Guidance: English Proficiency
Sometimes, specially in the case of non-native speakers, there may not be enough confidence in one’s English abilities. One must keep in mind that during your law study you will have no time to study English. So, prior to going to law school make sure that your spoken and written English is already fairly good to catch up with the sophisticated and complicated legal concepts in your class.
If your English level is not as strong as you want it to be, having a back-up plan could help you a lot. For example, during lectures you can ask the permission of your professor to record the discussion. Keep in mind that lectures are just as important as the textbooks as it is the professor who will be writing the exam.
Remember to pay attention to note-taking and to attend all the lectures and seminars.
The LL.M. Advantage
Having a U.S. law degree can be a highly valued credential among Japanese lawyers (civil law tradition). But beyond the degree, having the law school “experience” can bring you a competitive advantage. With your LL.M. degree, you can have the additional qualification that shows your knowledge of U.S. legal principles and attract a foreign client-base.
Your LL.M. degree can help you improve your credentials, allow growth in your career and expand your options.