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The University of Southern California (USC) LLM Program has recently seen a surge in popularity with the addition of a highly talented Japanese law student. The student, named Naoki Sato, has long been passionate about the law and was determined to find a program that offered the best opportunities to further her education. After weighing her options, Sato decided that a LLM degree from USC was the best path forward.
Since enrolling, Sato has made the most of her experience in the program, utilizing the top-notch resources USC offers students and leveraging the university's international network to further her understanding of the law and its application in the U.S. and Japan. From the start, Sato has been heavily involved in the program, taking part in several research projects for faculty members and making connections with her peers to better understand their legal perspectives.
Sato has also taken full advantage of the study abroad opportunities available to her, spending the summer of 2019 in California as part of USC's Global Exchange Program. Sato has found that the experience has helped broaden her legal perspective and has provided her with invaluable experience outside of the classroom.
Sato's experience in the LLM program has also enabled her to hone her professional skills, such as legal writing and research, which she has been able to apply to her coursework and future career. Her hard work and dedication to the program has not gone unnoticed, as Sato recently earned a paid internship with a prestigious law firm in Los Angeles.
Naoki Sato's experience in the USC LLM Program stands as a testament to the opportunities that can be gained through a top-tier legal education. Her passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence have enabled her to make the most of her time in the program and has set her up for success in her legal career. The LLM Program at USC and other top law schools offer a great platform for law students to gain invaluable knowledge and develop their professional skillsets.
Finding the Perfect Place to Study Japanese Law
For Yuta Ichinose, obtaining a Master of Law (LL.M.) degree in the United States was a lifelong dream. After researching the best U.S. LL.M. programs focusing on Japanese law, he decided that USC Gould School of Law was the ideal place for him to continue his studies. Referred to by friends and colleagues as a leading institution for providing a truly international law education, USC Gould offers students from all over the world the opportunity to experience the best of both U.S. legal education and Japanese legal education.Exploring the Benefits of the USC Gould LL.M. Program
The United States has always been a popular destination for international students seeking to advance their legal education. USC Gould's LL.M. program is designed to give students an understanding of both the U.S. legal system and the Japanese legal system. Through the program, students acquire a strong foundation in American legal studies, while also gaining a thorough understanding of Japanese legal frameworks and practices. By studying in one of the world's best legal education institutions, Yuta Ichinose was able to gain valuable knowledge that would help him advance his career.Advantages of the USC Gould LL.M. Program
According to Yuta Ichinose, the benefits of studying in the USC Gould LL.M. program are numerous. For starters, the program provides an excellent learning environment, as well as access to a range of resources and experts in both U.S. and Japanese law. Additionally, USC Gould offers students the chance to interact with other LL.M. and J.D. students from around the world. As a result, students are able to gain valuable insight into both the American and Japanese legal systems from a truly international perspective. Furthermore, the program's flexible schedule and online learning options allow students to complete their studies at their own pace.Benefitting from the LL.M.'s Strengths
Yuta Ichinose found that USC Gould's LL.M. program was incredibly beneficial to his legal studies. During his time at the program, Ichinose was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of both U.S. and Japanese law, thanks to the program's unique curriculums and the wide range of courses and classes. In addition, Ichinose was able to practice and develop his legal research and analysis skills, as well as his communication and writing abilities. The program also provided valuable networking opportunities with both professors and fellow students, allowing Ichinose to acquire an invaluable set of contacts within the Japanese legal industry.<<
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It was also helpful that the school's location was in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Kawaguchi said the city of Los Angeles is known as a cosmopolitan city and that studying in the area has exposed him to diverse students and faculty. It has also provided for many opportunities for students to de-stress themselves. "While studying law sometimes puts stress on us, Los Angeles offers us a lot of fun: for example, playing golf, scuba diving, watching sports games, and so forth, to relax and release our stress."
Mr. Kawaguchi said that the LL.M. program has classes designed specifically for foreign students not familiar with the U.S. legal system. One of the courses he enrolled in was an introductory course on the U.S. legal system. "The class outlines all aspects of the U.S. legal system and assists us in understanding the difference between the U.S. legal system and those of our own countries."
During his professional career as a lawyer in Japan, Mr. Kawaguchi took part in several M&A transactions. He said Japanese corporate law has become deregulated to promote M&A transactions in the Japanese market, and this has prompted greater discussion of the legal aspects of M&A. Mr. Kawaguchi is currently taking an M&A course where students are dealing with about 20 M&A cases and issues related to M&A contracts. "Reviewing cases facilitated my understanding of the development of rules and practice in M&A transactions in the U.S., which has enabled me to deepen my comprehension of M&A transactions based on my experience as well as predict what will happen in Japanese M&A markets."
Mr. Kawaguchi said because of the recent reform of the judicial system that will allow foreign law firms to hire Japanese lawyers, he said establishing a global network during the LL.M. program is important for him. He said through his experience with international transactions, he would like to establish a strong global network of legal professionals and business people to consult with, which he said the LL.M. program is helping him do. "For example, LL.M. students can find a J.D. student to cooperate and work well together with in each other's study and foster career development through the kind offices of the LL.M. staff. LL.M. staff also arrange for us to get acquainted with business school students in USC."
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Mr. Kawaguchi said the LL.M. office staff has been really helpful to him in his studies. He said he has enlisted the help of the LL.M. staff to help him organize a study session so that he can learn how to make an impressive presentation in order to improve his professional skills.
Mr. Kawaguchi said that in his experience he found that the deregulation of the Japanese corporate and financial markets has made it easier to introduce new corporate transactions and financial products. Furthermore, he said that many of the new corporate transactions and financial products in Japan are based on similar transactions or products developed in the U.S. market. "I believe that there is great demand for legal services for such new deals in Japan. To meet this demand, detailed knowledge of the U.S. corporate and financial system relating to such deals, as well as the general business and legal environment, is required."
He said that the LL.M. program has helped him realize his career goals because the program focuses on meeting the demands of foreign legal professionals. He said he is very satisfied with the program. He said that the "reciprocal development of the LL.M. program and LL.M. students" has allowed for deeper legal and professional knowledge and experience while providing opportunities to grow and also broaden one's global network.
"USC's LL.M. program requires students to figure out what we should do during the program and encourages us to achieve our success. That is what I believe is the best way for career development," Mr. Kawaguchi said.
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After receiving his LL.M. degree, Mr. Kawaguchi plans to work at an international law firm.
