Ms. Linda Gitonga has completed her LL.M. from Syracuse University College of Law, New York. She is working as an Attorney at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, DC. In this post, she talks about her U.S. LL.M. journey and shares some useful job search tips.
- What prompted you to pursue an LL.M. from the U.S.? Any tips on the application process for U.S. law schools?
• I wanted to build expertise in international development and figured the U.S was home to some of the prominent international development agencies.
• Take your time researching areas of interest and what the best schools for that are.
• Reach out to various college admissions staff to inquire about their programs.
• If possible, pick schools that are in major cities as the employers in these cities are more willing and used to sponsoring international students. - What were some of the biggest learnings during your LL.M. year?
• Do not shy away from career services.
• Make friends with JDs.
• Volunteer to assist with event organizing and attend the alumni networking events.
• Make friends with professors, this will come in handy for when you need references. - Why did you choose Syracuse University College of Law for your LL.M.? Did you get any scholarship?
• I had a scholarship and one of my mentors at the time was a professor at the school.
• I was also offered a research assistant position which was extremely useful when it came to job applications. - You are presently working at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, DC. What kind of challenges did you face during your job search in the U.S. and how did you overcome them?
• Work authorization– after the OPT (temporary work authorization) period runs out, there are challenges involving the willingness/ability of a firm to sponsor a candidate.
• Integrating – I had some difficulty finding my footing given I did not undergo the usual path – summer associate, clerkship, associate path – luckily everyone I reached out to was super helpful. I strongly advise everyone joining law firms to find mentors and people to talk to. Make friends with co-workers and ask them how to manage the law firm life. - What do law firms look for when hiring a foreign attorney?
• They look for skills that are pertinent to practice areas they are hiring for.
• Language skills are a plus.
• International experience – very essential to highlight this. - Do you have any tips for international law students who are searching for positions in the U.S.?
• Regarding funding, try your best to apply for financial aid/grants.
• Engage with career services as much as you can to tailor your resume, cover letter, writing samples to meet the American standards.
• Participate in the career fairs hosted by institutions that are part of your school.
• Make friends with JDs and learn from them, e.g., tips for the bar exam, which prep course to use, job applications etc.
• Try to find a research assistant position while in school and participate in journals, law reviews to the extent you can.
• Make use of LinkedIn, reach out to people that graduated from your college and request for advice.