Wake Forest University
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Wake Forest University: What a supportive, community-driven LLM experience looks like

In law — a field known for its high expectations and relentless pace — success doesn’t just hinge on academic prowess or technical skill. It requires resilience, connection, and a support network. This is why at Wake Forest University’s School of Law, the journey to becoming an effective and compassionate lawyer begins within a unique community designed to empower each individual. This explains why students from countries like Japan, Jordan, Venezuela, and Kosovo flock to Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Foreign-trained professionals looking to deepen their expertise within the US legal system go for the Master of Laws (LLM) programme. On this route, 24-credit hours is all you’ll need to take your careers to the next level.

Still, your journey will be uniquely yours. An advantage of this LLM is the flexibility it offers, allowing you to tailor your studies through a nine-credit specialisation in your chosen field. Specialisations span business law, criminal law, intellectual property law, and technology law. If your interests lie outside these options, fear not.      At Wake Forest Law, you can craft a custom specialisation from available courses to design your very own field of study. In the past, students have customised paths in human rights and health law.

Also once you’re ready to apply this personalised knowledge, there’s plenty of opportunities to develop your lawyering skills in real-world contexts. You can start working on cases under the supervision of a professional attorney in one of Wake Forest Law’s legal clinics, or give back to the community through the Pro Bono Project.

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As a university that is Pro Humanitate, Wake Forest Law puts community front and centre so that you can be a part of something bigger. Source: Wake Forest University

One with the community

It’s easy to feel misplaced when you’re miles away from home. Wake Forest Law knows this to be true, which is why they are committed to nurturing a tight-knit community.

“It starts with an orientation week just for international students, where you meet your colleagues right away,” says LLM student Gabriel Frizzo. “We often meet up, study together, and help each other. It’s like having a second family while you’re here.”

As a new student, your network will grow before classes even start. Foundations Week ensures this — a week-long mandatory orientation, where you’ll meet your peers and familiarise yourself with life at Wake Forest Law. Once a week you’ll get to take part in community service, giving you an early opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Throughout the year, you’ll find numerous ways to stay engaged — whether through initiatives organised by the Office of Civic and Community Engagement or on-campus events that connect you with causes and communities in need.

That’s what being a student here is all about. Being a university that is Pro Humanitate (meaning “for humanity”), Wake Forest encourages you to embrace every opportunity to contribute to the greater good.

To support you along the way, the university offers resources like free mental and physical health services, along with campus facilities like the Wake Forest Wellbeing Centre. With over 20 student organisations, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. If you’re looking for a challenge, consider competing in events like the Joint Competitive Mock Trial or joining the Trial Bar. You could even channel your inner leader by taking on a leadership role as a representative in the Student Bar Association and Honour Council, ensuring your voice is heard within your programme.

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The faculty and staff at Wake Forest Law are dedicated to ensuring students feel like they’re exactly where they need to be. Source: Wake Forest University

If you’re seeking a recreational break, the nearby parks in North Carolina offer scenic hiking trails perfect for unwinding.

“Last year, we began a tradition of taking the international students on a hiking trip to a local state park,” shares Chris Martin, the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. “This year we went to Hanging Rock. The trip gets the students out of the city and allows them to see and learn about some of the beautiful natural attractions in North Carolina.”

Such activities do wonders in easing the inevitable homesickness that comes with being far from home. That’s why people like Christi Hardwick, the Programme Manager for Academic Affairs, works tirelessly to create spaces for international students to connect and find support when needed — this is a commitment shared by the entire Wake Forest Law family.

“Dean Martin even hosts the international students for Thanksgiving at his home,” says Hardwick. “Additionally, we invite [them] to speak at lunch-and-learns to share with the law school community about their experience in their home countries.”

Beyond Wake Forest Law, the university hosts plenty of social events throughout the year that revolve around making connections. In no time, you and your peers will be enjoying exciting outings to local baseball games, exploring the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, relishing Southern cuisine around town, and embarking on excursions to regional landmarks like the Biltmore Estate or historic downtown Winston-Salem.

If this sounds like a place you would fit right into, learn more about the Master of Laws (LLM) programme at Wake Forest University today.

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