Thank you to Claudio Klaus for sharing so much great information! To learn more about this new series, please check out the LL.M. Spotlight Series page. Have great advice and a great story to share? Reach out!

1. What made you choose the law school LL.M. program you ultimately decided on?

I chose the GPLLM at University of Toronto because of its strong reputation, the practical focus of the program, and the chance to learn from professors and classmates with diverse legal backgrounds. I was especially drawn to how the program supports internationally trained lawyers who are working toward licensure, allowing students to fulfill the requirements that ultimately allows them to write the bar. The program also has a careers office person dedicated solely to LLMs. Canada also has a streamlines immigration process, allowing international candidates looking into permanent moves to be able to do so with more foreseeability (to some extent).

2. What was your favorite course in your LL.M. studies?
One of my favorite courses was Legal Research and Writing. The course gave me tools that I now use daily, and it was taught in a way that connected well with my background and interests.

3. What was your favorite memory from your LL.M. year outside the classroom?
One of my favorite memories was working on my podcast, Studying Law Around the World. I had the chance to speak with lawyers from across Canada and beyond, which helped me build a strong network and hear amazing stories about resilience and adaptation. I also really enjoyed connecting with other international students and attending events hosted by the Brazil-Canada Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association.

4. What is one piece of advice that you have for 2025–26 international LL.M. students?
Consider your options and make educated choices. Build relationships early. Reach out to people, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable at first. Most lawyers are open to sharing their time and advice if you approach them with genuine curiosity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to let others know where you are in your journey, you’re not alone, and many have been in your shoes.

5. Where did you study for your first degree in law (country, school)?
I studied law in Brazil, at the Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe University (UNIARP), and was later called to the Brazilian Bar. I also externed in Arizona, clerked for the appellate court in Roraima and taught law at my alma mater before coming to Canada.

6. What are your plans for after the LL.M.? (Or if not finalized, what field do you hope to work in?)
Right now, I’m working at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee in Toronto, and I’m preparing for my articling which is a kind of “supervised internship”, mandatory for licensing. I’m hoping to work in transactional matters, specially in corporate and real estate law.

7. If you plan to take a bar exam, which one are you going to sit for? What made you choose it?
I plan to take the Ontario Bar Exams. I chose Ontario because it’s where I currently live with my family, and where I’ve started building professional roots. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many legal professionals here, and I’d like to continue contributing to the legal community in this province.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudioklaus/

Beyond Non-JD Note: These stories and pieces of advice will be told by the people who chose to participate, with some light editing occasionally provided by me. Some participants reach out to me, while I reach out to some whose advice and journeys I think would be particularly good fits. Their advice, information, and positions may (sometimes) be different from mine. That’s totally okay! While I do try to vet information, be sure to double check advice with trusted mentors in your network, especially as it applies to your situation, goals, or profile.