An increasing number of students are pursuing an LLM in the United States. Universities, domestic students, and international students alike benefit from this merging of global cultures. Read about three graduates from various corners of the globe who share their experiences obtaining the LLM at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Alyne Kemunto Mariaria, Kenya
Joining the LLM program at Case is one of the best decisions I ever made. Besides being situated in Cleveland, Ohio, one of the cheapest cities to live in, the environment was very conducive for learning.

Having an LLM has opened doors for me in places I always wished to go. I got an internship with Amnesty International immediately after graduation. The Fredrick Cox International Law Center graciously provided a stipend which enabled me to work with the AIUSA office in Washington, DC.

I managed to do a Public International Law concentration with a special focus on human rights and humanitarian law, and worked with alumni who proved very useful in terms of providing career advice and ultimately made me feel a part of a large family.

Chaiwat Pae, Thailand
I felt like I was in my family while I was studying for my LLM degree; I got an opportunity to make friends and learn international cultures from peers. Not only did I get legal experience, but I also learned about American lifestyle because of the mentor program for international students.

My program gave me the opportunity to study with JD students and the professor also allowed me to participate in the classroom. These things make international students improve their English, especially in writing which is very important for lawyers. I feel that the LLM program gave me a unique characteristic for success in getting a job in Thailand. (I am working for Tilleke and Gibbins International Ltd. as a lawyer in the firm’s Corporate and Commercial Department.)

The LLM also provides law students with a basic understanding of U.S. laws and other international legal concepts so you can apply them to your own country.

Maria Sarca, Romania
Having freshly passed my law license exam in Romania, I enrolled in the LLM in U.S. and Global Legal Studies program with the goal of expanding my knowledge to an international level, as well as becoming a licensed attorney. At that time, I was living in Cleveland with my parents.

I had the great honor and fortune to attend courses taught by professors and lawyers who shared their wide knowledge and experience as counsel at some of the biggest companies and law firms in the United States.

I found the academic atmosphere of the LLM program to be very competitive, but the students found the time to relax and get to know each other. I have kept in touch with a number of JDs and LLMs, some based in Cleveland, others all around the world.

I am now a licensed Ohio attorney working for a Fortune 500 company in the Greater Cleveland area.