Moritz Reinhard, an LL.M graduate of USC Gould School of Law, has turbocharged his career by pursuing an advanced legal degree in the U.S. His decision to attend USC was fueled by various compelling factors: including personal connections, academic freedom, and the allure of California.
And the interview below highlights the significant impact of his studies, the valuable skills he acquired, and the supportive environment at USC Gould that facilitated his professional growth.
Through his narrative, Moritz offers insights and advice for aspiring LL.M students.
What motivated you to pursue a LL.M., and why did you choose USC Gould?
I met representatives of the Law School at two separate LL.M fairs in Germany and was able to form a connection from the beginning. Another factor was the stellar reputation of USC, together with the option to freely choose the courses I wanted to take. This is an asset. The great weather in California also made me want to go to USC, while studying in Los Angeles offered the opportunity to explore large paths of the U.S. Another factor was that USC offered on-campus living for students. It really put my mind at ease, together with a really generous scholarship offer from USC.
What were some of the most impactful courses you studied, and why were they significant to your career goals?
Two of the most impactful courses that I have taken at USC were “Civil Rights” and the “Access to Justice Practicum”, which are of general, never-ending relevance. Being able to gain insights into the development of civil rights cases in the U.S., but also being able to represent real clients in the Access to Justice Practicum, really helped me understand the U.S. legal culture better. Now that I work in an international law firm, this experience helps me understand where U.S. clients and colleagues are coming from.
Can you describe your career path since graduating from the LL.M. program?
I went back to Germany, after spending some time traveling in California, to complete my legal education here. I was able to start my two-year clerkship in the beginning of 2021 and was admitted to the bar in January 2023. I had the opportunity to start as an associate in the Real Estate Department of Reed Smith LL.P.’s Frankfurt office. In January 2024, I transitioned from real estate to banking and finance at the same firm.
What specific skills did you develop during the LL.M. program that have been crucial in your career?
The LL.M helped me to gain a deeper and better understanding of the U.S. legal system. I now understand what the differences are to how we do things in Germany and how things are being done in a common law country. Also, the LL.M helped me with my English language skills, as well as the ability to navigate unknown situations. Arriving in another country on your own, fostering connections and getting to know people really helped me to navigate the world of small-talk. I passionately believe that this would feel much different, had I not completed my LL.M.
How did the career services and support at your law school assist you in finding job opportunities?
The staff at the Graduate & International Programs Career Services at USC are great. They were always there for us LL.M students, whatever we needed. They put us in contact with law firms from Germany who went to the U.S. looking for candidates, they held workshops on how to apply in the U.S., and also helped us when we wanted to pursue an internship or externship in the country. What I found especially valuable was that they would not just simply end their support when the LL.M. was over, but really made it clear that everyone was welcome to ask for help – especially if they needed support afterwards.
Any advice for current LLM students on their career?
Do it! It is a great experience and you will not regret it! When it comes to choosing a law school, I can only recommend to go with your heart and choose the school that fits you best. Try to reach out to representatives beforehand, to get a feel for the school. I myself have never regretted my LL.M., not for a single day.
