CWRU LLM and SJD

02/17/2026

02/10/2026

Before becoming an associate at Baker McKenzie in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Hoa (Sanny) Doan (LAW ’17) academic path led her to Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Encouraged by a friend and fellow CWRU alumnus, she enrolled in the Master of Laws (LLM) program—a transformative decision that continues to shape her career.

On campus, Sanny quickly discovered what set CWRU apart: its supportive community and welcoming atmosphere. “The professors here are incredibly kind, caring, and thoughtful,” she said.

That sense of support—combined with the beauty of campus and Cleveland’s vibrant cultural—made her year both memorable and meaningful.

Of all her courses, Sanny most appreciated legal writing. With a strong foundation in U.S. law and clear communication skills, she now specializes in employment and immigration matters in Vietnam. In her current role, she guides clients with all aspects of employment law—from the start of an employment relationship to termination and other employee management issues. She also assists in workforce restructuring, internal policies and cross-border employee mobility, helping clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

In addition to academic and professional skills, Sanny gained lifelong connections with CWRU alumni from Vietnam and classmates from across the globe, including China, France and Spain.

Sanny, who earned her LLB at Hanoi Law University advises law students, “I will never regret choosing to pursue an LLM in the U.S. If you’re studying LLM, give it your all, study hard and learn as much as you can. Take advantage of this one year to learn and grow.”

02/02/2026

TIME magazine named Case Western Reserve among the world’s top universities, placing the institution 25th globally in its inaugural World’s Best U...

01/21/2026

Before establishing his legal practice in Bangkok, Thailand, Thanadetch “Matt” Aungkanawin, pursued a Master of Laws (LLM) at Case Western Reserve University School of Law to gain advanced training and an international legal perspective.

During the program, he strengthened his legal analysis and research skills and developed a structured, critical and comparative approach to legal problem-solving. Those skills now inform his work as a senior associate at WE Intellectual Property Co., Ltd., where he advises foreign clients on intellectual property and cross-border matters.

One course that left a lasting impression was Conflict of Laws, taught by Dale A. Nance, JD, MA, Albert J. Weatherhead III and Richard W. Weatherhead Professor of Law. This course exposed Thanadetch to how U.S. states apply varying legal frameworks—a differing approach to Thailand’s single nationwide legal system—expanding his comparative legal thinking.

“Learning how different jurisdictions approach similar issues has helped me communicate more effectively with international partners and anticipate potential concerns in multinational projects,” said Thanadetch, who earned his LLB at PR Ramkhamhaeng University before earning an LLM degree in 2017.

Thanadetch also credits CWRU’s positive learning environment as a defining part of his experience. Specifically, he notes supportive and approachable School of Law faculty, who often took extra time to explain complex legal concepts and encouraged open discussion, making classes both engaging and intellectually stimulating. Living in Cleveland further enhanced his experience, with the city’s affordability, easy navigation and vibrant cultural scene contributing to a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

“The staff, especially those in the LLM office, played a vital role by helping with administrative matters and adjusting to life in Cleveland, which greatly eased my transition as an international student,” he recalled. “Altogether, the combination of a supportive academic community and a comfortable city made my time at CWRU truly memorable.”

Beyond his studies, Thanadetch enjoyed exploring University Circle, visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art and taking walks around Wade Lagoon. Discovering local cafés and spending time with classmates helped him feel at home in the city and foster friendships that have lasted well beyond his time at CWRU.

11/26/2025

As an LLM student at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Zhihan Wang (LAW ’20) found immense value in the program’s supportive peer-learning system—particularly the weekly tutoring sessions led by JD students who had previously excelled in the same courses.

“These sessions created a comfortable and open environment where LLM students like me could freely ask questions,” said Zhihan, who passed the California Bar Exam earlier this year. “This experience went beyond mere academic support—it built a sense of community and shared growth, which truly embodied the collaborative spirit of legal education.”

Now practicing in Hong Kong, Zhihan credits the program for not only strengthening his legal foundation but also helping him adapt to the common-law reasoning style.

“The LLM taught me to reason from precedent, distinguish key facts, and think from fundamental principles,” he said. “This allows me to deconstruct the opposing counsel’s logic more effectively and construct far more persuasive and sophisticated legal arguments for my clients.”

“This fundamental training gave me the clarity and confidence I rely on today to communicate effectively and professionally with international clients and colleagues,” he noted.

Outside the classroom, Zhihan discovered another passion in Cleveland: skydiving.

“That experience taught me focus, courage, and how to embrace freedom with discipline,” said Zhihan. “It became a powerful metaphor for my legal journey—aiming high, navigating complexity, and moving forward with confidence.”

11/03/2025

After earning his first law degree at King Saud University, Rakan Almutairi, LLM wanted to get his next law degree in the United States. He heard positive feedback about Case Western Reserve University’s supportive environment for international students and its distinguished faculty. Drawn to the practicality and structure of the law school’s courses, he discovered a program that perfectly aligned with his goals: the LLM in International Business Law.

“The classes were not only theory-based—professors used real cases, discussions and examples from actual legal practice,” he said. “This helped me think like a lawyer, not just memorize rules.”

As an LLM student, Rakan valued the support from the law school’s faculty and staff members, who were readily available for guidance—whether about academics or life in Cleveland. He also credits Jack Turner, director of the International LLM program, as having a major impact on his law school journey and career.

“I really enjoyed Professor Turner’s contract law class. He made every session engaging through real case examples and open discussions,” said Rakan. “His way of teaching encouraged us to analyze, debate and think critically.”

Today, Rakan applies the knowledge he gained at CWRU as a legal associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers Middle East, where he focuses on contracts, non-disclosure agreements and corporate work.

“CWRU’s LLM was not just a degree for me, it was the foundation of my legal career,” he said. “It gave me knowledge, confidence and a global mindset. The program prepared me to work in international environments, handle complex legal matters and gave me a direction that I still follow today with pride.”

10/13/2025

After earning a Bachelor of Laws degree from Middlesex University in London, England, Radhika Morjaria sought a legal education where she could form meaningful personal and professional connections. She later found it in Case Western Reserve University School of LawCase Western Reserve University School of Law ’s Master of Laws (LLM) program.

“I formed lasting friendships with classmates from around the world, some of whom have already visited me in my hometown of London,” said Radhika, who earned her degree in 2024. “It’s a great feeling knowing that those connections continue, no matter where we’re based.”

Radhika credits LLM faculty members—such law instructor Julia Liston—for creating a supportive, intellectually-engaging learning environment, where complex legal concepts were made accessible.

One standout experience during Radhika’s time in CWRU’s LLM program also includes her involvement in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's 3Rs outreach program, where she taught local high school students about their constitutional rights.

“Not only did it allow me to share knowledge and help empower a vulnerable demographic, but it also helped consolidate my own understanding of constitutional rights,” she said. “It was a rare opportunity to put theory into practice while contributing to the community in a meaningful way.”

Radhika also highlights her online internship with a Taiwanese law firm as a unique opportunity, which helped her build an international legal portfolio and sharpen her skills by contributing to U.S. litigation cases, learning about Taiwanese civil law, and handling client queries from Australia and the Cayman Islands.

Based in London, Radhika's first job was at Deloitte, where she was seconded to a Tier 1 investment bank. She reviewed complex financial trading agreements, assessed contractual terms, and collaborated with international teams to manage risk and support commercial decision-making.

“I found Cleveland to be a peaceful and welcoming place to live and study, with a strong sense of community and local pride,” she noted.

06/13/2025

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It may be the shallowest of North America's Great Lakes, but Lake Erie has a massive amount of potential when it comes to both tourism and outdoor adventure. Buffalo, Cleveland, and Toledo are just a few of the storied cities that can be explored along the Erie shore, while recreation opportunities....

05/21/2025

Congratulations to our graduates in the International LLM and International SJD programs!

05/21/2025

Drawn to Case Western Reserve University School of Law for its strong academic reputation and specialized legal tracks, Hawazen Hakami ('22) found a perfect fit in the university’s LLM program, where she earned Honors in her concentrations in International Business Law and Investment Law.

"The university excels in international business law, providing practical learning experiences," she said. "Its multicultural setting enriches global perspectives and fosters professional growth making it an ideal choice for legal studies."

Today, Hawazen leverages her studies in Saudi Arabia as a Senior Legal Specialist at the National Competitiveness Center, where she is also a Saudi delegate at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. She also provides legal consultations and reviews legislative projects to ensure they align with national interests and international standards.

"The flexibility of the CWRU LLM program played a pivotal role in shaping my legal career," said Hawazen, who graduated in 2022. "The program not only deepened my knowledge in the field, but also significantly contributed to my professional growth by fueling my passion for the subject while complementing and enhancing my practical experience."

Hawazen credits Cleveland’s vibrant culture and her campus relationships as key contributors to her student experience, which offered a healthy balance to the demands of law school.

"The university, law school staff, and classmates all contributed to a positive atmosphere for studying law and living in Cleveland by fostering a supportive and collaborative environment," Hawazen noted. "Together, these efforts created a well-rounded and supportive environment that helped me thrive academically and socially."

03/26/2025

At Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Yuzhi Wang (LLM'22, SJD '25) turned ambition into achievement. With outstanding academic success and a thriving career ahead, she exemplifies the opportunities that await you at CWRU.

With an interest in the research side of law, Yuzhi enrolled in the law school's SJD program to focus on national security review systems of foreign investment in China and the U.S. While enrolled, she learned about cultural differences that not only influence legal practices, but also professional interactions and workplace dynamics.

During the program, Yuzhi was able to connect with other LLM and JD graduates of the law school’s strong alumni network, who later provided opportunities for hands-on experience at Cleveland law firms.

"The legal community is tight-knit, offering good networking opportunities and there are solid law firms, courts and businesses where students can gain practical experience," she said. "I not only gained practical insight into the practice of law in the U.S. but also realized significant differences between law in theory and law in practice."

Her supervisor, Su He, attorney at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP noted Yuzhi's initiative. "She is highly dedicated to her work and demonstrates a proactive approach to problem solving."

Beyond the classroom, Cleveland proved to be an ideal place for Yuzhi to pursue her legal studies with various culture and entertainment offerings, such as numerous theater productions at Playhouse Square, professional basketball and football games downtown and more.

"The winters are cold and snowy, but if you don’t mind that, it’s a comfortable place to live and study," Yuzhi said.