On May 22, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)—a designation required for U.S. institutions to legally host international students. The move immediately jeopardized the legal status of over 6,800 international students at Harvard. The administration justified its…

When it comes to choosing an LLM program in the United States, many candidates understandably turn to rankings. After all, it seems intuitive that a program ranked in the “Top 14” must be better than one ranked 20th, right? Not necessarily. While rankings like U.S. News & World Report can offer a rough snapshot of a school’s…

So you’ve just graduated with your LL.B. or Sarjana Hukum, you’re wondering: Should I go straight into an LL.M. program? It’s a tempting path—one more year of study, an international experience, maybe even a shot at the New York Bar. But is it the right move now? Let’s break down the pros and cons of…

If you’re an international lawyer considering a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, one of the first decisions you’ll face is where to pursue it: the United States or the United Kingdom. Both destinations offer world-class legal education, but they differ significantly in structure, academic focus, cost, and—crucially—eligibility for the bar exam. Here’s a breakdown of…

Writing a personal statement for an LL.M. application can feel like walking a tightrope. You’re told to be honest but strategic, personal but professional, confident but humble. So how do you strike the right balance? Here are some practical tips—especially for Indonesian applicants—on writing a compelling, thoughtful, and memorable personal statement. 1. Be Vulnerable, But…

When applying for an LL.M. program in the U.S., securing strong letters of recommendation is more than just a box to check. It’s a critical part of your application that can either reinforce your strengths—or quietly weaken your candidacy. Unfortunately, many applicants make the same mistake: chasing a “famous name” instead of a meaningful endorsement.…

When applying for an LL.M. program in the U.S., most candidates focus on grades, English proficiency, and the personal statement. But there’s another powerful way to make your application stand out—extracurricular activities, especially mooting. In particular, if you’ve participated in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, you’re holding one of the most…

If you’re an Indonesian law graduate planning to apply for a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in the United States, you’re probably wondering: Seberapa penting nilai kuliah saya? The short answer: Grades are important—but they are not the only thing that matters. In this blog post, we’ll unpack how U.S. law schools evaluate academic records from…

Pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in the United States can be a transformative step for international lawyers seeking to deepen their legal knowledge, gain exposure to the U.S. legal system, and open doors to global career opportunities. But before you can step into a classroom, there’s one hurdle to cross: the application process.…

When to Start, What to Prepare, and Key Deadlines Dreaming of doing an LLM in the United States? Amazing. Now comes the hard part: planning your application timeline. Unlike undergraduate or JD programs, LLM applications are less standardized—each law school has its own deadlines and requirements. But with the right roadmap, you can approach the process with…