Broadening Legal Horizons

J.D. and LL.M. students connect and learn from each other's experiences

Story by Kalyn Norwood

Photos by Maria Iacobo

USC Gould students came together for the annual J.D./LL.M. Partnership Program luncheon, sponsored by the International Law and Relations Organization (ILRO) and the Graduate & International Programs Office. To kick off the program, students assembled in a lecture hall to connect with the students with whom they were partnered.

“The purpose of this program is not only to meet friends and have fun, but also to network and connect with each other,” said Josefin Rundstrom LL.M. ’14 and one of the student social chairs for LL.M. class.

For many J.D. students, the opportunity to connect with USC Law’s 170 international LL.M. students allows them to broaden their knowledge of the many legal systems in the world and share personal and cultural connections. Although the program will host several events over the course of the school year, the organizers encouraged students to stay connected on their own.

“Please, make this not a single-time investment,” Prof. Donald Scotten, Associate Academic Director for G&IP, said. “This relationship you’re building with your colleagues, make it a long-term commitment.”

J.D. and LL.M. students chat over lunch

President of International Law and Relations Organization (ILRO) and second-year law student Jordan Buzza was passionate about the event. He believes the networking opportunities the program provides are beneficial to all students, creating the platform for LL.M.s to help J.D.s get into law and for J.D. students to help LL.M.s acclimate to American culture.

“It’s always good to meet new people and get new perspectives – especially from different cultures…,” Buzza said. “As a J.D. student, to be able to meet people from different cultures and learn about their legal system is very beneficial because it can help you decide if that is something you want to pursue or at least look into.”

Second-year J.D. student Henna Pithia attended the event as a 1L and was excited to receive an email inviting her to partner with an LLM student again. Studying international and human rights law, Pithia said she recognized the importance of cross-cultural communications and looked forward to learning from her new Egyptian partner.

“I hope we can become friends and use each other as a resource,” Pithia said. “I would love to learn about [my partner’s] legal education and experience prior to coming to USC Gould as well as her experience in the LL.M. program.”

In the past, J.D. students have invited LL.M.s for Thanksgiving and other holiday breaks to share American traditions and culture. According to Nicholas Kajimoto, Student Programs Advisor for G&IP, the program will plan formal events, such as lectures and other networking events.

“The partnership makes it easier for LL.M. students to establish friendships  with J.D. students and vice versa,” Kajimoto said. “It helps bridge the gap between the separate worlds within the law school and builds a strong sense of Trojan community.”