澳际拟于11月5号与威廉玛丽
法学院进行线上访谈的第二波合作，W&M法学院LLM项目组的Associate Director, Jennifer Stevenson将再次莅临澳际与法学院的学子亲密沟通。《你好！招生官》第一弹前情回顾：2014年4月11日，Jennifer曾在澳际法律板块与大家畅谈法学院的招生准则与学习生活。
*以下是问答汇总*
Q1.Are there some work or internship opportunities inside the campus,such as TA,RA or others available for graduate students?
There are some jobs on campus, but most students don't have time to work during the LLM program. That is why we give scholarships to almost every student to support their studies.
Q2.What about the situation of LLM graduates' OPT work?
Our students dinitely apply for OPT and take the OPT year to work somewhere in the US. We help facilitate the OPT application.
Q3.In terms of the enrolling students,where do they come from?How many Chinese students?How many of them have work experience ?
There will be about 40 students and most will be from China. We will also have some from India, UK and other countries. About 50% will likely have prior work experience. We look for people who have work experience bore coming to the program.
Q4.Hope everything goes well with you in Williamsburg. My name is Ben Xing and I am a 09Fall W&M LLM graduate.
Given the fact that many friends in this forum are quite interested in W&M, could you explain that in your opinion, specifically for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, what are the top 3 advantages and disadvantages of W&M compared to other law schools ranking lower than T14 (such as...University of Washington...haha)?
As for those LLM students who wish to find a job/internship in the States (such as NY, DC or VA), what is your suggestion? What can W&M offer to them?
Many thanks for your kindly help. I am so proud of being part of W&M.
Hi Ben, thanks so much for facilitating this forum. Go Tribe is right!
I can't say anything negative about University of Washington, which is my double alma mater! :)
Advantages for William and Mary:
1. Size
-- we are a smaller school and you will get individual attention here.
2. Cost -- we give scholarships to international students and it isn't so expensive to live in Williamsburg.
3. Environment -- Williamsburg is a safe and beautiful place.
Disadvantages:
1. We are not in NY, so if you like the big city, this is not the place. :)
2. We do have internship opportunities in the area, but it will help to have a car.
3. We are not on the West coast and I am a West coast girl! :)
We dinitely offer internships for credit during the Spring semester. For the jobs during the OPT year, I suggets working with a firm or company that has a special connection to China, such as major Chinese clients or a China practice. This is the easiest way to get your "foot in the door."
Q5.My question is quite a general one. As one of the candidates, I am curious about in what sequence will you Admission Office review our materials (i.e. TOEFL, GPA, PS, CV etc.)? And，which one or two material（s）is/are more important for your decision?
Hi there! Good question! We generally assemble a file for students with all of the materials you mention and read the entire file together. However, a good TOEFL score will attract attention. A prestigious school -- such as Renmin -- will also get attention. However, if you are a high rank in your class (Numbers 1 or 2, for example), the admissions committee will also be impressed. Finally, if you have passed the Chinese licensing exam and/or have practiced law, this will also help.
Q6.I'll join your LL.M. program this year. Thanks for answering our questions!
I notice that the 2015 NYBar admission requires at least 50 hours of pro bono service, so I really concern with the opportunity to perform the service. Will the school help us LL.M. students to contact with related organizations?
Hooray! Welcome to William and Mary!! Many of our LLM students do a Spring externship at a non-profit that meets the NY pro bono requirement. So yes, this is dinitely a possibility. We have pre-approved externships at places like Legal Aid, so if you apply to them and get the externship, the school has already approved it as a good placement for LLM/JD students. Some of our students are deciding NOT to do the pro bono work until after the bar exam or to do it in China, where they have more connections. I personally like it when students do the externships in the US, since it is such good experience. However, the LLM year is short and you have limited to do everything! This is especially true if you want to take a short vacation somewhere! :)
Q7.I am so glad that GTER made it to invite you to answer interested applicants' questions.I am an admitted applicant for your LL.M. Program of 2014 Fall. It's highly appreciated if you could kindly answer my questions below.
1. Could you please give some suggestions on how to prepare to get accustomed to the rigorous demands of law school for international students who are not planning to take the Legal Advantage Program?
2. How to be selected to tansfer into the J.D. Program from the LL.M. Program? Will there be any scholorships available to the qulified students?
3. Is it allowed to take some courses during the summer session after the month of May (the end of the Spring semester) if I am really interested in some courses but not have time to take during the prior fall and spring semesters? OR is it possible to extend my graduation to July or August? I am asking this question because the length of time of studying in the U.S. is important for me to live in Beijing after coming back from the U.S. according to the complex residence policies of Beijing.
Thanks in advance for your kind reply and look forward to the incoming enjoyable experience in W&M.
Many thanks to bananayuxiao (Ben Xing) who has contributed many information about the LL.M. Program in W&M in this forum.
Very good questions! Yikes, you guys it is still early in the morning here in the 'Burg.
The best predictor of how students do in the LLM program is their English ability -- speaking, listening, reading and writing. That is why we do look at the TOEFL scores so carully!! I would try to discipline yourself to read books, newspapers, etc. in English. If you can find someone to speak English with, this is even better. The more you can totally commit to "living in English," the better. My best advice is to make some American JD friends through sports or other activities immediately. You need to start doing everything in English and the school work will become easier earlier on.
Yes, we do transfer the top LLM students (who want to transfer) to the JD program. The top 10% grade-wise. Also, these people are usually the best English speakers/writers. We do give scholarships for JD transfers.
Right now, other than Legal Advantage, the LLM students don't usually take summer classes. Everyone pretty much starts in the Fall. However, we are trying to get a 3 semester option in place for Class of 2015, which would allow students to do another semester to specialize their studies. I am working on getting this approved this summer -- as well as taking some small vacations! :)
Your third question could be solved easily. Just apply for the OPT session after graduation in May and you could stay in US for one more year. The policy of staying in Beijing requires you to complete your degree and stay here for at least 360 days. So the LLM program plus OPT duration is enough.
Q8.Many thanks to your fort and patience to answer the questions of the us, it is really considerate.I am an applicant to your 2014 LLM Program, and my questions are as follows,
1. Since there is almost three months lt for the enrolled students this year, what kind of prep work should we do bore going to the law school? Do you have anything particular (i.e. like publications and websites) for recommendation?
2. If I want to pursue further studies as a JD student in other law schools after graduation, is it contradictory in time to sit for the BAR and be well prepared to take the LSAT ?
3. Are there detailed information about the ratio of graduates who successfully found jobs/internships in the U.S., or in their home country these years?
Of course! It is my pleasure to talk to you, if only in print!
Regarding the prep for LLM program, I am still a fan of the Legal Advantage program. You basically get 4 additional weeks to prepare for school and get acclimated to Williamsburg. If you can't do it, that is understandable and I would start preparing in China. Please see my answers below on "living in English" to guide you.
Regarding the LSAT and bar exams -- well, most of the students choose one or the other to focus on. It is even difficult to study for the LSAT during the LLM year. I would choose one or the other approach, so you're not so overwhelmed and more focused.
I don't have specific numbers on where people decided to go after graduation. I think people may change their focus depending on the opportunities. One of our graduates passed the NY Bar, but decided to get a Ph.D. in Germany. I do think that most all of the Chinese LLMs were able to get an OPT placement if they wanted to stay in the US. Most of our graduates are in NYC. It's my understanding that if you want to go back to China right after the Bar Exam, it will be quite easy to get a job!
Q9.I would like to ask whether, in the process of reviewing applications, the committee will pay more attention on diversity. For example, If several applicants are in the same undergraduate university, will you admit all of them if they are qualified?
LLM students could take bar exam in many states in the US, New York Bar is the most attractive one, it will be easier for Chinese to accept and for you to find a job.
We do look at diversity and are always happy to see students from new schools. Now, we are getting students from Beijing Forestry because of an excellent LLM this year.
However, if we receive a lot of good applications from
ECUPL or other larger schools, we will admit all of the good applicants. There is no limit per school.
Q10.I am an admitted student of 14 Fall and I have decided to attend W&M Law School.
According to many students who are attending law school now or have graduated from law school, it is not an easy thing to finish the heavy reading requirements, especially at the very beginning of the first semester. Do you have some suggestions on how to improve our reading ability and how to quickly adapt to the new teaching method?
In addition, I noticed that you have a lot of clinical programs, do LL.M. students have the opportunity to attend these programs?
Lastly, I’d like to give thanks to all the graduate admission officers who helped me through email. Thank you for your time and patient. I look forward to seeing you this July in Williamsburg.
Class of 2015! Welcome!! I am looking forward to seeing everyone in person.
The socratic method will be an adjustment. I won't lie -- it's even difficult for the American JDs. You do need to be "brave" and answer questions in class and raise your hand. Everyone is nervous, but once you do it, it will be fine. If you don't do this at the start, it will become a bigger and bigger deal and you'll feel more pressure.
We do have clinical programs. Typically, the LLM students haven't been able to do these because they are too busy with their more basic courses. The externships in the Spring have been more popular. If you are really, really interested in a clinic, we could look into this.
You're welcome! We are so proud of our LLM program and want to make your transition to life in the 'Burg as easy as possible.
Q11.I would like to ask why the law shool estabilsh LLM program? Some people say it is for the professional lawyers to gain knowledge in some fixed field, such as IP, human rights. However, some others say that it is just for the international students to get cured in knowledge without the JD background to be eligable for the bar examinations.
Interesting question! I think originally the program was started so we would have more international students here at William and Mary and be more global. This is still a focus. Now, I think it's because so many people want the LLM experience and the NY Bar. For American students, I think the specialization in tax or IP is the reason for the other LLM programs. As I mentioned bore, I'm working a 3 semester program so LLMs have more time to specialize! One year is too short!
Q12.I want to know what is the order of importance for your evaluation of one applicatant: GPA, TOEFL, School fame, personality. I know that some law school provide conditional admission of LLM program. From my point of view, English is very important for the lawyer. Does the conditional admission mean the weakness of this kind of program? Look forward to your reply.
Very good questions. I believe I answered about the TOEFL, school prestige, etc. above. So please see if that answered your specific questions. The conditional admission allows people who are very interested in the program to get committed early, but it does recognize that perhaps the applicant's English isn't quite up to the standards. I don't think the program itself is weaker, I think it's reacting to a need for students to get into the school to get the ESL they need. William and Mary is doing some limited conditional admissions so people can get government funding. Ultimately, the applicants must meet the TOEFL requirements at the end of their ESL programs.
Q13.I’m preparing the text now and I hope I’ll be one of W&M Law School student next year. My questions are:
1.What do you think the most important quality or ability for a LLM student？
2.To apply for the scholarship must require a good academic level?
We will give scholarship consideration to every LLM student. Almost all of our LLM students get some scholarship!!The scholarships are really based on your academics, English ability and prior work experience. A high TOEFL score can help!
I think the most important quality for a LLM student is to embrace the experience. You must commit to living in the US, speaking English, meeting new friends and basically transforming yourself during this experience.
Q14.Thank you for sparing your time to response to our concerns and inquiries. We have heard so many nice things about your school already and I believe more and more Chinese students would consider applying to your school after this nice gesture. I would like to ask:
1) whether there are any particular changes/improvements WM has been making to increase the ranking in US News? as we all know, WM made a drastic bounce to #24. Though the US News is said to be a guideline for JD students, I'm curious whether there are any improvements which also benit the LLM students?
2) Since LLM program lasts 9 months only, except focusing on the courses, whether there is any opportunity for LLM students to participate in extra-curriculum activities like legal clinic/mooting competitions etc?
Yes, the rankings dinitely help the LLM students. Employers look at these rankings, too. They will recognize a graduate from a top 25 law school. There are many opportunities for LLMs to do extra-curricular things, but some of the activities are limited because the teams are chosen the year bore. We can dinitely talk about your goals and see what you want to do individually. I will say that many of the LLMs don't have time for too many activities (same with the JDs) because of the demands of law school. That being said, I do encourage people to join organizations and do school activities to make new friends and learn more about the community. Please let me know if this answers your questions.
Q15.I was newly admitted to WM this year. I would like to ask you some questions about WM Law:
1. If I successfully transfer to JD program after my LL.M. Program study in the future, will I be given fully consideration of granting scholarships?
2. Besides internships at law firms, are there any opportunities for LL.M. Students looking for internships at legal authorities, such as in courts or D.A. Office, as far as you know?
3. Do LL.M. Students participate in other extracurricular activities in WM Law often, such as moot trial competitions or law journals editing?
Yes, the JD transfer students from LLM do receive scholarship consideration.
Yes, the internships can be in public or private legal organizations. We do have opportunities at local, state and national government.
There are many, many extracurriculars. I really encourage you to do a club -- such as the International Law Society! I am the faculty advisor. However, school is rigorous and you will have less time than in undergraduate for outside activities. Joining a few projects/organizations/conferences will be enough!!
Q16.I might be a little special among the applicants, I have worked in European company as legal consultant manager for eleven years, I don't have bachelor degree in law, actually I am an English major for colleague degree. After worked for about 9 years work I got the permission for Master degree in Suzhou(Soochow University) University Kenneth Wang Law school(which enlisted in 211,not 985), I am going to graduate from the law school this May, I wonder if I have some chance for WM's admission and scholarship in LLm program, thank you very much.
You have an interesting background! Yes, you would dinitely be eligible for William and Mary admission and scholarship. The only issue would be with the NY Bar. Typically, our students have an undergraduate degree in law. You can "cure" this with a Master's degree in law (plus LLM), but need to comply with their credit requirements. If you want to take the NY bar, you'll need to confirm this.
I have been to Suzhou (the garden city) and it is beautiful.
Q17.I didn't know OPT duration could be counted into the 360 days. Thank you so much for the info. Could you please kindly offer some suggestions on how to prepare to successfully obtain an OPT? High GPA, proficient English skills?
You'll likely be granted the OPT. The trick is to get a position within 90 days. Remember, this can be a paid or unpaid position. It can also be part-time. You will need to network in the US and work on setting something up during your LLM year. At William and Mary, we do have the co-counsel program, where you receive a professional mentor. You will also need to build your own professional network! Don't worry though -- 90 days is really a long time. You'll have time after the bar exam to work on getting something. We have a good alumni network we are building here to help you!
Q18.Is there any sports course or some sports club that I can take or join to improve my tennis skills? I love playing balls like tennis, volleyball. LOL.
The law school is located next to the Tennis Center!! Yes, the rec center is very good. Many of the male students play on a basketball team. There is also badminton. The funniest thing is that there is a nice pool -- but only the Chinese students use it. :)
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