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  • The LLM #Admission Interviews: Stephen G. Barnes, Penn State Law School

    The LLM #Admission Interviews: Stephen G. Barnes, Penn State Law School

    The Admission Interviews, are meant to provide insights into LLM 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.

    Assistant Dean Stephen Barnes heads Penn State Law School’s Graduate and International Programs team. A frequent visitor to India, Dean Barnes also oversees exchange programs at PennState. In fact, I caught up with him during a recent visit he had made to the Institute of Law at Nirma University, where he is a frequent visitor. In this interview, he describes what law schools seek from LL.M. applicants, some of the more common mistakes made, and what a US LL.M. holds for the international law graduate.

    I ask this of everyone I can get a hold of – what do you think are some of the inherent benefits of an international legal education? 

    Our Penn State Law LL.M. graduates report many advantages, depending on their individual objectives. For new BB.A./LL.B. graduates, many tell us that more course selections and the ability to specialize in an area (e.g., arbitration, intellectual property) made them more competitive for placement in top law firms, ones that might have been formerly out of reach.

    Experienced practitioners inform, especially, those who qualified and passed the New York Bar after graduating from Penn State Law’s LL.M. Program, that they benefitted from advanced placement in their home law firms.

    Those LL.M. students seeking an academic career were able to further specialize, also partnering with a scholar in residence as a research assistant, to help narrow their future research interests for a more compelling dissertation proposal.

    All students report the benefits of not only learning from top international scholars, but also from their classmates in a most diverse international academy (Penn State Law has enrolled students from 75 countries in the past four years).  The globalized perspective of law not only helped them learn the laws of other jurisdictions (including the U.S.), but also helped them comparatively better understand the laws in their home countries.  In addition, all students experience the personal challenges and benefits of greater independence—committing to a true academic adventure abroad.

    “In addition, all students experience the personal challenges and benefits of greater independence—committing to a true academic adventure abroad.”

    What do law school administrators think of law school rankings, particularly those like US News which have quite the following. When looking at these rankings, what should prospective applicants be aware of (apart from the fact that the rankings are for the JD course)?

    Our Penn State Law professors have a range of practical and academic experience, and many were educated at the USNWR “top-10 ranked schools” (and top institutions abroad), and chose academic careers at Penn State Law based on its excellent academic reputation, and the top-25 research ranking of Penn State University (all colleges and disciplines).

    So, professors are essentially making the same career choices as students, based on the academic reputation of the law school and the greater university.

    Prospective applicants exploring LL.M. options should take into account the overall academic reputation of the university (and not just the law school), and also be mindful of the significant benefits of the alumni networks available.

    “Prospective applicants exploring LL.M. options should take into account the overall academic reputation of the university (and not just the law school), and also be mindful of the significant benefits of the alumni networks available. “

    Penn State University boasts the largest active alumni network in the world (750,000+), providing incredible international career networking opportunities that, say, a smaller or regional law school or university is unable to offer.

    On the application front, what do law schools like Penn State Law look for in a) the personal statement, and b) the recommendation letters? Also, what are some of the more common errors that applicants tend to make?

    From first inquiry (e.g., email) to final document drafts (CV, Personal Statement, and letters of recommendation), the applicant should be mindful that Admissions Committee members are evaluating the total application.

    Every document, every communication reflects on the LL.M. candidate, as they speak to the seriousness, professionalism, and preparation of the applicant. A well-composed Personal Statement, using proper writing conventions is a difference-maker.  A CV with poor writing mechanics can be fatal.

    “Every document, every communication reflects on the LL.M. candidate, as they speak to the seriousness, professionalism, and preparation of the applicant. A CV with poor writing mechanics can be fatal.”

    Strong, personalized letters of recommendation from a referee who really knows the applicant can be decisive in scholarship decisions.  Applicants frequently save the letters of recommendation as a “last step,” as many assume that the stature of the referee is more persuasive than a personalized letter from a professor or supervisor who can advocate for the applicant.

    We encourage applicants to seek referees who can be advocates, and not simply “endorsements” by professional stature.

    In a similar theme, and don’t mean to put you in a spot here, but do you prefer candidates with some work experience? Or, to rephrase, what are the advantages that someone with work experience brings to the application that a fresh law graduate may not? 

    This depends on the applicant. Some just-graduated law students know exactly what they want; others use the LL.M. residency to explore options they might not have enjoyed in their home country or university.  But, they have the independence and maturity to let their curiosity and objectives guide them.

    So, we wouldn’t discourage the just-graduated law student from exploring the LL.M. Program.  Those students with significant internship and externship experiences in their home jurisdiction; and especially those with at least one year of work experience come to Penn State Law with a clearer career objective and can better integrate what they are learning in the classroom and clinics with their professional goals.

    When it comes to aid, could you disclose a rough range of aid that is usually offered to international LLM candidates? 

    Penn State Law offers tuition scholarships ranging from $10,000 to very limited almost-full tuition scholarships based on four criteria:

    • Academic performance,
    • Professional experience,
    • Financial need, and
    • Other personal credentials not otherwise reflected in academics or professional experience.

    Once a candidate has submitted a complete application, the applicant is invited for an on-site or Skype interview—which also becomes a conversation about financial need.  Scholarships are then decided by the Admissions Committee, following the interview.

    If there was anything that you wished more prospective candidates knew about the LLM programme, what would it be? 

    Applicants should consider the totality of the university reputation and the quality of life during residency. There are tremendous benefits, for example, of residing in a true university community and campus:  to be involved in other colleges and academic forums available outside the law school curriculum; access to professors; the range of artistic and athletic activities; safety; cost-of living; and the hard to describe, but always experienced “campus spirit” that is inherent in a campus setting.

    Penn State University, for example, is always ranked among the top 5 campuses in the U.S.—ranked by students, not by commercial-driven rankings guides. This is largely driven by the tremendous international environment:  this is a place where we equally honor celebrate Christmas, Diwali, Ramadan, Chinese New Year, Nowruz, and all other holidays and cultures.

    “Penn State University, for example, is always ranked among the top 5 campuses in the U.S.—ranked by students, not by commercial-driven rankings guides.”

    Lastly, how do you think international law graduates can make the most of the relatively short LLM programme? 

    Be engaged from Day 1! Every graduate at commencement relates how “This year went by so fast!”

    Engaged students take every opportunity to introduce themselves to their classmates—wherever they might come from. They take the initiative and develop personal relationships with their professors—they are always available:  all you need to do is make an appointment.

    They take courses in subjects they might have been before unfamiliar with—and now they find a new discipline they are passionate about, that will reset their professional and academic objectives. And, they become involved in all the many communities on and off-campus, and not just their peer classmates from their home countries.

  • First Person Accounts: Neelu Mohan on the Executive LL.M. at Columbia Law School

    First Person Accounts: Neelu Mohan on the Executive LL.M. at Columbia Law School

    Late last year, I had written about three Executive LLM’s that mid-career legal professionals could look at. That article had briefly mentioned the Executive LLM offered by Columbia Law School, a course that they had introduced last year. Given the pedigree and prestige that CLS brings with it, I was quite keen on knowing just how the E-LLM course was for those who went ahead and enrolled in the programme.

    Which is how I got in touch with Indian lawyer and E-LLM graduate, Neelu Mohan.

    A graduate of ILS Pune (’13), Neelu is currently a junior counsel in the chambers of Senior Advocate Nakul Dewan. In this FPA, she talks about the reasons behind taking up this course, the online and offline components of the course, and why the course made sense to her as a litigating lawyer.

    I am curious as to what got you looking at the executive LLM as opposed to the traditional LLM – what were the aspects of such a course that you found more appealing than a regular LLM? Were you bothered by the fact that such courses don’t usually allow you to sit for the Bar? 

    This programme actually fell upon me by chance! I had applied for the traditional LL.M. at Columbia University.  Given this was their maiden year, the administration reached out to me asking if I was interested in the Executive LL.M., given that I fit the profile of students they were looking for- which included students with around 5 years or more of post-qualification experience from diverse backgrounds.

    Being a litigating lawyer, I always knew at the back of my head that staying away from Delhi for an entire year could cost me heavily, especially when I knew that I wanted to return to litigate here. At the same time, I knew I wanted to pursue an LL.M. The duration of the course definitely tilted the scales in its favour!

    This programme allows you to complete the entire LL.M. in a period of six months, from start to finish. This includes an online component of two months, and an on-campus experience of 4 months, which happens to coincidence with the court vacations in Delhi.

    Bearing these factors in mind, I was inclined to take this up over the traditional LL.M. courses.

    “This programme allows you to complete the entire LL.M. in a period of 6 months, from start to finish. “

    Although initially I was bothered by the fact that I couldn’t write the NY Bar, on a pros and cons analysis, and again, knowing that I wanted to return to India to litigate, I didn’t let this affect my decision.

    What were some of the other courses, if any, that you looked at? 

    I had applied to schools such as UChicago, UPenn, NYU, Sciences Po and Stockholm University.  My main focus was to apply to schools which boasted of excellent faculty in arbitration.

    Any advice/tips on the application process for the executive LLM? 

    Focus and highlight one’s achievements post-graduation in the statement of purpose. This programme is looking for an older class that brings their personal work experience, whether as a corporate lawyer, or a litigator, to the classroom learnings.

    Focusing on this aspect could give you an edge over other applicants.

    When it came to the learning experience, how easy or difficult was the online component of the course? How many hours would you say you required for the online component? 

    The subjects taught to us through the online medium were Introduction to American Law, Contract Law and Professional Responsibility in Global Business. The online classes were each of a duration between 90-120 minutes, twice a week. We also had weekly assignments and readings before each class.

    “The online classes were each of a duration between 90-120 minutes, twice a week. We also had weekly assignments and readings before each class. “

    So, I would say a commitment of around seven hours a week is required for the online component.  Most of us continued our day jobs during the online part of the course!

    How was the 12-week residency component? Looking back, what were some of the highlights of studying at CLS?

    I won’t lie, the 12-week residency programme was very intensive, with classes five days a week for around 7 hours a day, covering 2 subjects. We were also required to submit assignments on a regular basis and of course, complete our readings for the next class! We also had several leadership building sessions that were woven into the course, in addition to the classroom teachings.

    It goes without saying that the faculty members were some of best from around the world, and it was inspiring to see them in action. In addition, the fact that the class size was small (and I am told, they intend to keep it that way) meant that the classroom discussions were very engaging.  It was very interesting to see the different approaches to the same issues.

    “It goes without saying that the faculty members were some of best from around the world, and it was inspiring to see them in action.”

    Our professors were also very indulgent with their teaching methods. Prof. Talley, our M&A professor took us on a day trip to the Delaware Chancery Court to observe a matter where a very interesting merger structure was being tested.  This was followed by lunch with Vice Chancellor Slights, who was happy to share his experience from the other side of the Bench and his thoughts on the way the matter was proceeding.

    Another highlight was sitting in the jury box and observing an entire day of court proceedings at the New York State Supreme Court with Judge Laura Ward as part of our International Criminal Investigations course with Prof. Davis.  The presiding judge even took out the time to explain some of the procedural aspects to us in between her cases!

    The CLS Executive LL.M. team also threw in at least one social event a week to make sure that we blew some steam off! This included broadway shows, a jazz concert (featuring one of our professors) and kayaking in the Hudson.

    In short, it was one of the best summers of my life! I got to meet and learn with some amazing people from different parts of the world, and share stories over different cuisines and accents!

    “In short, it was one of the best summers of my life! I got to meet and learn with some amazing people from different parts of the world, and share stories over different cuisines and accents!”

    Lastly, what did you find to be the most beneficial aspects of the course?

    There are actually two things that make me really glad that I chose this programme over a traditional LL.M.

    The first is the class size. I was amongst eight people selected for this programme. This size made all the difference to the learning experience.  You are able to engage with the professors and peers at a much deeper level!

    The second is of course the time factor. I was able to complete my LL.M. within a period of six months, and without having to be absent from the Indian courts for a long period of time. This could prove very expensive for a litigating lawyer!

  • First Person Accounts: Bikram Chaudhuri on the Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LL.M., QMUL

    First Person Accounts: Bikram Chaudhuri on the Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LL.M., QMUL

    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.

    Bikram Chaudhuri is a dispute resolution lawyer who opted for an LL.M. at Queen Mary University of London a decade after he graduated from Symbiosis Law School (’07). In this FPA, he talks about his experiences of the QMUL LL.M. programme in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution, Indian law firms and a foreign law degree, and a whole lot more.

    At what stage of your career did you start looking at an LLM? Any specific, real-world examples where you saw the benefits of an LLM as a legal professional? 

    From an Indian perspective, I started seriously thinking of an LLM at an unusual (or somewhat delayed) stage. I had already been a Partner at my last law firm for some years, was heading the dispute resolution practice there and was on track to possibly become Managing Partner when I thought of doing an LLM in international arbitration.

    Truth be told, I had not met any ‘real-world examples’ of people who had become more impressive because of their LLM degrees. I had also not noticed any actual benefits to having an LLM degree, besides a bump up on the pay scale.

    If anything, the general thinking of some of my earlier role models was that an LLM is a waste of time and money for a litigating lawyer or an excuse to have a good time. I could not challenge such presumptions then and have chalked that down to their ignorance as well as my own at the time.

    To be clear, the LLM experience is what you make of it (perhaps with a bit of luck). For some, it can be more rewarding than others.

    So, one of the common questions we get is with respect to the timing of the LLM. Given that you were practicing for a decade before the LLM, how did you assuage questions over possible loss of returns because of time spent on the LLM?

    I banked on that decade’s worth of experience as my USP. To answer the broader question, timing is important and so is the backstory. Going for an LLM degree right out of law school is, in my mind, a lot less impressive than going for one with relevant experience under your belt.

    Several of my classmates at the LLM programme had enrolled for it right out of law school, and their lack of experience showed, often painfully. These were students from several countries including India. The few of us with work experience often stood out, whether in classes, conferences or other events where it pays to be seen and heard.

    “Several of my classmates at the LLM programme had enrolled for it right out of law school, and their lack of experience showed, often painfully.”

    I know you have a fairly strong opinion on the International Arbitration LLM at QMUL, but were there any other schools that you looked at?

    I also looked at NUS, Singapore and MIDS, Geneva, because these had specialised arbitration LLMs.

    As for the course itself, why do you think the LLM programme is one of the best? 

    You refer, of course, to the QMUL LLM programme in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution (the specialised international arbitration and ADR programme). I will admit to an element of subjectivity here. I loved my time at QMUL and in London, and am very fond of some of my professors, especially Professor Stavros Brekoulakis.

    Objectively, QMUL is very highly respected globally as a research-oriented university.

    The School of International Arbitration at QMUL is responsible for an annual international arbitration survey that is cited and referenced extensively by practitioners, academics and governments across the world.

    “The School of International Arbitration at QMUL is responsible for an annual international arbitration survey that is cited and referenced extensively by practitioners, academics and governments across the world.”

    Closer to home, the Srikrishna Committee report, on which the latest amendments in India’s law of arbitration are based, references the findings of no less than 4 of these QMUL surveys. Professor Brekoulakis and Professor Loukas Mistelis are featured as Thought Leaders in the Arbitration 2019 section of Who’s Who Legal, and I studied under, and worked with, both of them.

    No other university in the world seems to come close! (did I mention I’d be a tad subjective about this?)

    You have really managed to pack in quite a few externships during the LLM – how did you plan these out, and was it difficult to balance the externships with the course requirements?

    Going for the LLM was my first important move towards a specialised career in international arbitration. I was also effectively taking a sabbatical year off from work and felt that doing a bunch of relevant things would add to my knowledge base and pad up my CV at the same time. I had to turn a domestic Indian resume into a credible international one, after all.

    “I was also effectively taking a sabbatical year off from work and felt that doing a bunch of relevant things would add to my knowledge base and pad up my CV at the same time.”

    I never took up anything that would (seriously) endanger my exam preparations, nor assignments that bore no relevance to either my experience or my plans. Overall, I managed just fine.

    Was there anything about the course that you wish you had known before signing up?

    Not that I can think of. The course is well-designed, constantly updated and quite cutting edge. It was an incredible experience!

    Given your experience as a corporate lawyer, how do you think Indian law firms perceive candidates with a foreign LLM? In other words, does it play a role in their hiring decisions?

    I’m actually a dispute resolution lawyer. Also, I do believe Indian law firms do not ignore foreign LLM degrees while making hiring decisions. That said, a ‘foreign LLM’ is not enough. The programme should have some global standing to be taken seriously. The candidate should have done a programme that is relevant to the job s/he is applying for.

    I remember interviewing someone for my former law firm (in Pune) for a role in the disputes team, the requirement being for general civil and criminal litigation and labour law. He tried to impress me by saying he had intensively studied European Constitutional Law. So what?

    For me, the fact that a candidate has an LLM degree is not automatically impressive. What matters is whether the degree and the experience have added any real value to him/her.

    “For me, the fact that a candidate has an LLM degree is not automatically impressive. What matters is whether the degree and the experience have added any real value to him/her. “

    Some candidates may have developed an excellent network through the LLM programme which could be useful to an employer. Some may have mastered a complex subject for which there is a demand-supply gap in expertise. Some may have developed a knack for academic writing which can be useful in written advocacy as well as business development activities.

    The candidate’s knowledge and perspective should have tangibly grown, and s/he should be able to market this effectively.

    Lastly, what do you think has been the value (in terms of your career progression) of the LLM?

    The LLM was a gateway to many fantastic opportunities. In terms of the programme itself, I learned many things that I had known nothing of, or knew very imprecisely (or even wrongly), before the programme. This in-depth knowledge of arbitration is now invaluable in my work, especially given that it is not common even in Mumbai.

    My contacts made in London, many of who are now spread in different parts of the world, can be and have been of ready help on issues that are unique to other jurisdictions and unknown to ours.

    “My contacts made in London, many of who are now spread in different parts of the world, can be and have been of ready help on issues that are unique to other jurisdictions and unknown to ours.”

    I am now working in an excellent international arbitration team in a top Indian law firm known to recruit mainly through PPOs and big-name lateral hires. Not bad for a Pune boy who came out of relative obscurity into the Mumbai arbitration scene.

  • First Person Accounts: Harsh Mahaseth on the LL.M. (Asian Legal Studies) at National University of Singapore

    First Person Accounts: Harsh Mahaseth on the LL.M. (Asian Legal Studies) at National University of Singapore

    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.

    Harsh Mahaseth is currently pursuing a specialised LL.M. in Asian Legal Studies at the National University of Singapore. A graduate of NALSAR University (’19), Harsh shares his thoughts on the LL.M. application process,  non-LL.M. options for law graduates and a whole lot more.

    Let’s get right to it – the specialization you have chosen, Asian Legal Studies. What got you to apply for this? And were there any other schools that you applied to?

    I have always been fascinated by International Law, the different Asian systems and how they interact. Most of my research as well had been around these areas of law. That is why I applied for the Asian Legal Studies programme at NUS.

    My college search began with searching for the LLM (Public International Law) as well as MSc (Asian Studies) courses. It took me months and looking through hundreds of colleges to narrow down my list.

    “It took me months and looking through hundreds of colleges to narrow down my list.”

    I had applied and gotten accepted at NUS, the University of Oxford, the Graduate Institute Geneva, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and the University of Hong Kong. The programmes that I had applied to in these colleges were Asian Studies and International Law.

    When it comes to the NUS application itself, any pointers that you think potential applicants should be aware of? More specifically, on the personal statement since they do give you a bit of space to jot it down.

    I think the only thing that would be required in the Statement would be the reason for your application for an LLM and why did you apply to that particular college.

    I think my application stood out because I honestly wrote whatever I thought about the course and the university and how I thought I could help boost the reputation of the University.

    Given that you applied right after your undergrad, when it came to the LoRs did you seek out any professional LoRs that you may have gotten through internships? Or did you stick with academic LoRs?

    My LoRs were from my professors from law school; however, I did work with them as well. Hence, I would say that my LoRs were a combination of academic as well as professional.

    Did you apply for/receive financial aid of any kind?

    I had applied for financial aid but did not receive any at NUS. While I had received scholarships, even full scholarships, at other universities I chose NUS as it had a better course structure for a combination of both Asian Studies and International Law, and NUS is one of the best law schools in the world.

    Early days I know, but how is the LL.M. experience been thus far? Are there any aspects that you have found to be particularly enjoyable?

    The courses are quite unique, not something that I have seen in many law school curricula. Also, there are a lot of events happening at the law school, as well as the other schools at NUS. There is never a dull day.

    Not quite connected to the LLM application, but how easy or difficult is to get housing in Singapore? And how early should applicants start planning this out?

    It is quite easy to find housing in Singapore but to find a good place I’d say that you need to start searching a couple of months in advance. NUS has some places but you cannot rely on it as not everyone gets it.

    Lastly, what advice would you have for the Indian law grad who is considering a master’s abroad?

    First, one needs to decide whether they want to pursue a Masters or not. I directly started my LLM after my bachelors and I chose the subjects that interested me and not just subjects that are relevant for my future work.

    At the end of the day, this may be the last degree for nearly everyone so it doesn’t hurt to do a degree in say public international law yet take up a module in insurance law because it interests you. You never know, you may actually work in the insurance sector.

    Also, there is no such thing that a law student has to do an LLM. I have seen many LLB graduates pursue a Masters in International Relations, Economics, an MBA, etc. There are several possibilities and career avenues that open up after doing a bachelors in law for branching out.

    “I have seen many LLB graduates pursue a Masters in International Relations, Economics, an MBA, etc. There are several possibilities and career avenues that open up after doing a bachelors in law for branching out.”

    All that one needs to do is to explore their options. I’d say that when one is certain about their decision to pursue a Masters, they must extensively research and shortlist their colleges well in advance.

    One needs to prepare their CV, find referees, write a separate Statement of Purpose for each college, prepare for each scholarship application (if you plan on applying for scholarships) and extra application questions (depending upon the needs of each individual university). It is imperative to treat all these questions separately and write different answers.

    There is no ideal time to set your mind on pursuing an LLM. I had decided to pursue one in my second year itself! As I stated earlier, I decided on NUS due to the best course structure combining my interests.

    Most of the applications open up around October or November. There may be some that open in February as well though. I had received my Oxford and Geneva application decisions by January/February while I had received my other acceptances in April or May. Speaking about commitments I’d say that it’s more about the idea in your head that matters. I already had an idea of what to write for my SOPs so it did not take much time.

    Equally important is to not leave things for the last minute. What significantly helped me with my applications was the fact that I had all of my applications ready around the start of the application procedures itself!

    “What significantly helped me with my applications was the fact that I had all of my applications ready around the start of the application procedures itself!”

  • First Person Accounts: Debadatta Bose on the LLM at Erasmus, PhD at University of Amsterdam

    First Person Accounts: Debadatta Bose on the LLM at Erasmus, PhD at University of Amsterdam

    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 (LL.M. or otherwise) from different universities across the world.

    Debadatta Bose is currently a PhD scholar at the University of Amsterdam. A graduate of DSNLU, Vishakapatnam (’18), Debadutta chose to immediately enrol for the LL.M. programme at the Erasmus School of Law. In this FPA, he shares his thoughts on academia and research, applying for a PhD in Europe, and studying outside the country.

    At what stage of your time as an undergraduate student did you start thinking about an LLM? When did you start the application process, and how did you go about selecting just where to apply?

    I was clear about joining academia even before I actually decided to pursue law, so knowing that I would apply for an LL.M. was an easy process. However, if the question had been when I started thinking about doing an LL.M. abroad, that would be my second year, when my interest in international law started growing.

    Before that, I was unsure of whether to pursue an LL.M. in India or abroad, which continued till I finalised on Erasmus. I think it is okay to be confused (within reasonable limits) and keep options open, but only if one does not lose track of their ultimate goal.

    “I think it is okay to be confused (within reasonable limits) and keep options open, but only if one does not lose track of their ultimate goal.”

    The application process began from early-2017 when I also sat down to see what scholarships are available in what universities. My statement of purpose went through numerous iterations, and changed completely from application to application. For example, the statement of purpose that I sent to Erasmus (sent in May 2018) stated completely different reasons for that choice and contained a completely different personal introduction than the one I sent to NYU (sent in November 2017). Both applications were successful.

    Selecting where to apply was motivated by two factors: where are the leading academics in international law based in, and what geographical locations have an advantage so as to pursue opportunities in international law. This was, of course, coupled with the fact that I had to see which universities offered financial aid.

    “Selecting where to apply was motivated by two factors: where are the leading academics in international law based in, and what geographical locations have an advantage so as to pursue opportunities in international law. “

    Erasmus University is an interesting choice for an LLM – what got you to narrow down on this University?

    Narrowing down on this university was based mostly on the above mentioned criteria of the presence of leading academics and geographical advantage. Rotterdam and The Hague is one metropolitan area, and is connected by metro, and was therefore an excellent choice to be based in if I wanted to pursue international law.

    After all, taking the metro to the ICJ to see cases and use their library on a weekly basis is a privilege not many can have while pursuing their LL.M.! I could also be present in the court hall to hear the judgment of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case being pronounced.

    “After all, taking the metro to the ICJ to see cases and use their library on a weekly basis is a privilege not many can have while pursuing their LL.M.! I could also be present in the court hall to hear the judgment of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case being pronounced.”

    Then there was the additional factor of the Netherlands being a small country with excellent academics in international law in all universities. So although I chose Erasmus, I was taught by people from beyond Erasmus, like the Asser Institute at The Hague and the University of Amsterdam. I cannot name one course where we had only teachers from our university teaching us. I was aware of this advantage of a close-knit academic community in a small country and I was not disappointed.

    I only applied to Erasmus in the Netherlands, and this was motivated by the fact that I ideologically lean towards critical legal studies in international law, which also constitutes the identity of the University of Amsterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam. For example, Leiden is rather famous for following a classical school of thought in international law, and my choice would be different if I identified differently. The choice was made easy by the location.

    Any advice on the application process itself?

    I would say the application process becomes much easier when you can identify ideologically with a university. It becomes easier to justify your choice, it becomes easier to convey your motivation and it becomes easier for the university to select you.

    First and foremost I would suggest that if one is interested in a subject, they may see the most cited papers on Google Scholar or SSRN and where the authors come from. SSRN has a list of international (non-US) law schools and US law schools by citation and paper interest which is a good resource to start with.

    If you can identify a person and his/her research in the motivation letter, saying “I choose X university because the research from Y inspired me to do Z” then it makes a huge positive impact on the application. One can find general pieces of advice on writing motivation letters anywhere, saying, ‘all motivation letters should be different’ and you should ‘get them proofread’ but this is one piece of advice that really works to make the motivation letter actually quite different. It shows your effort in a few seconds.

    “If you can identify a person and his/her research in the motivation letter, saying “I choose X university because the research from Y inspired me to do Z” then it makes a huge positive impact on the application.”

    Did you apply for/receive financial aid of any kind?

    I did not apply for financial aid of any kind at Erasmus. My LL.M. was financed by a soft loan to me from my family which I have to repay.

    This is not to say that there is no financial aid available. Most Dutch universities have a financial aid programme and it is better to check the university website for the same as it changes year by year depending on the funding the university receives. However, then one has to apply much earlier than when I sent in my application in May.

    I applied for, and did receive significant funding from some universities which I chose not to enrol in as Erasmus was my top choice.

    How was the LLM experience? If you had to choose, what would be some of the highlights of the course?

    I think the LL.M. was indeed an ‘experience’ and not a ‘degree programme’. Dutch academia works in a very different way from Indian academia. While there are upsides and downsides to both, in general, academics is really serious business in The Netherlands and you cannot just show up to class unprepared. You will be expected to contribute to the class discussion where even teachers expect to learn something new from your personal insight.

    “You will be expected to contribute to the class discussion where even teachers expect to learn something new from your personal insight.”

    I would say that the highlight of the course was the focus on independent critical thinking. For each article we read we were often asked, “Can you identify the biases and broad assumptions that the author had while writing this article?” and sometimes it was an article written by the person taking the class. In one such session, when no one could identify a bias, the professor said, “That means all of you have a pretty favourable bias towards lawyers; this article seems neutral but does not state why the author thinks lawyers have a monopoly on solving social problems”. This is a small example to demonstrate how each class nudged us to self-reflect, identify our own biases and think independently of what we were reading.

    The other major highlight was the international group of both peers and teachers who provided excellent insights of how their own legal systems and country positions fared against the law being discussed. The student group was a small one of about 25 people and was extremely well-knit so that we had feedback from peers on every single assignment and individual opinion was valued the most. The focus was “criticise, criticise, criticise, but constructively” and this was even expected in examinations where our own independent reasoned criticism held much more value than just writing what the literature said.

    “The focus was “criticise, criticise, criticise, but constructively” and this was even expected in examinations where our own independent reasoned criticism held much more value than just writing what the literature said.”

    I am presuming that you started researching on PhD options during your time as an LLM student? Again, how did you go about selecting just where to apply?

    Yes, I started looking for PhD positions during my time as an LL.M. student but had a rough idea of where I may fit well from the time of my LL.M. applications. I got the opportunity to interact with leading experts in international law through conferences and got to know them better.

    The application process in continental Europe works a bit differently than in other parts of the world like USA, UK or Australia, for example. A PhD candidate is a full-time employee of the university (other than self-funded external PhDs), and in the case of (only) the University of Amsterdam, they are Dutch civil servants due to the special legal status of the UvA. Therefore, one can apply only if vacancies are advertised.

    “A PhD candidate is a full-time employee of the university (other than self-funded external PhDs), and in the case of (only) the University of Amsterdam, they are Dutch civil servants due to the special legal status of the UvA. Therefore, one can apply only if vacancies are advertised.”

    The PhD application process, apart from the standard application package, also requires a letter of support from a prospective supervisor about the quality of research and how it fits with the research goals of the university. This is then followed by academic screening, committee interviews and HR interviews (or screening) after which one is appointed to a probationary position of one year, extendable to another three years after satisfactory performance. This is because the PhD candidate receives fringe benefits similar to full professors and the cost of hiring has to be justified to the board of the university.

    As can be understood, only a select few applications are possible under this procedure. I made about three applications in continental Europe and was in the process of sending in another one when I got appointed at the UvA. Selecting where to apply was an easy choice because most PhD positions are exclusionary by means of specifying a narrow research topic, e.g. “Doctoral position on how international sanctions are implemented in the law of Anglo-Saxon countries” which is then coupled with a really elaborate research description within which the PhD has to fit.

    The position I applied for was really narrow as well, and my research was within the framework provided (which had to be discussed with the professors at UvA before the application). Knowing where to apply is therefore more straightforward than it seems.

    Early days I know, but what is your take on research and academia in Indian law schools as compared to international law schools?

    From what I understand at this point of time, there is a stark difference between the research culture in India and abroad but the difference is significantly less in teaching. Teaching is taken seriously in Indian academia but research, well, not so much.

    The first noticeable difference is the preference of quality over quantity.

    Even undergraduate students here do not have regular classes, which gives time for them to study the reading material and develop their own understanding before the material is discussed in class. The level of teaching is similar otherwise, but the method of teaching is not.

    One more point I feel I should mention is that Indian academia is usually averse to cutting-edge legal developments being taught in class, which is not the case abroad. A legal document published a week ago may not be studied in detail in class in India, but that is not so much the case here.

    The same goes for research and publications: quality over quantity. People are more interested in what you have published and how much its impact is rather than how many articles you have published. More importance is given in sharing of ideas and peer review here even at the stage of idea formation.

    “People are more interested in what you have published and how much its impact is rather than how many articles you have published. “

    At the UvA, we have bi-weekly seminars where anyone who wishes to publish can pitch their ideas at whatever stage of research they are in to receive feedback from the entire department that will be attending.

    There is a lot of focus on methodology, objectivity and feedback here in research: the part that most of Indian research culture lacks. I think, again, there is an ideological difference in research between research in India and abroad: the former aims for a ‘good publication’ and the latter aims at a ‘contribution to knowledge’. Surely this generalisation cannot be universal though, as I cite many really good new Indian academics who are equal, if not better, than their European counterparts.

    So while Indian students are not missing out too much on the teaching front, I think the research culture has a lot of potential to develop. Nonetheless, nothing can be generalised to the point of saying one is better than the other: both have to be understood in context.

    There will obviously be constraints in Indian academia due to lack of resources as there is only so much that the brilliant Indian academics can do without funding. Most NLU budgets are about 20-40 crore INR per year, compared to about 850 million euros (6,700 crore INR) for the University of Amsterdam, both being public universities.

    Lastly, any advice for Indian law graduates who are considering a master’s (and possibly a doctorate degree) abroad?

    I would say if you are thinking of a master’s degree abroad: go for it. It is an experience in itself and will teach you a lot of different things other than law. While I pursued a master out of academic interest, you can also pursue a master out of professional interest and that is totally fine.

    However, research well on the qualifications to become a foreign lawyer in that country beforehand. If pursuing a master for professional reasons, it is best to choose a Commonwealth country as the license to practice in India may not be recognised in the host country in most cases.

    Nonetheless, I cannot emphasise this enough: an LL.M. is not the gateway to getting a job on a platter.

    For those who wish to pursue doctorates, I would say you really need to have some dedication towards a cause to consider a doctorate from abroad, not for any other reasons. Networking with professors may come in handy to know about vacancies that may come up and start preparing your application beforehand.