Interview: Vayuna Gupta on the LL.M. at the New York University School of Law

Ms. Vayuna Gupta is a dual-qualified lawyer (New York and India). She has pursued her LL.M. in International Law and Legal Studies from New York University School of Law.

  • Why did you choose New York University for your LL.M.?

I was looking at doing my master’s in international law, more inclined towards human rights law. NYU has the best international law program across the globe. To add to it, I was mindful of the fact that I was a foreign trained attorney. Being in New York, I believed, would open a lot of professional opportunities in areas of public interest. So, New York was my best bet.

Additionally, post graduation, NYU also offers students short term fellowships with multiple NGOs and IOs which are extremely helpful in figuring our path forward. All these reasons pushed me towards NYU.

  • What are some of the most memorable aspects of your LL.M. journey?

My most memorable time at NYU, quite frankly was the opportunity to experience New York City at its heart. It taught me to aspire and accept. It taught me to take my shot at things, even at the cost of possibly multiple rejections, taught me that hard work has the power to close gaps.

  • What were some of the biggest learnings during the LL.M. year?

Apart from the courses I took at NYU, my biggest life lesson from the LL.M, uniquely, was to learn how to present my work and experiences. To be humble while bragging (essentially). It made me realize I have my own story to tell – unique and valuable.

  • Any tips on job search and interviewing in the U.S.?

Thousands of Indian attorneys come to the US each year for an LL.M, in the hopes of entering the US job market. My suggestion would be to do some research and to know that the US legal job market is not kind to immigrants. It’s important to get to the task of building up to a robust job search from the very day one starts an LL.M program. This includes speaking to school counselors, re-writing resume, reaching out to alumna etc. Every student must also be aware that the only way to get better at interviewing is to start at it, your second interview will be better than the first and so on.

Finally, there will be enough people through your LL.M journey who will have absolutely no qualms in letting you know that you may never be able to find the opportunity you are looking for in the US. The best way forward is to know that US is a huge country, there will be some organization which will value your skills and experience. You just need to reach them, and rest will be history.

  • What was your strategy for the New York State Bar Exam? What should one do apart from taking the traditional bar review courses?

NY Bar Exam is a huge exercise in memorizing. It is no easy task to memorize laws in practically 3 months as a freshly minted LL.M graduate. But the only way to get through the exam is to put in the work needed for the memorizing. Traditional Bar Review courses make it a whole lot easier. There is genuinely no trick to the NY Bar but to spend the hours needed per day based on how easy or tough it is for you to memorize.

  • Do you have any advice for law students/lawyers who are planning to come to the U.S. for an LL.M. degree?

Sure.

First, do you research before you apply for an LL.M program. For some of you, it might be worthwhile to consider choosing the right city over the best school.

Second, know that opportunities as a law student in the US and an immigrant are limited. It’s going to be a journey in perseverance.

Third, learn about immigration limitations you may face during and after graduation.

Fourth, know that it’s probably going to be the most unique and tough 9 months of your life, but also know that if you have your mind at whatever you expect to achieve out of the LL.M, you will be able to achieve it and it will all be worth it.

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