Best Advice for LLMs – Georgetown Legal English Blog

Reflections on Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LL.M. Program by Sheika Al Kamyani

Posted by Stephen Horowitz, Lecturer of Legal English

Sheika Al Kamyani is from Oman and is currently in her second year of the Two-Year LL.M. Program at Georgetown Law, specializing in International Business & Economic Law. This fall, she secured an externship with Foley Hoag LLP. Over the summer, she interned at Three Crowns LLP in London. Sheika previously worked as a Legal Advisor at the Foreign Ministry of Oman and holds an LL.B. from Sultan Qaboos University. Her hometown, Nizwa, is known for its rich history.

As I reflect on my first year in Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LL.M. program, I am reminded of the transformative journey it has been. From the moment I arrived, filled with hope and uncertainty, to where I stand now, confident in my direction, the growth has been both profound and unexpected. For those who may be feeling uncertain or lost in their journey, I hope my reflections will offer some helpful insights.

Pursuing an LL.M. in the United States was a hard-fought dream. Yet, even after achieving this milestone, I found myself questioning: What comes next? What is the real purpose of this degree, and what do I truly want to do with my life? Does this sound familiar? At some stage, we all ask the same questions. Below are a few key strategies that guided me toward a clearer sense of purpose—strategies that may also serve you.

Be Curious: Explore Events and Connect with People

Curiosity, I learned, is one of the most valuable tools during your time at Georgetown Law. With such a vibrant and diverse international community, the law center offers a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and opportunities to explore. Every day offers a new event—whether academic discussions, professional networking, or community engagement. I highly recommend that you attend some of these events and immerse yourself in areas you might not have initially considered. By broadening your horizons, you open doors to unexpected interests and valuable connections.

To put this into action, make it a habit to scan the weekly emails sent by Georgetown Law outlining upcoming events. Choose those that resonate with you, mark them in your calendar, and attend them. Some events may require advanced registration, so stay organized!

Reflecting on this, as an introvert, these events took a great deal of my energy, and I needed to prioritize the ones I chose to attend. But, in the end, it was worth it. I gained clarity on what I wanted to do, and I learned about the different areas of law practice.

Try Different Things: Experiment and Learn

If you’re unsure about your interests, the best way to figure them out is by trying different things. Take diverse courses, participate in externships, and engage in extracurricular activities like moot court competitions. Through this process, you’ll discover what excites you and what doesn’t. It’s easy to think you know what you like, but only by immersing yourself in new experiences will you truly understand your passions. In the end, you have your unique interests, and you can discover what they are by trying new things.

Do not wait until the last minute: Think ahead and make a plan

If you feel lost, rather than giving into your anxiety, think ahead. For example, you might already know that you want to apply for an externship. Figure out the steps you need to take. You could start by preparing your resume. Get it reviewed, revised, and polished so that you’re ready when opportunities arise.

When it comes to applications, there are two strategies. One approach is to apply widely—submit as many applications as possible and hope to secure a few offers. The other approach, which I used, is more focused. I targeted specific opportunities that aligned with my goals. This method worked for me and helped me land a meaningful summer internship. Both approaches have their merits, and you should choose the one that best suits your style.

Seek Guidance: Don’t Hesitate to Ask

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether from professors, teaching assistants, or peers, never hesitate to seek guidance. Initially, I was reluctant to ask questions, but every time I did, I was glad I had. People are often more than willing to assist, and each conversation I had led me to new insights or opportunities. Sometimes, a simple conversation can provide clarity or direct you toward resources you didn’t know existed. Don’t be shy about reaching out.

Be Patient: Growth Takes Time

Lastly, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. You don’t need to have everything figured out immediately. The LL.M. program is a time of exploration, so don’t rush through it. Enjoy the process, and be kind to yourself during moments of uncertainty or challenge. Personal and professional growth is gradual, and every experience—whether a success or a setback—contributes to your long-term development.

Final Thoughts

The path to self-discovery during my first year at Georgetown Law wasn’t linear, but it was incredibly rewarding. By staying curious, trying new things, planning ahead, and seeking guidance, I gained a clearer sense of purpose and direction. I hope these reflections will help you as you navigate your own path, wherever it may lead!

Externship Diaries: Salome Adeishvili (May 2024)

Salome Adeishvili, Georgetown Law Two-Year LLM, 2023-25

Post by Salome Adeishvili, who just completed her first year of Georgetown Law’s Two-Year LLM and will graduate in Spring 2025. Salome is from a small town called Samtredia in Georgia. Fun fact from Salome: Samtredia translates as “three pigeons.” 🙂

May 2024

Dear Diary (and Future Readers),

Are you interested in finding an externship in the US? My diary is here to guide you. I am excited to share my experiences and insights that led me to secure an externship as a Georgetown Law student. In my diary, you will be able to follow my steps closely. This established path aims to make your future endeavors smoother and more rewarding. I will outline four crucial steps in chronological order to help you navigate the process successfully. The first step involves preparing all the necessary documentation. The second step covers the process of finding an externship. The third step focuses on preparing for the interview. The fourth step outlines the administrative steps required to make your externship official.

Preparing your documentation

The first step is crucial for building a strong foundation: gathering the necessary documentation. This documentation includes your resume, professional references, personal statement, and writing sample.

Begin by refining your resume using the available resources at Georgetown Law’s Office of Graduate Careers. Start this process early in your first semester, as perfecting a resume takes time, and you will need it ready when it is time to apply for externships.

Next, gather your professional references. List at least three references, selecting a mix of professors and former or current employers.

Then, draft a general personal statement in advance to adapt it based on different positions. This allows you to easily adapt it to fit the specific interests and requirements of each firm or organization you apply to.

Finally, have a writing sample ready. Many organizations will request one. Obtaining a writing sample from your courses in your program is quite efficient. If you are in the One-Year LL.M. at Georgetown Law, try to take a class in your first semester with a paper requirement (e.g., USLRAW or a seminar course.) If you are in the Two-Year LL.M. Program, you can use your USLRAW memo or your second-semester Fundamentals Legal Writing II paper.

The Process of Finding an Externship

For the second step, set aside a specific time each day to focus solely on finding externships across various platforms. Make this a daily habit and prioritize it over other commitments, including midterms, exams, assignments, or social activities. Begin this process early in the semester, ideally 3-4 months before you wish to start your externship, whether in summer, fall, or spring.

When searching for externships using different resources, use keywords like “summer externship/internship for law students,” with or without mentioning a specific organization. If you are interested in a particular field, include related keywords. For example, I was looking for opportunities at an immigration law firm, so I added “immigration” to my above-mentioned keywords.

One set of resources is available exclusively for Georgetown Law students: Symplicity, a Georgetown Law database of employers and job opportunities, and TIP Symplicity, the pre-approved externships database created especially for Georgetown Law students. Another set of resources is widely available, LinkedIn, a professional networking platform that connects you with industry professionals and job postings, and Indeed, a comprehensive job search engine. Combine these with other relevant job search platforms to maximize your chances of finding externship opportunities.

Also, manage your applications with an Excel sheet/Word document to track companies, deadlines, documents, and follow-ups. Regularly update your spreadsheet and stay proactive to enhance your chances of securing an externship. Consistent effort and dedication will significantly increase your chances of finding the perfect externship.

Preparing for the Interview

For the third step, take advantage of Georgetown University’s services and schedule a mock interview with the Office of Graduate Careers. While you may have previous interview experience, different countries often have unique ways of talking about their experiences and potential value to a company or organization. To highlight these qualities, utilize the resources provided by the university to ensure you are well-prepared.

Make Your Externship Official

After successfully securing the position, if you plan to accrue credit in an externship, ensure you complete all the necessary administrative steps. Fill out an LL.M. Externship Application Google form and request that your future employer complete the Supervision Agreement for Externship Field Supervisor form and send it to Molly Jackson. This ensures your hard work is recorded and Georgetown University Law Center awards you two hours of academic credit.

In conclusion, navigating the externship journey as a Georgetown Law LL.M. student involves laying a strong foundation by preparing essential documentation, dedicating consistent time to the Process of Finding an Externship, utilizing university services for interview preparation, and finalizing administrative requirements to make your externship official and to ensure credit for your hard-earned result. By following these steps diligently and leveraging all the available resources, you can enhance your chances of securing a rewarding externship experience that aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

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P.S. Would you prefer to get paid for your work? If so, you should consider an internship. The main difference between an externship and an internship is that an externship provides university credits, while an internship usually offers a salary. The first three steps of the process are the same for both, but unlike an externship, an internship does not require university registration since it does not offer academic benefits. So, which option do you prefer?

P.P.S. To avoid any confusion, I also want to add that F-1 students are not permitted to work/intern/extern off-campus without approved optional practical training (OPT) or curricular practical training (CPT) work authorization.