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  • First Person Accounts: Rekha Panchal on LLMs from Mumbai Univ, QMUL

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

    Rekha Panchal who recently completed an LLM from Queen Mary University of London
    Rekha Panchal

    In this edition of the FPA, we get talking with Rekha Panchal who recently completed an LLM from Queen Mary University of London (Class of ’18). In fact, this is her second master’s degree in law, in 2015 she completed the two-year LLM from Mumbai University followed by a stint at the Dubai-based STA Law Firm.

    (Edited excerpts)

    Why did you take a decision to do another masters course? 

    This decision was made after weighing various factors such as professional goals, time required, creating my own financial resources and reviews from those who had done an LLM from foreign universities.

    I was actually confused between doing Qualified law Transfer Scheme (QLTS) or an LLM and decided to go for LLM as it was a one-year commitment with certain results of gaining a degree and specialized knowledge. I will be attempting the QLTS along with my work.

    I moved to Dubai after my marriage, and managed to get a Trainee position at STA Law before being elevated to the Associate position (Corporate/ Commercial). This was without an LLM. Moving into a specialized practice area was my professional goal and hence, I considered getting some formal specialized knowledge.

    I am of the view that a formal education in specific courses certainly expands your understanding within a short span of time. The depth of knowledge acquired in certain modules is something I would have taken years to acquire through experience.

    I am of the view that a formal education in specific courses certainly expands your understanding within a short span of time. The depth of knowledge acquired in certain modules is something I would have taken years to acquire through experience.

    How did you go about selecting the LLM? Apart from QMUL, did you apply to any other schools? 

    Selecting where to do an LLM  was not only about choosing which LLM course I wanted to study but also about knowing which subjects I would like to gain specialized knowledge in. I was interested in a mix of commercial subjects like carriage of goods as well as mergers and acquisitions.

    Accordingly, my first step was to check the LLM courses that fit into my interest modules. I shortlisted four universities, and I was happy to get offer from all but QMUL was my most preferred university. QMUL had almost 40 modules to choose from across the fields of corporate & commercial, shipping, energy, etc. Also, the centre for commercial law studies is well reputed.

    The factors I took into consideration were course modules, rankings, and reviews from alumni. My enquiries to alumni were very specific in nature; I wanted to know whether the universities lived upto their past glory, their claims and industry connections, the exposure they provided. I am very grateful to people who guided me and gave time to provide their honest opinions.

    Did you apply for financial aid?

    No, I did not apply for any financial aid as my admission applications were made late and till that time the scholarship applications were closed.  I do feel if I would have been more informed about deadlines and made applications earlier it would have been better.

    It also adds to your resume or profile that you are recipient of such scholarship and makes you stand out.

    How would you compare the first LLM with the second? 

    I would compare both on two grounds – structure and practical exposure. The first LLM from Mumbai University was a more traditional, classroom-based course with research based projects in second year.

    The QMUL LLM was more interactive with regular seminars and intensive reading based courses. Unlike Mumbai University, where we first comprehend basics in class and then do readings, going without recommended reading to lectures was frowned upon by most professors in QMUL.

    In Mumbai University we had only written closed book exams but in QMUL, the type of exam depended on what the professor deemed fit. For instance I had three written closed book exams, two modules had research-based essay submissions, and one module was a 24-hour open book exam.

    In Mumbai University we had only written closed book exams but in QMUL, the type of exam depended on what the professor deemed fit. For instance I had three written closed book exams, two modules had research-based essay submissions, and one module was a 24-hour open book exam.

    In terms of practical exposure, in QMUL there were constant seminars, workshops conducted by law firm partners, and career counselling. These events gave the opportunity to directly meet and network with law firm associates and partners, and get first-hand insights into their practice.

    How demanding would you rate the QMUL LLM to be? 

    The QMUL LLM required an independent learning time of 203 hours which would mean roughly 9 hours per week for 11 weeks and then 103 hours for exam preparation. This was independent of the 2-hour lectures for each module.

    As mentioned earlier, pre-lecture reading was necessary and the LLM was certainly demanding. Further, professors would post updates online and discuss these during lectures – this really helped with building one’s commercial awareness. At the same time attending workshops, seminars and events was also a priority for practical insights and as networking opportunities.

    I am really very glad that I chose to do LLM after working for few years as advised by my seniors. Getting the time to read one’s subjects of my interest was a privilege and pleasure. Also, I had more clarity in choosing modules during the induction process.

    Getting the time to read one’s subjects of my interest was a privilege and pleasure. Also, I had more clarity in choosing modules during the induction process.

    I would just reiterate the advice of my seniors and say give yourself a year or two to explore your interest while working and then go for LLM in specialized field. Then even if you end up doing general LLM or broad based LLM like mine you would know what really you desire to get out of such study.

    When it comes to your QMUL cohort, were international students able to find employment in the UK? 

    Sorry this sounds pessimistic, but there is obviously no assurance of employment in the UK even if you do LLM or an LPC. As for QMUL specifically, I don’t have the exact figures as they are not published by university, but I noticed that QMUL law graduates did do well in securing training contracts.

    However, comparatively few LLM students managed to get vacation schemes during the term and many were still applying after completion of LLM in September 2018.

    QMUL’s ‘The Energy and Natural Resources Law Institute’ must be mentioned as they carried out “Internship Programme 2018” in which energy students had priority over other LLM specialisms. The majority of energy students got vacation schemes with law firms, Energy Charter and such other international organizations.

    QMUL also has a mentorship scheme which allows students to be mentored by law firm partners. Some of those students managed to get internships with the firms but again, acquiring training contract or employment is very tough.

    The UK legal market is one of the toughest to get into because students from almost every country study law in the UK. Apart from that, UK law firms also consider non-law graduates for traineeships. So, even if you study law in the UK there is no guarantee that you will get a training contract or vacation scheme in the UK.

    Finally, any advice for future LLM applicants, more specifically on:

    Writing the SoP

    This is an indispensable part of the application. It is about stating your story and is a replacement of the interview process. Applicants must check the college website for particular standards or questions that the university wants to be answered in the SoP.

    I started with a basic introduction, and then discussed the reasons behind graduating in law, my professional goals, why the particular specialisation appealed to me the most, and my professional and academic achievements and activities.

    Choosing referees for the Letters of Recommendation

    Most applications require at least two academic referees, but this must be confirmed as well. If you have more than three years’ experience, then professional reference would also suffice. You should make sure what are the universities’ application requirements regarding LoR.

    Choose the professor or lecturer who has taught you or has supervised your project or research paper. Make sure what your graduation university’s rules are in case of visiting professor, in case you have such professor in mind.

    In general, I would like to reiterate: give yourself some years of practice to understand what you wish to specialize in, do your research on modules you wish to study, explore scholarship options as soon as possible and finally do what you think is best for you and interests you. 

    I wish students applying for an LLM all the best and good luck!

    Give yourself some years of practice to understand what you wish to specialize in, do your research on modules you wish to study, explore scholarship options as soon as possible and finally do what you think is best for you and interest’s you.

     

    End Notes

  • The LLM #Admissions: Javier Aviles Tovar, IE Law School

    I first came across IE Law School while attending a lecture by one of their faculty members on legal technology. Digging a little deeper, I found a well-established law school that has a pretty interesting set of programs, especially at the post-graduate level and for those interested in law and technology.

    It is also a law school that is investing a lot of time and effort in India.

    Javier Alives Tovar, IE Law School
    Javier Alives Tovar, IE Law School

    In this edition of the Admissions Interviews, I speak with Javier Aviles, the Associate Director of Admissions. In this interview, he discusses the benefits of an international LLM, the LLM admission process at IE Law School, recruitments of international lawyers, and a whole lot more.

    What do you think are the benefits of an international LLM in general, and more specifically, the ones offered by IE Law School?

    International LLMs could be the key to generate an enriching experience on the base of a practical and interdisciplinary approach, oriented to satisfy the present and future needs of the legal and corporate global community. This is, in a nutshell, the essence of all our programs.

    In the last 35 years, IE Law School has consolidated itself as a national and international reference in training globally oriented law practitioners. This has been achieved through a combination of an extraordinarily rich and varied faculty, programs based on the case-method, active research centers that bring together scholars, practitioners and students, and sophisticated programs which count with an active involvement of top civil servants and lawyers.

    The School benefits from an intensive focus on technology in terms of content and learning methods, promotes an entrepreneurial mindset in students to transform the practice of law, and generates relevant knowledge of business-related areas to create value.

    The School benefits from an intensive focus on technology in terms of content and learning methods, promotes an entrepreneurial mindset in students to transform the practice of law, and generates relevant knowledge of business-related areas to create value.

    We deliver top-notch, innovative, globally oriented and multidisciplinary legal education that breaks traditional barriers to shape the legal professionals of tomorrow.

    The mission of IE Law School is to form excellent lawyers that can become global leaders, thanks both to their outstanding skills and to their courageous commitment to promote constantly the global common good. We promote this in many ways: by establishing strategic alliances with key stakeholders from common law and civil law jurisdictions, by introducing a clinical approach to law and by engaging with companies in developing extremely sophisticated programs.

    How early do you think prospective applicants should start with their LLM applications?

    The admissions process is a rolling process; therefore there is no deadline to receive applications. Notwithstanding, early application is recommended given the limited number of seats in the program.

    We seek candidates who are dynamic, motivated and creative and who not only demonstrate academic and professional excellence, but who also offer the type of interpersonal skills that will foster integration and drive the maximum learning experience throughout the program.

     A few specific questions on the application:

    Can Indian law graduates seek an exemption from the English requirements?

    Advance certificate (C1 level) is required for all non-native English-speaking applicants. This requirement does apply also for Indian Law Graduates.

    What are the kind of questions that are asked in the online assessment, as well as the personal interview?

    The Admissions Department has a rigorous selection process.

    We seek motivated, creative and high-potential candidates who stand out for their academic and/or professional achievements, as well as interpersonal skills.

    What are the qualifying scores in the GMAT, LSAT, GRE and IEGAT?

    Students are required to take either the GMAT, GRE, LSAT or IEGAT, but we do not have a minimum grade. We take a holistic approach when evaluating each candidate in order to bring in the most talented people into our international classrooms.

    A lot of applicants find the essay/personal statement component to be particularly challenging. Any advice on how one ought to go about writing the essay?

    Just be yourself. We are looking for dynamic, motivated and creative students, with interpersonal skills that will foster integration and drive the maximum learning experience.

    Some of your LLM programs have an online component – how does this work? And how many hours per day would you say are required to fulfil this component?

    IE structures the programs to give you the flexibility to learn in the way that best works for you. Whether you choose a part-time or a full-time format, you gain the same global content, access to world-class faculty, and will be awarded with the same Master’s degree and the same certificate.

    The part-time format, intended for working professionals, combines online classes with face-to-face periods. The workload will vary from student to student but 10 to 15 hours per week could be an accurate average.

    Dean Javier has spoken about the Windows of the World room being used for law students – can you share a bit of information on how students and faculty have benefitted from this?

    Javier de Cendra refers to Window of the World Room or WOW Room. This is a classroom with a 260 degree screen. This space enables to create a very real, unique learning experience where students from different jurisdictions can come together.

    It is a unique experience that enables professors to analyze students’ reactions. And just as importantly, the WOW Room permits academics to bring their passion to teaching, which plays a key role in the learning process.

    Do you see a large number of international LLM students being recruited in in Spain and the EU region?

    International law firms and Company legal departments in Europe and in Spain increasingly demand lawyers with a global perspective, who are able to add value in complex international transactions.

    This includes combining top quality legal advice with an in-depth understanding of business issues and the highest standards of professional ethics. IE LLMs will give you the knowledge and skills to become the perfect business lawyer.

    Finally, any data that you can share on the amount of scholarships, if any, that international LLM applicants can expect?

    The IE Foundation awards tuition assistance to talented students based on economic need, merit, distinctive competencies and academic/professional excellence. Scholarships generally can cover up to 40% of tuition and a few of them can even go up to 100% depending on the candidates profile and financial need.

  • First Person Accounts: Akhil C. Unnam on the TADS at Sciences Po

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

    Akhil Chowdary Unnam
    Akhil Chowdary Unnam

    In this edition of the FPA, I do an e-mail interview with Akhil Chowdary Unnam who recently graduated with an LLM in Transnational Arbitration & Dispute Settlement (Class of ’18) from Sciences Po Law School.

    Akhil, who completed an undergraduate degree in law from Osmania University (Class of ’17), is currently a Deputy Counsel at the International Chamber of Commerce in Singapore.  Here, he talks about starting early with LLM applications, the TADS course, and a whole lot more.

     

    Given that you went for an LLM immediately after your undergrad, when did you start thinking about an LLM, and how long did you spend on the application process?

    From my fourth year in law, that’s when I started to consider the possibility of pursuing an LLM. But to be completely honest, I had no idea which area to specialise in, all I knew was that I wanted to do a master’s degree abroad. That is where my work experience helped me. Since my undergrad college barely took five hours a day, I utilized the remaining time to intern in law firms. This helped me quickly discover where my interests lie and what my strengths are.

    My time at my family law firm – Unnam Law Firm & Associates is where I realised that my interests lie in Arbitration. I quickly began my research into the LLMs in Arbitration and started to familiarise myself with the application process. For someone who never left my home before, it was all overwhelming. I must say that I spent a good part of the year trying to understand the admission process, preparing my personal statement, my resume and getting the recommendation letters together etc. It took close to 3 months for me just to perfect my personal statement.

    For someone who never left my home before, it was all overwhelming. I must say that I spent a good part of the year trying to understand the admission process, preparing my personal statement, my resume and getting the recommendation letters together etc.

    I used various websites which compared different LLMs as my starting point and then started digging into their websites. One other thing that helped me greatly was talking to the alumni of the LLMs. This gave me an insider perspective into the university and also helped me gauge job opportunities. I scoured the internet for articles on how to make a perfect application. I also took advice from family and friends who already did a master’s degree.

    One of the most time consuming and tricky part was collecting the supporting documents from my University at home. Since each LLM has its own special requirements, I had some trouble collecting all the necessary certificates from my home University. The fact that I was making my application during my end of my fourth-year undergrad made it very difficult to get all the necessary certificates. This emphasises the importance of starting early so that you are not caught off guard in case you miss something or the LLM admissions committee requests additional documentation.

    What were the other law schools that you looked at, and what made you narrow down on SciencesPo?

    I looked into the MIDS program in Geneva, Queen Mary University in London, and Stockholm University. My decision to narrow down to the LLM in Transnational Arbitration and Dispute Settlement (TADS as we call it) at Sciences Po was primarily influenced by the structure of the program, the faculty, its proximity to ICC and its presence in Paris. I looked at TADS program and realised that it struck the perfect balance between academic learning, practical training and a university of excellence, that was exactly what I wanted.

    The aspect of the program that really attracted me was that there was an option to skip writing a master’s thesis and do an internship. Yes! This is what made the decision for me. Moreover, Paris is, arguably the capital of international arbitration and a chance to be trained in Paris by the best scholars and practitioners was simply too good an opportunity to miss.

    Studying the TADS in Paris

    The aspect of the program that really attracted me was that there was an option to skip writing a master’s thesis and do an internship. Yes! This is what made the decision for me. Moreover, Paris is, arguably the capital of international arbitration and a chance to be trained in Paris by the best scholars and practitioners was simply too good an opportunity to miss.

    Did you apply for any sort of financial aid?

    Yes, there are two scholarships that I applied to. The first one was the scholarship that Campus France offers for the living expenses and the second one was the financial aid that the LLM envisages. Unfortunately, I couldn’t secure either of the two scholarships. Thankfully, I had my family to support me financially.

    One of the more challenging aspects of the application is the Personal Statement – any advice on how one ought to go about writing it?

    The trick is to start early and have as many eyes as possible on it. The Personal Statement is not just an important part of the application, but it is the most important part of your application.

    It took me close to three months to perfect my Personal Statement, and I was still afraid that it wasn’t enough. I have to share an incident here. Initially, I got some rejections from some universities. Naturally, this put me down for a while. But I picked myself up and went back to the drawing board. I reviewed all my documentation – my resume, personal statement etc., and realised that I made some minor but important errors that affected my candidature. This proves my earlier point on how important it is to have the opinion of your peers, your supervisors, your family on your personal statement and resume.

    In the process of making the application, you work on your personal statement and resume for months together and after a while, naturally your eye stops detecting mistakes and everything looks rosy and picture perfect. If you start experiencing this at any stage of your application process, immediately take a step back and get a second opinion of a fresh set of eyes on your work. You would want your mistakes to be pointed out at home rather than at the admissions committees.

    On the TADS, you have written about the “practical training workshops” – could you describe what these workshops are like?

    The workshops are a carefully curated set of practical training sessions with the best practitioners in the top-tier law firms and arbitral institutions. TADS program was designed in such a way that it put us directly in contact with the Partners, Heads of International Arbitration and Associates of the top tier law firms like Linklaters, Clifford Chance, White and Case, Shearman and Sterling, Quinn Emanuel, Hogan Lovells, Dechert, Bredin Prat, Gide etc.

    The workshops enabled us to have the hands-on experience of all the aspects of international arbitration. We had workshops on Drafting Arbitration Provisions, Selecting Arbitrators, Advocacy in Transnational Arbitration, Pre & Post Arbitral Litigation, Interim Measures, Evidentiary Issues in International Arbitration, Cross-Examination of Witnesses & Experts, Gathering Evidence in Transnational Litigation, Working with (economical, technical and legal) Experts, Evidence, Energy Arbitration. We also had a workshop on the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the ICC Arbitration Week- a week-long practical training session in the ICC.

    For me, the ICC week was the highlight of all the workshops, we not only got trained on ICC arbitration by the members of the Secretariat, but we also got a chance to observe a plenary session of the ICC Court of Arbitration. By the end of the year, we were not only well rounded but completely prepared to deal with all the challenges that our work throw at us. It is safe to call these 100+ hours of workshops as a mini-internship.

    By the end of the year, we were not only well rounded but completely prepared to deal with all the challenges that our work throw at us. It is safe to call these 100+ hours of workshops as a mini-internship.

    How did you go about securing a position in the International Chamber of Commerce, and could you tell me a bit about what a typical workday involves?

    It was my dream to work for ICC when I left for Paris. In fact, as I said previously, ICC’s presence was one of the key reasons that influenced my decision to apply for TADS. I began my attempts to secure an internship in ICC right after I began my LLM. I was always on ICC’s website waiting for an opportunity to show up.

    Finally, in December 2018 the applications for an internship began and I made my application right away. I was called for an interview a few weeks later. I was very nervous but gave my best shot and I got the good news a few weeks later. During my internship, I was assigned to the Middle East case management team and the management (Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General and Managing Counsel). Halfway through my internship, I was called to interview for the present position as a Deputy Counsel in the Singapore case management team. Thankfully, all went well and here I am.

    On a typical workday, my role as a Deputy Counsel involves both legal and administrative tasks such as: reviewing and processing requests for arbitration and other documents filed by parties, arbitrators and others during arbitration proceedings; preparing agendas (memoranda) briefing the International Court of Arbitration on decisions it is required to take; correspondence and telephone conversations with parties and arbitral tribunals concerning all aspects of case management, answering general queries about the ICC arbitral process, monitoring the financial aspects of the arbitrations handled by the team etc.

    Last question – any advice for Indian law grads who are looking to do an LLM abroad? 

    Hard work, perseverance and integrity, with these three, one can achieve anything. Pick a field that you are very interested in, an LLM is a big commitment, it is not to be taken lightly. If you pursue something that you are interested in, the hard work will not be too daunting.

    You will come across naysayers who say that the field you choose is not viable or does not have a future, pay no heed. Every field has its own speciality and potential, it is also important to pick an LLM that suits your plans. For example, someone who wishes to become an academician needs to take a different path than someone who wants to become a practising lawyer.

    You will come across naysayers who say that the field you choose is not viable or does not have a future, pay no heed. Every field has its own speciality and potential, it is also important to pick an LLM that suits your plans.

    Please also keep in mind that, while an LLM multiplies your career opportunities, it does not guarantee you a job. The reason is that, when you pursue a career in an international arena, you are competing with not just the students in that country but everyone else in the world in the same field.

    Weigh in your finances, your academic interests and career opportunities while taking a decision to pursue an LLM. Parting advice, do not give up easy, rejections are part of the game, find a way to pick yourself up and get back into the game!

     

    End Notes

  • First Person Accounts: Varsha Kashyap on the MLB at Bucerius Law School

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

    Varsha Kashyap
    Varsha Kashyap

    In this edition of the FPA, I speak with Varsha Kashyap who is currently enrolled at the Master of Law and Business programme at Bucerius Law School. A graduate of Symbiosis Law School, Pune (Class of 2015), worked at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas for nearly three years before enrolling for the MLB where she also happens to be a recipient of the Bucerius Global Scholarship.

    The MLB is an interesting course, a sort of hybrid between commerce and law which I think will be a good match for Indian lawyers looking to get greater insights into the business side of things. Anyway, here is the FPA.

    (Edited excerpts)

    At what point in time did you start thinking about a master’s course? Was this the plan as an undergraduate student, or only something you decided to do after working for a few years?

    During my undergraduate studies, I don’t think I considered pursuing a master’s program very seriously since I wanted to start working as soon as I graduated. However, after about three years of working, I felt the need to go back to school and study subjects that I was interested in, but never got the opportunity to study in law school.

    Also, I think the three years of work experience really helped me understand myself as a lawyer and introspect about the kind of subjects I wanted to study and the kind of work I wanted to do in the future.

    Why Bucerius’ MLB? Was it something to do with your time as a DAAD scholar as an undergraduate? Were there any other schools that you applied to?

    The Bucerius MLB is a mini-MBA and a mini-LLM rolled up into a power packed one-year program which focuses on law, business and technology – which was what I was looking for. The program has about 35 participants from 22 countries from both, law and business backgrounds. This makes class discussions and group activities really interesting as we are working with people with diverse backgrounds, ideas and experience.

    Yes, applying to Germany was definitely influenced by my time here as a DAAD Scholar in 2013 when I participated in a summer exchange program in Germany. During that time, I remember deciding to come back to study and work for a few years in Germany.

    The only other university I applied to, was the Institute for Law and Finance in Frankfurt. The master’s program at ILF would have complemented the work I had done as a corporate lawyer in India. However, I chose the Bucerius MLB because of the unique course structure and the subjects.

    On the MLB application – any advice on writing the personal statement, as well as the Global Scholarship application? How early should one start the application process? 

    Well, my personal statement was an honest essay on why I applied to study in Germany and why I chose the course. Bucerius does appreciate community engagement and student activities, so I suggest including such experience in the personal statement.

    “Well, my personal statement was an honest essay on why I applied to study in Germany and why I chose the course. Bucerius does appreciate community engagement and student activities, so I suggest including such experience in the personal statement.”

    The Bucerius Global Scholarship application is pretty straight forward – it just needs an essay of 750 words identifying a problem in the business or legal field and providing a practical solution. Since the essay can only consist of 750 words, I suggest contextualising the problem you identify early on in the essay and working towards a practical solution in the latter part.

    The deadline for the Bucerius Global Scholarship and the early-bird fee discount is January 15 in 2019 (this could change from year to year). I would suggest starting the course and scholarship application in the beginning of December, so you have enough time to fill out all details in the application.

    What are some of the bigger differences in the learning experience between your undergrad and post-grad days? 

    During my undergrad days, I was being introduced to legal concepts and ideas for the first time. However, during my post-grad days, I am learning and re-learning legal concepts and ideas with emphasis on its practical application and how law and business interact in daily life. Personally, I have enjoyed being back in class and going to day-long classes (something I did not particularly enjoy during my undergrad days) because it involves learning something new every day.

    Of course, it goes without saying that participating in a master’s program requires a lot of pre-class reading and group work which could involve diverse topics like pitching a business plan to investors or analysing start-up strategies.

    You are also part of the LWOW project – how did you get involved in this, and what was that experience like? 

    The LWOW program is an elective offered as part of the MLB course. So, Bucerius selects 3-4 students for the program based on an internal selection process and I was one of the 4 students chosen in 2019 for the LWOW original program which hosts a kick-off at IE University in Segovia and a conposium at the University of Miami Law School in Miami.

    LWOW is a part-virtual experiential learning program designed to train future and current lawyers, transform how professionals collaborate, and create innovations that solve problems at the intersection of law, business, and technology. As part of the LWOW, teams co-create a Project of Worth: a business case, prototype, commercial, marketing campaign, and more to a real problem sponsored by a corporate legal department, law company, or law firm.

    “As part of the LWOW, teams co-create a Project of Worth: a business case, prototype, commercial, marketing campaign, and more to a real problem sponsored by a corporate legal department, law company, or law firm.”

    At the kick-off, we meet all LWOW participants from universities across the world, participate in a hackathon and are assigned teams and topics to work with for the next 3 months. Once the project is ready, all teams will present their ‘Project of Worth’ at Miami Law School in April 2019.

    What is your reading of the employment market in Germany? I ask because for a lot of LLM applicants, recruitments are a vital factor in the final decision. 

    I think the German employment market is maybe easier to enter as compared to the UK or the US markets – but I say this only from a work-visa stand point. This is because Germany offers a ‘looking for work’ visa which allows students to stay back in Germany for 18 months after the completion of the course to look for a permanent job.

    Of course, knowing German is extremely essential as German is the working language in most companies and law firms. However, there are start-ups and companies in cities like Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt where there are many English speakers – but, in most cases, people end of learning German eventually.

    “Working in Germany as a lawyer is really tough as all lawyers that can advise on German law are required to pass the 2 state exams in Germany to qualify for the German bar. However, there are many roles in law firms and the Big 4s which require jurisdiction specific knowledge – so India desks, China desks and legal tech teams are always an option at international law firms.”

    And this may be relevant for law students – working in Germany as a lawyer is really tough as all lawyers that can advise on German law are required to pass the 2 state exams in Germany to qualify for the German bar. However, there are many roles in law firms and the Big 4s which require jurisdiction specific knowledge – so India desks, China desks and legal tech teams are always an option at international law firms.

    Finally, any advice for Indian law grads who are looking to pursue a master’s course outside the country? 

    I would say go for it – it is an experience like no other and it can really change your perception of the world and its workings. But do try and formulate a path for yourself after the master’s program as well – especially if you are taking part in the program after a few years of work experience.

    Having a defined path can help you decide on which projects to undertake and which subjects and internships to choose. Of course, it is also okay to choose a program and see where it leads you – for the most part, this has been my approach.

    “Having a defined path can help you decide on which projects to undertake and which subjects and internships to choose. Of course, it is also okay to choose a program and see where it leads you – for the most part, this has been my approach.”

     

    End Notes.

    • What: Masters of Law and Business, Bucerius Law School
    • Tuition: EUR 22,000 (Please refer website for latest figures)
    • Application Deadline: March 31 (Please refer website to confirm)

  • #Events alert: Study UK fairs to be held in 7 cities + SOAS individual counselling

    buildings-bus-cars-163037

    If you are contemplating an LLM (or any other master’s course) from a university in the UK, you would do well to attend the Study UK fairs that are going to be held across the country in February.

    The dates (detailed list here) are as follows:

    • February 2 – Bangalore
    • February 3 – Chennai
    • February 4 – Hyderabad
    • February 6 – Pune
    • February 7 – Cochin
    • February 8 – Mumbai
    • February 9 – Delhi

    Of particular interest to Indian law graduates may be the following institutions (please confirm that they are participating in your city):

    In addition to this, David Taylor- Tumilty, International Officer at SOAS, will be visiting India and can be contacted for individual counselling sessions.

    His e-mail is mentioned on his profile page, and he will be available on the following days;

    • Bangalore – Taj MG Road
      31 January from 18:00 to 21:00
      03 February from 11:00 to 15:00
    • Mumbai – Taj Lands End
      06 February from 10:30 to 15:00
    • New Delhi – Hyatt Regency
      10 February from 11:00 to 17:00