Ms. Reet Bose is pursuing an LL.M. at the University of California, Berkeley – School of Law. She has done her undergraduate law degree from Dharmashastra National Law University, India.
1. Why did you choose the University of California, Berkeley – School of Law for your LL.M.?
This question has a multifold answer.
It begins with my love for reading (and let’s be honest, it ends with reading too, I’m a nerd haha). While I was reading articles in Corporate Business Law, I came across articles from Professors Reza Dibadj and William Fernholz, these teachers really caught my eye and inspired me to learn more. I was intrigued and definitely wanted to take classes from them.
Secondly, an elite university (literally the best public university in US) like UC Berkeley makes you so thorough with the concepts that you not just become better with your concepts, but also so much more confident because you have to put in the work, every single day.
Thirdly, an acquaintance of mine passed from Berkeley in 2017, her career and confidence has skyrocketed so much. I’ve seen and witnessed her as a live example.
And finally, I wanted to be surrounded by a peer group which can’t be defined with just one word because that’s how diverse it is. It has lawyers with 10-15 year experience, judges, partners at reputed firms and fresh graduates like me, this makes the discussions, both in-class and out-of-class so much more interesting.
2. Did you receive any scholarship?
No, as a recent graduate, I did not. The best reputed scholarships are offered to students with a few years of work experience. So, if you want to be a scholarship recipient, WORK WORK WORK!
3. What are some of the courses that you are taking?
Course selection is a very mindful exercise. You only have 16 credits per semester (credits determine how heavy a course is). You need to plan your specialization subjects, compulsory subjects, bar requirement subjects (if you want to take the bar exam in either NY or CA).
And then, there’s also the chance that you don’t get the class you want to because it conflicts with another or you are waitlisted because you were just a second late to enroll.
My subjects: (These are just first semester subjects, I need more credits to complete my specialization certificates which will be done in the next semester):
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (that International Students have to take)
- Fundamentals of US Law
- Legal Research and Writing
BUSINESS LAW CERTIFICATE COURSES (There are many to choose from but these are what I chose)
- Business Associations
- Contracts and Sales
- Negotiating Hollywood Contracts
- Hostile Mergers & Acquisitions
- Storytelling for Corporate Lawyers
PRACTICAL LAWYERING CERTIFICATE COURSE (I do not have work experience so this is the course that would help me understand how it is. After taking this course, I get to do an externship next semester)
- Professional Identity in the US Public and Private Sector Practice
4. How should one approach the Personal Statement?
The Personal Statement requirement cannot be defined, it is different for each person. But what I can tell you is that it should be a reflection of you. It should convey what your CV does not. Be not just intelligent, but also humble. Don’t show off, but be appreciative of your achievements. Tell a story, don’t just bore the admissions officers by giving them a different version of your cv. Put some emotion and be you.
I like to describe it as: “Personal Statements can be a mirror into what you are, what you want to be and everything in between.”
5. How is life at your university? Walk us through a typical day.
Life is very lively and engaging at Berkeley! The first thing I do in the morning is going to the gym or a run at 7-7:30am. Then I come back, shower and have breakfast, then leave for classes at 9:45am. After my morning classes are done, I head to lunch, sometimes, we get free lunch if there’s a seminar/workshop at lunchtime. After that, I study or nap if I don’t have an afternoon class. Then I head to an evening class at 6:30 and it goes on till 8:15. After a long day, I usually have dinner, complete some assignments, catch up with family and go to bed.
It’s pretty hectic but I only have classes 4 days a week. So I can catch up with studies over the long weekends. I have also planned to go to a new place nearby each week to experience the sights and beauty as a tourist too. So, the weekdays are packed and hectic but the weekends are full of fun!
6. Any tips on the US student visa process? Did you face any challenge during the visa process?
I think people are most stressed about the visa interview, I was too. I was scared because the guy in front of me in the queue got rejected and cried his way out of the embassy. But when it was my turn, the only question that I was asked was “what college are you going to study at?”. Berkeley really sailed me through the visa interview. The officer did not ask any other question. Be confident and don’t panic. Try to not stumble through your words.
The most challenging part was after actually getting the visa and reaching the US, the immigration. I was GRILLED. All I would advise about this is to be honest and to be loyal to your home country.
7. Any advice for the law students/lawyers who want to pursue their LL.M. from the US?
While applying to colleges, I did, honestly, have my doubts. I underestimated myself so much. I always wanted to go to study, but only at a reputed institution, I didn’t want to go just for the sake of going out of the country. I wouldn’t have applied if it wasn’t for my parents who always believed in me. To all students who want to pursue an LL.M. from USA, I’d say that “Good schools want a well-rounded class, not a well-rounded student”
No one is perfect, I most definitely, am not. But you might be the perfect fit to the kind of person that they’re looking for.
If I can do it, you can do it too. So, take the first step, APPLY.
“Remember, you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for.”