Recent graduates comment on their experience:
“The LL.M. program at Loyola is excellent not only for its comparative and substantive legal education in the classroom, but also for its practical legal training. It provides its students with all of the resources they need to successfully practice in the international arena, and most importantly the ability to understand and appreciate their future colleagues around the world as well as the different legal systems in which they work.”
Valerie Fabbro, United States - Class of 2007
"Enrolling in Loyola Law School’s LLM Program is an exciting challenge for an attorney fully absorbed in his work. Loyola offered me the unbelievable opportunity to attend classes Fridays and Saturdays during the academic year. The overall high quality of professors and courses in the Program and the prestige of Loyola Law School make the LLM degree a formidable boost for the legal practice of an international lawyer."
Claudio Pezzi, Italy - Class of 2006
“I was a 35-year veteran in the practice of law and searching for a new challenge. For several years I had considered teaching but realized I needed re-immersion into academia and an advanced degree to secure a position. The Loyola/Bologna program was intriguing prospect and offered a bonus, the opportunity to study in Italy, land of my forefathers. From the start everyone at Loyola was supportive and encouraging. They had to be. I needed it. It was a major investment for me. I was practicing law in Hawaii and couldn’t afford to close down my practice entirely. I had to commute to Los Angeles weekly, squeezing in billable hours between classes, flights, exams and term papers. Looking back, it was well worth it. The professors were all extremely enthusiastic. The subject matter was engaging. However, it wasn’t until we left for Bologna that the true adventure began. Bologna is the gem of this program, one that cannot be duplicated by any other. The city itself is ancient and beautiful but, more important, is the camaraderie that is forged in this city between the American students, the Bologna students and the professors. Looking back it’s hard to remember the hard work which engulfed us all. All that remains is the laughter, the social, political and religious discussions, the end of the week beer fest at the pub with Professor Atik. We all, students and professors alike, formed close friendships, friends for life. This program offers so much more than merely academic achievement. It’s truly a life adventure.”
Geraldo Scatena, United States - Class of 2007
"The LL.M. is a fantastic program with excellent professors. It completely changed my life opening doors to opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to me. I did an internship at one of the best law firms in Europe, and now I have a job with an international law organization funded through the United Nations. I formed enduring friendships with my classmates, connecting with them in a way I have never experienced before. I loved living in Bologna, and I am already nostalgic for the time I spent there."
Ajmal Hajianar, Afghanistan - Class of 2006
"The International LLM at Loyola Law School was not only one of the highlights of my year, but one of the best experiences of my life. As a ten year lawyer and General Counsel of a small international consumer product company, I was eager for a new challenge but also apprehensive about returning to school as a mature student. The curriculum of the LLM provided just the right exposure to the international issues that affect multi-national companies and I also had the opportunity to meet students from around world who share my interest in international law. Following completion of the LLM, I have parlayed my international education and previous in-house experience into the job of a life time as an in-house lawyer at one of the world’s leading consumer product companies. I believe the LLM played a significant role in acquiring this position."
Christa Cole, United States - Class of 2006
"This LL.M. was a unique experience because for the first time in my law studies I was able to broaden by horizons - confronting our Civil Law system with the Common Law was quite interesting. Surprisingly, I find myself agreeing in most aspects with the American system rather than with our Civil Law. Moreover, living in Bologna with "American flair" was a nice mixture... like killing two birds with one stone! We all had very good relationships with our professors and among each other, each of us with a different background and a common goal. This is an experience that you cannot find so easily. For me, the LL.M. in Bologna may have been one of the best years of my life."
Sophie Korn, Germany - Class of 2006
"The LL.M. program gave me an opportunity to truly connect with very talented and diverse colleagues, and it was the most rewarding learning experience I have ever had."
Newton Tak, United States- Class of 2007
“I was a French student in the first year of the LL.M. in American Law and International Legal Practice last year. The classes I had were very interesting and it was great to experience the American way of teaching. With students from all over the world, the comparisons between the different legal systems made the classes even more productive. Living in Italy for a year was just great, as well as meeting students from all over the world. I still have close relationships with many of them, despite the distance. Finally, the result of this beautiful year spent in Bologna was a job found in less than a week in an IP law firm in Paris.”
Léonore Bocquillon, France - Class of 2006
"Upon my return to my home country, the master's degree granted me the necessary confidence in interviews with partners at law firms to discuses the legal and personal skills that I have gained from the Loyola LLM program in Italy. I was pleasantly surprised to receive prompt job offers from two International American law firms in Egypt. It also gave me the necessary confidence for researching new fields of law practice which I had never experienced nor been taught. Additionally, the program improved my legal writing and enhanced my English in general. I now work in the fields of project finance, corporate finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, and International Commercial Arbitration disputes."
Fouad El Mahdawy, Egypt - Class of 2007
"I chose to attend this LLM because I thought it was a great opportunity to learn about the legal system in the US and, needless to say, my expectations have been completely fulfilled. I have found the subjects covered during the entire year extremely interesting and all the Professors were very highly qualified and willing to help us. I also had the chance to meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultural background. In such a friendly and interactive learning environment each class was not only interesting but very enjoyable!"
Libera Maria Giordano, Italy - Class of 2006
"This has been an extremely positive experience both from a professional and human point of view. Not only was I able to study some fields of the American legal system, but I also experienced how lessons are taught in the US. I would like to thank all the Professors for making each lesson such an opportunity to improve my skill and proficiency. Moreover, this LLM has added many different experiences to my life, including new friends from all parts of the world and learning about other cultures."
Oscar Servili, Italy- Class of 2006
"The Program has been a very enriching experience, an opportunity to broaden my mind from a cultural point of view and my approach to the profession and legal issues. This has been possible thanks to the study of another legal system, learning another way of facing and dealing with legal issues and international law matters, and challenging classes with professors who really stimulate students to interact with them and their classmates in order to fully take advantage of an international environment. Finally, I have made strong friendships that will last in the years to come."
Piergiorgio Zettera, Italy- Class of 2006
"The International LLM at Loyola Law School was an eye-opener. It provided the opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture and surroundings while also learning about the law in alternative jurisdictions. The professors were a pleasure to work with and this made the course more enjoyable. The opportunities which the LLM presents are numerous, be it in terms of career prospects, educational achievement or cultural and personal development. It is a positive investment with promising future returns."
Abimbola Lawore, United Kingdom - Class of 2006