact that student recruitment is “becoming more and more expensive”, Sandusky draws inspiration from the change that she has witnessed.

    “There have been applicants with incredible stories, and to see their determination to pursue a legal education in the US is quite powerful. It really makes an impact on you.”

    “It is no easy task, being away from all things familiar, immersed in a language that is not your native one,” remembers Kara Galvin, “Everything is just a little more difficult than you want it to be. It is exhausting. So, to be able to spend that time studying overseas, stay positive, and not become totally burnt out is difficult – but also so rewarding.”

    Galvin is the Director of International and Graduate Programs at University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis, an institution she joined way back in 2017. At Minnesota Law, Galvin and her team oversee LLM admissions, the SJD (doctoral) program, as well as exchange programs for JD students. She also happens to have lived the life of an international student, spending time in Costa Rica, Ireland and Spain.

    Kara Galvin, University of Minnesota Law School
    Kara Galvin, University of Minnesota Law School

    Her time there has given her tremendous insights into what it means to be a foreign student, using this knowledge to make the LLM at Minnesota Law a more welcoming and fulfilling experience.

    Talk to LLM candidates at Minnesota Law, and they will tell you how Galvin goes out of her way to help and support them, be it with course registrations (LLMs typically must make way for JD students when it comes to registrations), or emotional support.  In her office suite, there is an entire wall covered with photographs of current LLM and SJD students – a way of showing international students that they are seen, they are welcome, and they are celebrated here.

    The twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul have long been known to be immigration friendly cities, and Minnesota Law itself is within the top 20 law schools as per US News. But these are facts that many LLM applicants are simply unaware of. One of the biggest challenges she faces, is simply to make applicants aware that her school exists. Or rather, where her school exists.

    “Whenever I do a [LLM] webinar I start by displaying a slide of the map of the United States. I must point and tell them that this is where Minneapolis is – in terms of name recognition, Minnesota is not like New York or California.”

    And then there is the weather. Much like her counterparts in New Hampshire and Boston, Galvin and her colleagues must deal with brutal winters; in 2016 Minnesota proudly won top place for having the most miserable winter.

    “Just the other day, an LLM applicant was describing how terrible the winter was in Nigeria. I remember telling her that she had better be prepared for a whole new level of winter here in Minnesota!”

    In many ways, the challenges Galvin faces are like those faced by other law schools – building name recognition outside the US, funneling precious dollars into marketing and recruitment, while also ensuring a fulfilling graduate experience. All the while competing with a hundred other law schools in the US alone, not to mention the hundreds of LLMs offered by law schools around the world.

    And just like her colleagues, what keeps her going is the change she can play some part in.

    “The work that our LLM and SJD graduates do around the world is fascinating. And then to keep in touch with them and see all the great things that they’re doing at home is extremely meaningful for me.”

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  • First Person Accounts: Debopama Roy on the LLM at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law

    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.

    Debopama Roy graduated with a law degree from Indraprastha University in 2009. After working for four and a half years, she opted to enrol for the LLM at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law.
    Debopama Roy

    Debopama Roy graduated with a law degree from Indraprastha University in 2009. After working for four and a half years, she opted to enrol for an LLM at Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law. After graduating with the LLM in 2014, Debopama took up a number of roles, in the US as well as in India.

    In this FPA, she explains her reasons for gaining work experience before applying for the LLM, how to make the most of the US LLM experience, and a whole lot more.  

    You worked for nearly five years before applying for the LLM? What got you considering a foreign LLM at that point in your career?

    While studying in law school in India, I had plans to pursue a foreign LL.M. I interacted with law students who have or were pursuing foreign LL.M. and reached out to the admissions offices of various foreign universities to understand the process of admission, scholarships, the cost involved and the opportunities it brings on completion of the course.

    This information helped me evaluate which universities to apply to and when to start the admission process. I decided to gain post-qualification experience for at least 4 to 5 years to figure out the area of practice in which I want to focus and apply to universities known for their faculty and research in technology, media and communication seeking admission and scholarships.

    I wanted to equip myself to be able to work as an in-house counsel in a global organisation in a global role.

    And once you had decided to apply, how did you go about selecting where to apply? What got you to narrow down on Indiana Law?

    At the time I graduated, I decided to work for a couple of years before applying for my master’s outside India as universities in the US and UK followed the Socratic method of teaching where students with work experience are equipped to connect the dots between the lessons taught and their applicability in the outside world.

    While working for a year and a half, I got admitted to the dual degree program offered by the National University of Singapore, School of Law in collaboration with the New York University along with their Dean’s Award scholarship.

    However, I was not ready to pursue the course as I wanted to work, gain more experience to understand technology and telecom regulatory laws in India as a young lawyer and earn, save and have more funds to support a portion of the law school fees abroad.  That summer I travelled to Singapore to interact with the Dean, faculty and students to understand the courses they offer and the work opportunities for foreign students in Singapore.

    The in-person interaction helped me further zero down on my choice of universities and the type of courses, I aim to pursue which meet my work experience and ensure I have a high probability of work opportunities in the country I pursue an LL.M. post-graduation.

    I shifted from an in-house corporate role to a law firm to gain hands-on experience, especially in telecom regulatory litigation and advisory services. In the fall of 2012, I started applying to universities in the U.S. and Singapore like New York University, the University of Virginia, Emory University, Indiana University and the National University of Singapore for both master’s programmes and dual-degree programmes in collaboration with NYU. 

    I got accepted from all the above universities, the Indiana University at Bloomington offered me which met all the criteria I had in my mind:

    • Technology, IP and privacy-specific law programs with renowned faculty focused on these areas;
    • The course met the credit criteria for the New York Bar examination and other bar examinations;
    • The scholarship offered covered my tuition fees and the assistantship covered my living expenses;
    • The cost of living at Bloomington was cheaper than in other places especially New York City, which helped me save money earned from my assistantship at the University and helped me survive through my job hunt days;
    • Networking opportunities were available through peers, the alumnus community and faculty members in the areas I was looking for opportunities;
    • Enjoy the American mid-west culture in the USA and Bloomington is a melting pot of different cultures with a strong student community. It allowed me to learn the American and other global cultures. 

    Looking back, what have been some of the most rewarding aspects of the entire LLM experience? What role has the LLM played in your professional choices after graduation?

    The US LL.M. has been a rewarding experience in many ways:

    • It helped me gain in-depth knowledge about specific practice areas, the laws and legal practices in the US legal system;
    • It helped me build a strong network of professionals from across the globe which has benefitted me later in years to come while working in global roles;
    • Living out of my comfort zone in an unknown country helped me realise, reach out and build strong connections with people I consider my support system apart from my family. Years after my LLM, those people are a call away for anything I need personally and professionally.

    In many ways, these experiences and connections have helped me develop as an individual, and learn more about work, culture, and food helping me hone cross-cultural communication skills.

    I enjoyed visiting my friends’ places or having my friends over at my place for our weekly potluck or on special occasions like Halloween, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Thanksgiving, Christmas,  birthdays or just like that where each of us cooked and brought a dish for dinner, I have learnt to appreciate their values, customs, etiquette, food, language and culture. I still cook recipes which I learnt during my LLM days and often travel and catch up with friends over festivals and special occasions.

    Now, when I interact with my counterparts/ stakeholders in the US or any other region I try to interact on general things like weather, festivals, food, sports, and places I have visited which helps me connect and make them feel at ease before I start the business conversation, especially during negotiations.

    Many times tough discussions have been easily resolved as the other person feels assured that I am aware of their culture and country making the conversation easy and effective. 

    Again, with the benefit of hindsight, was there anything about the LLM that you wish you had known in advance?

    I wish I had known about the LLM in the US in advance:

    • The power of networking before my LLM and strategising in a better way to network with faculty and alumni;
    • Publish relevant legal papers, work and plan for the course around the job opportunities available in that particular jurisdiction and the state Bar examination you intend to take accordingly;
    • It is always good to start with your state Bar examination preparation with the start of the LLM unless you have done or intend to do JD as it gives you time to study the subjects which you do not get to cover all the subjects in the LLM;
    • Learn Spanish or Chinese or any foreign language relevant in that country as there are a lot of job opportunities for lawyers in the US or other countries who know these languages.

    Given your current role, do you see Indian employers giving some weightage to law graduates who have pursued an LLM?

    While getting interviewed for my current role, I realised the work experience during and after my LL.M. in the US brought value to the table as the role involved understanding laws and regulations for running global business operations.

    In my current role, my legal knowledge gained from LLM and work experience helped me strategise and navigate through contracts, policies, processes and compliances efficiently across stakeholders across regions and cultures. My experience working and networking in the US helped me mitigate risks effectively and resolve potential disputes for Airmeet in the US.

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

    In the era of emerging economies like India, we Indian lawyers and law graduates who are considering a master’s abroad always keep key things in mind before planning for your LL.M.:

    • Understand the market value of the degree offered by the university in terms of employment opportunities based on the courses offered, faculty members and alumni (who will help you build a professional network), the cost involved, the scholarships available along with assistantship opportunities which will help you earn while you learn;
    • Gain a couple of years of work experience before applying for your master’s in any foreign universities especially in the US and UK as they follow the Socratic method of teaching. It gives you an edge in understanding the subjects taught in the course over other foreign students who pursue the course immediately post-graduation without any work experience. You are well equipped to connect the dots between what is taught and its applicability for all practical purposes.
    • Socialise with students and peers from other nationalities apart from Indians as it opens the door for you to the global culture and different perspectives about people’s lives and challenges. It helps you develop strong cross-cultural communication skills, and build a strong network,  an essential skill set for lawyers.
    • Network, network, network…… that’s how you can thrive in the job market after completing a master’s degree. Unlike, Indian law schools and universities the placement office in the law school is not much help to international students due to work visa restrictions for foreign nationals. The success rate of a foreign student to land a job is low i.e., around 1% of the Indian students in the US law schools get a job in the US after their LLM with employer visa sponsorship. Go out, connect with people based on commonalities like nationality, alumni, area of interest etc., and ask for help related to your job search, and the courses you want to pursue your master’s degree. It will also help you get a job back home in India and thrive in roles in the future.

    An LLM is a holistic journey, a lifetime opportunity to cherish as a student, explore opportunities outside one’s comfort zone and build connections which go a long way and can take you places, you never know!

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  • Five Indian law schools to focus on for building LL.M. recruitments (and no, Jindal is not one of them)

    Photo by Big G Media on Unsplash

    From what I have seen over the last few years, international law schools have a fairly predictable schedule when it comes to visiting India for student recruitments. Fly in to either Delhi or Mumbai, and visit the schools in and around these two cities.

    And I can understand why – Delhi or rather the National Capital Region has a number of (very) large law schools, and possibly might have the highest concentration of lawyers. It also has Jindal Global Law School, an institution which is miles ahead of any other Indian law school when it comes to international collaborations. 

    Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, also holds a certain level of appeal – a big “catchment” area for lawyers and law students. 

    Prima facie, this makes a lot of sense, especially for graduate admissions teams who are increasingly being pushed for time. Yet, I do think that if institutional partnerships are to be made, there are a number of law schools, and regions, that ought to be given more attention. More so if the recruiting school is not a legacy law school with an established brand value and name recognition.  

    Here are five such Indian law schools:

    While the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS) is widely recognised for its engineering school, it recently entered into the teaching of law with BITS Law School. With a relatively young dean who moved from Jindal Law School, (Dr. Ashish Bhardwaj) at the helm, I can see this law school becoming quite the aspirational option for students in the Mumbai region, and beyond. 

    Other schools in the region: Pravin Gandhi School of Law, Kirit P Mehta School of Law, Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai

    Like BITS Law, the VMLS is also a new addition to an existing university, this one to the Vinayaka Mission which has a “Deemed University” status. The founding Dean, Dr. Ananth Padmanabhan, was also the driving force behind the fairly unique Daksha Fellowship and is no stranger to international legal education with degrees from Penn Law as well as Stanford’s B-School. 

    Other schools in the region: Saveetha School of Law, SASTRA School of Law 

    The eastern part of the country is, in my opinion, rarely gets the attention it deserves, and this is particularly true when it comes to student recruitments. Which is just one of the reasons why I recommend international law schools to take a look at KIIT School of Law. The law school is currently led by Professor Bhavani P Panda, who incidentally was the founding Vice Chancellor at MNLU Mumbai.

    Other schools in the region: The National Law University and Judicial Academy in Assam, the newly launched NLU Tripura

    The Symbiosis Law School (SLS) in Pune is the “OG” of this chain of law schools with students more or less familiar with international law schools. Instead of focusing here, and competing with a larger set of schools, I would instead direct schools to the younger but fairly impressive set up in Hyderabad. 

    With a large student body, and some interesting initiatives like an “International Cell” for academic partnerships, SLS Hyderabad is worth a visit.

    Other schools in the region: ICFAI Law School, Mahindra University’s School of Law

    This is probably the oddball in the list – a State University (the other four are all private), and one of the oldest law faculties in the country. Yet, for reasons that I am yet to ascertain, CLC does not attract as much attention from international law schools as it deserves.

    After all, the students are often of a high quality, are ambitious and do see value in obtaining a legal education from outside the country. If I was to shortlist schools to visit in Delhi or the National Capital Region, CLC would feature quite high on that list. 

    Other schools in region: VIPS School of Law, BML Munjal University

    International law schools can check out our latest tool to simplify LL.M. recruitments, The Amicus Project.

    Lead image by Big G Media on Unsplash

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