Hello to all potential LL.M students!
I am a current LL.M student at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson Law School, and I love my school! You will never find a school like ours. It is small, and we all know each other! Year around warm weather, breathtaking sceneries, turquoise ocean waves impatiently waiting for surfers, Hawaiis volcanoes, and amazingly friendly people will make a challenging legal education a real pleasure and an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience! Our school is a true treasure: we have the best, top-notch faculty, smart and diverse student body, and the best food!
I am interested in Environmental Law. Our Environmental Law program is one of the best in the nation. Hawaii is a very isolated and unique place, and it is a great place to study environmental law. Our studies are not limited to class discussions. Recently, we had a rare opportunity an exciting field trip to Hawaii National Wildlife Refuge which is located on the island of Hawaii. Not only did we learn about unique Hawaiis flora and fauna, native Hawaiian ecosystems, and how the Endangered Species Act works, but we also watched endangered birds, harvested seeds for future forests, and planted 138 endangered trees!
Consider our school, and you will have a unique opportunity to receive a quality education while enjoying a wonderful year in Hawaii!
Aloha,
Natalia.

Hey there, im impressed with the love you have for your college. Ive finished my BA LLB from India and am plaining to do an LLm in Intellectual Property Law or International Law. Are these subjects available in your college? How expensive is it for the year? What would the costs be for attending the program incl food accomadation and tuition fees?

DHIRAJ

Our school is very strong in International Law. Our professor is a Harvard Law School graduate. As for Intellectual Property Law, I will ask tomorrow and get back to you.Tuition is almost $25,000, everything is included ( place to live, books, etc.) If you have good grades, you can transfer to a JD program. Apply to our school, and you will not regret. There are many students from your country here studying Engineering.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

Yes, Intellectual Property is offered at our school.

Hey Natalie,
I have completed my BA LLB a five year law course in India, so that is equivalent to your JD degree. Now i want to apply for an LLm in intellectual property law, is this possible? Are there scholarships or RA/TA available to help me with the funds and it would really help me out if you could let me know the requisits for applying to the LLm course. Thanks
DHIRAJ

Slow month for the admission dept huh? Damn those quotas.

Hi Dhiraj
Please send e-mail with your last questions to our Associate Director for LL.M programs. I told him about you. He will provide you with the detailed info you need.
E-mail: kimurasp@hawaii.edu
Hope to see you among our students soon.

I'd love to study in Hawaii. Sounds like a dream.

I guess if you've got to do an LL.M (which I do not) then why not do it on a tropical islands?!

Hey Natalie,

I will surely mail the associate dean for the answers to the questions. I would be greatful if you could answer some of my questions in your capascity as a student. Though the education is comparitively cheap as opposed to the other institutes in the US,

What is the scope for me to find on campus jobs during my tenure as a student?

What are the chances of me landing a job in a mid size or large size firm in hawaii or other parts of the US on completion of my tenure as a student?

Apart from this i guess it will be a lot of fun, i guess!!!!

Dear Dhiraj
I will answer your questions on Monday after school. I am studying for my midterm which is on Monday. Talk to you later.

Hey Natalia,

Guess you are pretty busy huh, with exams ans stuff?? anyway take your time its cool. hope u did good in ur papers. I mailed Mr.Kimura Spencer, but am still to be favoured with a reply from him, i sent the mail to the address you provided. Hope he got it and i hope he replies soon.

Dhiraj

Hi, Dhiraj How are you? I am done with my midterm. Did you receive Mr. Kimura's e-mail? I believe he answered all your questions. You asked me about on-campus employment - yes, you can work here 20 hours a week.
Natalie

Great to hear from you Natalia, i hope you maxed your exams. Its cool that i cab get to work for 20hrs a week, but are there jobs aplenty for ppl like me?? I did get the mail from Mr.Kimura, he sounded very positive.
Before i apply though i would like to know, what is the scope like to get a job in Hawaii after completion of the coures. Thanks

DJ

I believe you won't have any problems to get a job on-campus. There are many different jobs for students. As for employment opportunities in Hawaii, please ask Mr. Kimura, he knows better. I know one LL.M graduate from China, she currently works here at a law firm. So, I think you will be OK.

To the gentleman from India,

If you're seeking some financial assistance may I suggest applying for an East West Center graduate fellowship (http://www.eastwestcenter.org/).

I was on a full, four year ride a number of years ago and it was the greatest experience of my academic life (pursuing PhD in Political Science).

A degree fellow receives housing, meals, a montly stipend, an office and access to the center's faculty and facilities. They've also have a great financial program if you're married with a family.

I've also had the pleasure of taking a number of law school class back in the mid 90's and it was a great experience. I recall Richardson having a great law of the sea program which does tie into international law/relations. Tried twice to get into the JD program, but that is another story.

Unfortunately, Professor Werner Levi, a world renowned international law scholar just passed away recently (prof emeritus political science, UH Manoa). Not sure if Professor Johan Galtung still teaches there on a visiting basis (intl relations scholar)

The University of Hawaii has gone through a number of changes since I left in the late 90's, but think you'll find the student/faculty diversity and the open, cultural mix of Hawaii to be a easier transition for some one coming from abroad.

Also met a lot of Indian students who were very bright, talented, and appreciated being able to blend into the local culture (I'm a local Hawaiian...we kinda all look the same...brown people).

Hope this helps you!

Aloha

ALOHA ahuimanu,
Your input hepled a lot thank you. I went through their site previously also, but unfortunately i am a bit late in applying for the fellowship program. The program requires me to submit my application by the first of Nov. A pre-requsit for the felloship is the TOEFL, which i have enrolled to take on the 2nd of Nov only. so, if you know a way around this hurdle i'm all ears.
Anyway i may require your kind help, as i plan to do a Phd in any related field. so if you can guide me on that, i would be more than happy.

DHIRAJ

Hi there
well I am here in US and have already practiced in India for 6 years. now i am looking forward to do my LL.M..I read that the school does offer IP...how good is that rated...apart from the secenic beauty of hawai..since I c that u really like the place..Hoping to hear from u soon
Amit

hey natalia,
Good to hear all that abt ur college. I wd be interested in business laws LLM. However, as Dhiraj pointed out.. what are the chances of securing a placement in Hawaii, is there a BAR exam and how many law firms are there considering its a very small place.

It doesnt make sense to do the LLM and return back to India, since the LLM per se would not be of much use here as employers look for the institute..and Hawaii sure wont be smthing very impressive.

Therefore, the question is only one - what are the chances of seeking employment post LLM... and approx how much is the starting salary - entry level.

Regards

Ruchir

Hey Natalia

I also dream of doing an LLM in Hawaii. I was wondering if the university there is, besides environmental law, well known for e.g. commercial and economical law. Is there a possibility to do a general LLM?

Cheers!

Hi Dhiraj,

Visit this site - www.adb.org/jsp.
You can find a scholarship in USA from that site.

Good Luck & wish you a happy new year.

Rajika.