National Jurist - November 2007 - (Page 35)

LL.M. programs for international students: what to consider in your selection BY URSULA FURI-PERRY, J.D. Whether you’re an international student who wants to practice in the United States, a practicing foreign lawyer looking to study American law or an international professional hoping to add to your academic credentials, an American LL.M. program might just be your ticket. But all LL.M. programs are not created equal and you need to do some research to make sure you select the program that’s right for you. First, determine your motivation and reasons behind getting your LL.M., said Allen Weiner, international law professor at Stanford Law School. If you want to work in traditional public international law, you’ll need an entirely different curriculum than if you’re interested in doing transactional work with American attorneys and want a deeper understanding of American law. Whatever your preferred field, look for a program with a specific theoretical or pedagogical orientation, Weiner said, rather than a general LL.M. program with no focus. Make sure you leave the program with a thorough understanding of basic American common law — you’ll need that whether you intend to practice in the U.S. or take your knowledge back home with you. Look for an environment that’s friendly and welcoming to foreign students, said Daniel Bradlow, professor and director of the International Legal Studies Program at American University Washington College of Law. Study the program’s student composition and look for diversity and plenty of foreign students, said American University Dean Claudio Grossman. The more diverse a program is, the more opportunities you’ll have for networking and studying with experienced professionals. Don’t forget to look at alumni, who make up the program’s contacts and history, and who’s practicing where, Grossman said. Herbert Larson, director of International Programs at Tulane Law School, said students should first find out what sort of orientation program is offered. “Is there assistance with English, legal terminology and language tutorials?” he said. If the school doesn’t offer any of those programs to foreign LL.M. students, you may find yourself lost among a sea of American law students. “Without an advisor who really will see your way through the institution, it’s going to be a difficult experience,” said Adelaide Ferguson, assistant vice president for International Education at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. Look for a solid organizational structure in terms of counseling, advising and international student assistance, Ferguson said. Grossman said students should look for a program that’s integrated, both in terms of allowing J.D. students to interact with foreign students and in integrating domestic and international legal theories in classes. Students should look for a comparative method rather than enclave programs because “you learn by comparison,” Grossman said. Developing a cultural competency of the United States is one of the reasons students come to this country, Ferguson Continued on next page Carlos Davila-Caballero, assistant dean for career development and diversity initiatives at Tulane University Law School, discusses ways to get a job overseas. Click here to watch the video. November 2007 THE NATIONAL JURIST 35

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - November 2007

National Jurist - November 2007 Contents Disturbing the Peace For the Record Blogs: The Death-knell for Law Reviews? Chemerinsky Heads UC-Irvine Ave Maria Dispute Raises ABA Inquiry John Marshall Establishes Veterans Clinic The Firm Report The Paper Chase Chronicles Law School Rankings at Math's Mercy Academic Freedom Called into Question St. Thomas Students Choose ‘Quality of Life’ Experience The Hidden Debt Crisis The Global Frontier International Education has to be a Part of Any Legal Education Employment Defender Career Hotline Off the Bench

National Jurist - November 2007

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