When I launched Beyond Non-JD in December 2020, I wanted to help even the playing field for LL.M. students and publicly share the information that my students and people who spoke with me knew. My first blog post is here.
When I joined the National Jurist team as a contributor in 2022, I was excited to share my insights with a larger audience through International Jurist. A key goal, mentioned in my introductory piece, was to help narrow the “asymmetrical information problem, especially for foreign-educated lawyers and law students.”
But this was never intended as a solo pursuit. From the very beginning, I wanted to encourage others to share information and insights about LL.M. programs and the LL.M. experience, especially LL.M. students and graduates.
Which is why I have been impressed and amazed by Carlos E. Romero’s work for the larger community of prospective LL.M. students, current LL.M. students and LL.M. graduates.
And it is why I am highlighting him as my 2024 International LL.M. of the Year. I highly recommend following his insights on LinkedIn.
About Carlos Romero
Romero is a 2024 LL.M. graduate of the University of Chicago School of Law and currently a Latin America Fellow at White & Case LLP in Washington, D.C. A Mexican educated and licensed attorney, he came to the U.S. with significant in-house experience before his LL.M. degree.
In addition to his academic and professional success, Romero provides invaluable advice for national and international audiences on LinkedIn and highlights some of the more “hidden” aspects of the LL.M. experience, including admissions an scholarships, the realities of the job search as a foreign-educated LL.M. student and insights into the value of an LL.M. degree for careers in his native Mexico.
Our discussion on networking, post-LL.M. Jobs and advice
On his interest in a visiting foreign associate or other general OPT position upon graduation and the value of his University of Chicago LL.M. network
From the very beginning, Romero was focused on obtaining a position in the U.S. after the LL.M. year. When he chose to attend University of Chicago, he reached out to the then current LL.M. students from Mexico in their program. He noted that they were very kind, and that one of them had previously worked at the same law firm, albeit in a different office. One of the LL.M. graduates was joining White & Case LLP and shared information with Romero about the foreign attorney position.
Looking back, Romero now realizes “that (1) being from the same country, (2) having worked at the same law firm in my home country and (3) having attended the same LL.M. program helped me to learn about this position. Therefore, my previous network coupled with the LL.M. network was helpful.”
On timing the LL.M., especially for those seeking similar positions in the U.S.
Romero believes that “working in a top national law firm or as in-house counsel for a major company in your home country significantly increases your chances of landing a job.”
This is something I have repeatedly highlighted as being crucial when asked about elite and high-paying jobs after the LL.M. degree, especially given the U.S. perception that the J.D. is the degree for well-paying entry-level jobs. Elite experience is a great differentiator.
Romero noted an important business development point.
“More U.S. law firms will be inclined to hire you to strengthen their relationship with your law firm or company, which could potentially lead to new business for them in the future,” he said.
On preparing for interviewing in the United States
There are many differences international LL.M. students must navigate for post-LL.M. jobs in the United States. One important example Romero noted is the “resume.”
Three important points Romero notes from his own pre-LL.M. experiences in Mexico that he felt that he needed to adjust for U.S. hiring:
1)I’ve observed that people here don’t focus on specific drafting or argumentation skills but rather on your role in a particular deal (or dispute), the nature and size of the deal, the client’s industry and the outcome of the deal.
2)In Mexico, it is common for someone to get an in-house job right out of law school, which doesn’t seem to be common in the U.S., based on what I’ve seen.
3)In Mexico, it is common for law students to get a law-related part-time job during the semester (or quarter) while studying, whereas in the U.S., students tend to study full time during the semester and work during the summer.
Romero believes that being aware of these differences helps you better explain your career path in the application documents.
On the challenges of the job search for LL.M. students
He was already aware of the challenges and difficulties the job market presented for foreign-educated LL.M. students from colleagues. During the year, those concerns were reinforced, and in some ways amplified. Romero specifically notes that the employment rates you may see on websites are likely for J.D. graduates and not LL.M. graduates.
Romero said that you should not rely solely on the job fair or the positions that your career services office will share with you. Instead, start by reaching out to people you have the most in common with, including people from your home jurisdiction and alumni from your LL.M. program.
In addition, be prepared to broaden your search. Consider reaching out to people who went to your law school in your home country and have landed jobs abroad, or those who worked at the same law firms as you.
“Even if they can’t offer you a role at that moment, they might think of you if they spot any positions available within their own network,” he said.
Romero concludes by noting that landing an elite job in the U.S. after the LL.M. may seem very unlikely, but it is not impossible. He encourages LL.M. students to be strategic throughout the process, even before formally starting the LL.M. degree.
Conclusion
Thank you to everyone who read my International Jurist pieces over 2024 and the amazing people who spoke with me for the pieces. See you back in 2025!
