Pursuing an LL.M. is about much more than just academic coursework. A big part of this experience comes from engaging in extracurricular activities, which can provide value.
From building legal skills to forming meaningful connections, these groups help shape a well-rounded and fulfilling law school experience. If you’re thinking about how to get more out of your LL.M. program, here are some student groups and activities worth considering.
Publications Can Provide Credibility
Law journals and publications are common at many law schools. While these are often associated with J.D. students, LL.M. candidates can also benefit from being involved.
Contributing to a journal or review gives you the chance to sharpen your legal research and writing skills, working closely with issues that you may not get to explore in your classes.
It’s also a great way to add credibility to your resume, especially if you are looking to pursue a career in academia or a research-heavy area of law.
Gaining Experience Through Mock Trials
If you’re passionate about litigation or arbitration, participating in a moot court or mock trial team can provide solid experience as well. These simulated legal competitions offer a practical way to develop advocacy skills, as they mimic real-world courtroom situations.
Moot court teams often compete in both national and international competitions, which is particularly beneficial for LL.M. students focused on international law.
Beyond building oral argument and legal reasoning skills, joining these teams offers networking opportunities with practicing attorneys and judges.
“Student groups can enhance the overall LL.M. experience by creating an outlet for professional networking, creating an instant group of friends with a common interest,” says Karen Jones, executive director of global and graduate programs at the University of Houston Law Center.
She adds they can “help those who are away from home have an instant community of allies that can help you maneuver your new surroundings. Student groups can begin with a common interest but lead to lifelong personal and professional relationships”.
Building a Network Through Bar Associations
Getting involved in your law school’s student bar association or law society, meanwhile, is another excellent way to connect with the student body.
For LL.M. students, this can be a fantastic way to meet peers from other programs and develop leadership skills. Many student bar associations also host career workshops and networking events.
“Many schools will hold a student organization fair at the beginning of the academic year where students can meet members of the various student groups and learn about what each group does,” says Christina Rice, assistant dean for graduate, international and online programs at Boston University School of Law.
“The student affairs office at each law school also typically keeps a list of the various student organizations on campus and who the appropriate contacts are for each group, so that is another good place to start.”
Diversity and affinity groups are another big part of law school life, providing spaces where students from different backgrounds can find community and support.
These groups often focus on creating awareness about issues related to race, gender and identity in the legal profession.
Elsewhere, if you’re interested in global legal issues, you may find international law or policy groups appealing. These organizations bring together students who are passionate about topics such as human rights, environmental law, international trade, or diplomacy.
For those with a desire to give back, public interest and pro bono groups are a great way to make a positive impact while also gaining practical legal experience.
Many law schools have organizations focused on providing free legal services to underserved communities, whether it’s through immigration law, criminal justice reform, or civil rights advocacy.
Participating in these groups allows you to put your legal knowledge to work, often on real cases, while making a difference in your community.
Clubs That Serve Intersecting Interests
Finally,business law clubs or entrepreneurship organizations might be the right fit for those whose interests span different fieldsThese groups often focus on the intersection of law and business, hosting events and workshops that explore everything from startup advising to intellectual property law.
Involvement in these groups can help you develop commercial law skills and provide opportunities to interact with professionals in the business and legal industries.
Many law schools also have connections to their business schools, and through these groups, you can collaborate with MBA students and entrepreneurs.
In the end, the LL.M. experience is what you make of it. “It is important for students to recognize that they should take full advantage of the LL.M. experience, which includes engaging fully in academics and extracurricular activities that will enhance their experience and opportunities,” adds Jones, at the Houston Law Center.
“LL.M. students can find balance by identifying their interests and engaging in those activities that further their interests or career goals. It is impossible to attend every activity or event, so it is important to select those that are of interest personally or professionally,” she adds.
Ultimately, by exploring and joining groups that align with your interests and goals, you’ll not only enrich your academic journey, but also build a network and skill set that will serve you long after you graduate.
