Chieh-Yueh Lin
LLM for Foreign-Trained Lawyers (U.S. Law)
To be honest, I can't recall exactly how or why I found the Temple University Japan Campus (TUJ) website—maybe it was through an advertisement? But looking back now, I believe that one fleeting moment truly changed my life.
Before I moved to Japan, I had already received my legal education and passed the Taiwan Bar Exam. However, as a foreign attorney in Tokyo, my career path wasn’t as smooth as I had expected. I worked in the financial industry as a compliance officer, but I deeply missed the days when I was immersed in contracts and legal documents.
When I discovered that there was an ABA-accredited U.S. law school in Japan where I could study common law while continuing to work in Tokyo, I was immediately excited. I explored the Beasley School of Law’s website and felt my heart race—I knew I was about to begin a new chapter.
Without hesitation, I filled out the inquiry form, quickly received information, and submitted all the required documents before the deadline, eventually gaining admission. After leaving campus and working for several years, I regained the identity of a student. That felt truly thrilling.
Learning at TUJ
TUJ is an American University in Sangenjaya, Tokyo. Although I started my studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some courses conducted online, this did not hinder our learning. The instructors were well-prepared, and the online platform easily divided students into small groups for discussions. Later, when in-person classes resumed, we had even more opportunities to engage directly with instructors and classmates and discuss legal issues in depth.
At first, my main goal was simply to improve my legal knowledge. I didn’t plan to take the bar exam, so I chose courses that interested me or ones I hadn’t studied before—and I truly enjoyed them. The classes offered opportunities to meet people from diverse countries and backgrounds. Some classmates did not have prior legal degrees, and their perspectives on issues were brilliant and fresh. Also, classmates with extensive legal experience shared their thoughts and challenges from working in various industries—it was an invaluable opportunity to learn from legal professionals across different sectors.
Though I loved learning, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. We all faced the challenge of staying up late to study after work and waking up early to review materials and cases. To prepare for the final exams each term, we had to sacrifice many weekends, holidays, and family time. Besides, we often felt the pressure of being called on in class. I’m naturally shy, and I’ll share a secret: On the first day of one class, my heart was racing so fast that my Apple Watch actually alerted me about a potential issue!
If the idea of studying in a U.S. law school sounds intimidating, don’t worry. Professor Saunders reassured us that “the questions are meant to confirm your understanding, not to embarrass or challenge you.” This advice stayed with me. All the pressure we faced was to help us grow into better professionals, not to defeat us.
In addition, if you're not a native English or Japanese speaker, like me, you might worry that language barriers could hold you back from studying at TUJ. However, I encourage you to view this positively. Studying at TUJ Law School not only expands your legal knowledge but also gives you the chance to significantly improve your English skills—whether it's through intensive reading materials, engaging in class discussions, or practicing exam writing. Moreover, after class, you’ll have opportunities to communicate with your classmates in Japanese. That is certainly an appealing benefit.
Preparing for the Bar Exam
As I mentioned, I had no intention of taking the U.S. bar exam when I first enrolled. However, after listening to several alumni share their experiences, I began to understand the process better. I started imagining the career opportunities it could open, so I decided to challenge myself.
The first step was taking core courses essential for the bar exam. From case studies and the instructors’ explanations, I built a strong foundation of key concepts. Once I understood the principles, I could approach exam questions more accurately. When preparing, I found that the subjects I had studied in TUJ courses performed much better than the ones I hadn’t had the chance to take.
The law school provided a lot of support, including Bar Talks and mock exams. Through the Bar Talks, I learned from the trial and error of past exam takers. I found what worked best for me by following methods recommended by others. Hearing the stories of those who had failed before passing was a great morale booster and gave me confidence.
Before the July 2025 bar exam, I participated in a mock exam. Despite practicing countless multiple-choice questions and reviewing many essays, I still made mistakes, missing key points. The mock exam simulated the real testing environment, allowing me to identify my weaknesses under pressure. I believe this was one of the key reasons I was able to pass.
That said, my own continued efforts were the most crucial factor. Before passing the exam in July, I had failed several times. However, I was encouraged because my scores improved slightly each time. By reviewing my results after each exam, I focused on strengthening my weaknesses and felt reassured that I was on the right track.
Final Reflections
Looking back, I am truly grateful that I discovered TUJ Law School and took the leap to apply. It gave me the opportunity to learn U.S. law, study with classmates from various countries, and receive both practical and emotional support from the office and alumni during my bar exam preparations.
Although the bar exam is a personal challenge, at TUJ, you never have to face difficulties alone. You can always seek help—from the office staff or from classmates sharing their experiences. You will never feel isolated.
The journey wasn't easy—it was tough and painful at times. But as long as you keep moving forward, step by step, you will definitely move toward the direction you hope for.