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Alumni
A Journey of Growth and Purpose: Melis Ozcan '24 LLM
Initially, Melis Ozcan vlogƵ24 LLM described her main objective in pursuing her LLM as to sit for the New York Bar Exam, however, her educational experience at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at vlogƵ ultimately contributed to her personal growth while also providing her with a high-quality legal education. vlogƵWhen deciding which school to attend, I consulted coworkers who had previously done LLM programs in the United States and Haub Law came highly recommendedvlogƵI learned of an acquaintance, a Haub Law graduate, who had carved out a very successful career at a globally renowned company,vlogƵ said Melis. vlogƵThat truly impressed me. After researching the school further, I found its location and history particularly appealing.vlogƵ
Once she began her studies at Pace Haub Law, Melis shares that it was a truly unique experience and exactly what she had hoped for. vlogƵMy classes were comprised of lawyers from all over the world; some were recent graduates, while others were experienced attorneys with a passion for ongoing professional development. Studying and interacting with them in an academic setting, exchanging ideas and learning from each other, was incredible.vlogƵ The supportive and accessible atmosphere and faculty were equally impressive to Melis. vlogƵEveryone was always willing to help. The personalized attention available made it very easy to adapt to a different culture and also a different legal system.vlogƵ
While Melis enjoyed so many of her LLM classes, she describes her absolute favorite as Civil Procedure with Professor Michael Mushlin. vlogƵI am so grateful I took Civil Procedure during my first semester of the LLM program because Professor Mushlin is truly one of the most engaging and effective instructors IvlogƵve ever encountered,vlogƵ recalls Melis. vlogƵI consider him to be one of Pace Haub LawvlogƵs greatest assets, and I think everyone should experience taking at least one course with him. IvlogƵm convinced that my clear understanding of Civil Procedure played a major role in helping me pass the Bar Exam on my first attempt, saving me a tremendous amount of time and energy during my studies. Professor Mushlin has wonderful and effective teaching methods.vlogƵ Melis also describes another standout class for her as Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Sex Crimes with Adjunt Professor Fredric Green. She describes the course as incredibly eye-opening and an unforgettable experience having it taught by a highly experienced and successful prosecutor.
While Melis was an LLM student, one of her biggest pieces of advice for anyone enrolling in an LLM program is to make sure you enroll in at least one course with JD students and interact with them as much as possible. vlogƵI donvlogƵt believe you can fully experience what itvlogƵs like to be a law student in the United States without engaging with local students. While itvlogƵs invaluable to connect with your fellow international classmates, building relationships with JD students equally contributes to your academic and personal growth. By attending classes with them and actively participating in class discussions, youvlogƵll gain far more than you might expectvlogƵfor both your legal knowledge and perspective.vlogƵ
I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more peoplevlogƵs lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.
Today, Melis is at Akalan Law Firm, specializing in immigration law. Immigration law has always been an area of interest for Melis. vlogƵMy home country, Turkey, has hosted many refugees from the Middle East. As a result, immigration, especially human rights and asylum lawvlogƵhas remained a significant focus there. IvlogƵm excited to be furthering my career as an immigration attorney here in the United States, now that IvlogƵve completed my LLM and gained a solid understanding of the United States legal system. I find immigration law particularly rewarding; being able to help individuals access more humane living conditions every day is extremely meaningful to me. I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more peoplevlogƵs lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.vlogƵ
In her spare time, Melis loves going on nature hikes and exploring upstate New YorkvlogƵs parks, forests, and natural areas. She shares, vlogƵI really enjoy discovering these new outdoor spots, especially since this country is still new to me.vlogƵ She also enjoys the more urban benefits of living in New York vlogƵ including attending numerous concerts.
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