E. N.
LLM for Foreign-Trained Lawyers (U.S. Law)
Prologue
Exactly three years ago, in May 2023, I harbored a quiet but firm ambition: to obtain an LL.M. and become a U.S.-qualified attorney without pausing my career as a medical doctor. I remember that time vividly; though I was fresh out of my medical residency and buried in clinical work, the simple act of practicing typing or reading through past U.S. bar exam papers filled me with a sense of wonder.
I enrolled four months later, in September. Returning to the area where I lived as an undergraduate felt nostalgic. It had been nine years since I stepped away from my legal apprenticeship in February 2014, and seven years since I last attended a lecture in English—my second year of medical school. In my daily work as a doctor, my English was limited to occasional conversations with patients.
Lectures
Over the course of two years, I completed eight courses before graduating in August 2025. Every lecture was engaging, but the very first one, “Introduction to U.S. Law” taught by Professor Rabb, left a particularly lasting impression. In this course, we gained a comprehensive overview of the Anglo-American legal system. The highlight was the mock debates where the class was divided into two groups; the dynamic environment made the law feel alive and allowed us to explore its profound complexities together with our classmates.
Additionally, Professor Saunders’ “Civil Procedure” was equally profound and offered a true taste of the essence of U.S. law. Although the intricately intertwined rules and standards were challenging to navigate, the experience significantly sharpened my analytical and critical thinking skills.
The Bar Exam
Balancing my medical practice with legal studies was a constant struggle. On lecture days, I would catch the last Shinkansen from Shinagawa station to get home, only to begin my clinical work the very next morning. Making the most of every spare moment was exhausting, and my resolve wavered many times as I prepared for the California Bar Exam in February and the MPRE in March, 2026. However, I eventually faced the challenge with a "do or die" mindset, telling myself that if I didn't pass on this single try, I would walk away for good.
Due to my work schedule, I could only manage to arrive just in time for the orientation the day before the exam. On the night before the first day, jet lag and nerves kept me wide awake. Remembering that I had passed the Japanese Bar Exam despite similar sleepless nights, I decided to stop worrying about sleep altogether and simply focus on the task at hand. By the time I reached the Performance Test (PT)—the final essay of the first day—I was so physically and mentally drained that I felt as if I were withering away. I have no memory of how I got back; I simply found myself in my hotel room, completely spent.
Acknowledgements
On May 2, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Japan Time—during the Golden Week holidays—the word “PASS” jumped out at me the moment I logged into my California State Bar account.
Looking back, it was my decision to enter Temple Law School that truly paved the way for my success. From my enrollment in September 2023 through April 2025, balancing my medical career with the curriculum was often a daunting challenge, especially when navigating in-person requirements and seeking permission for remote attendance. However, as the program became more flexible toward the end of my studies, I felt a profound sense of support that allowed me to persevere.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the professors who guided me through the profound depths of the law, and the dedicated staff, especially Ms. Tanaka, for their unwavering support. Thank you very much.