My career has focused on Non-JD Programs (note: a fun origin story for a future post). Before I even graduated law school I started learning about the role LLM programs play in US law school operations. Opting for a job working at a law school instead of becoming a lawyer, I’ve spent 7+ years focused on different areas of Non-JD programming: academic advising, recruitment, alumni relations, career services, admissions, marketing, institutional partnerships, and even teaching. My work has taken me across the world, with a 31-month expat position based in Shanghai, teaching a two-week short course in Santo Domingo, and a 36 hour round-trip journey to Berlin for a recruitment fair just a few of the many highlights.

Over the last few years, my focus has evolved from LLM degrees to legal education in the US for international students more generally. When I present on US legal education, I tell audiences that I really should put the information I share online and make it accessible to more people. With a week to recharge over the holiday season, I decided the time is right to do so in 2021 (note: another future post).

What I plan to focus on:

• Information on the JD versus Non-JD distinction and why it matters.
• The different types of Non-JD programs available.
• Advice for international lawyers and law students planning to apply to US law schools.
• Stories on my background working as an administrator/staff member in US law schools.
• Advice for those seeking to work in US law schools (or higher education with a JD degree more generally).
• Advocating for LLM programs to be treated like JD programs in certain important ways.
• Musings on where Non-JD programs are headed more generally.
• Ways US law schools could (and sometimes do) engage with law schools around the world.