I am a prospective LLM student and I write you to get some insight into the University of Torontos LLM program.

I am a lawyer in the U.S. with a B.A. and J.D. degree from U.S. institutions and four years of commercial litigation experience. I am interested in joining U of Ts LLM program in commercial law. I had cum laude distinctions in both undergraduate and graduate school and I am wondering whether I have a chance on the strength or weakness of my academics and experience.

My primary purpose in seeking to join U of Ts LLM program is to increase my knowledge in this area of law and to explore opportunities for developing my practice of law in terms of client development and handling a wide variety of commercial litigation cases. A lot of what I do has become very routine similar clients, cases, motions, etc.and I risk losing interest in the practice of law altogether. I would like insight into how the LLM experience has enabled others to grow and develop in their area of practice and/or benefited their overall legal experience.

I also notice that U of T requires a thesis proposal even for course intensive students. How helpful is the thesis proposal to the coursework and how does one ensure that the proposal is relevant to the Canadian context? Does one actually undertake the proposed project? I have thought of studying consumer protection in commercial transactions with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. What are your thoughts on such a proposed area of study and its viability at the U of T?

How easy is it for U of T LLM students to get involved with programs such as ILEAP International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty Initiative? I have developed interest in U of T courses such as Jeffrey McIntosh & Mohammed Fadels Business Organizations, Ian Lees Corporations, Individuals and the State, Anthony Duggan & David Denommes Secured Transactions, Glen Johnson & Leslie McCallums Secured Regulations, Graham Clancy & Julie Hannafords Trial Advocacy and Contested Corporate Transactions by John Emanollidis & Patricia Koval. If admitted, can I just choose the LLM courses I want to pursue or will I be restricted as far as coursework is concerned. Also, can one defer admission by a year if theres a visiting professor of interest or a source of funding that is promising but yet to make a decision on funding?

I am also curious about funding options for the LLM. Any tips on applying for scholarships, grants or assistantships? Are these enough to cater for tuition, room and board and other expenses? Are there deadlines that I should be aware of as an international applicant in applying for funding? Are there sources of funding that were widely known as catering for international applicants? Does the U of T require all the tuition to be paid upfront or is it broken down per semester with no holds on registration conditional upon full payment? On the housing options, is on or off-campus better in terms of affordability and proximity?

Any insights will be very helpful and highly appreciated.