Tomoharu Ogawa
LLM for Foreign-Trained Lawyers (U.S. Law)
Reason for Admission
As an Administrative Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi), I mainly provide legal support for corporate clients, and wanted to expand my activities by obtaining a U.S. Attorney license to help Japanese companies expand their business overseas, foreign companies expand their business in Japan, and foreign transactions. I decided to enroll in Beasley School of Law at Temple University, Japan Campus ("TUJ LAW") because it offers an evening course in Sangenjaya, Tokyo, which I could attend while working. Temple University is probably the only university which is accredited by the American Bar Association ("ABA") and at the same time has a Japan campus. Therefore, TUJ LAW was very advantageous and attractive to me because I could earn ABA Accredited credits while working in Japan, without having to study abroad in the U.S.
Lesson Content
All classes were taught in English, and the amount of preparation required for each class was very large, so it was a very challenging environment for someone like me who was born and raised in Japan and had no overseas experience. In the first class, I probably did not understand even one-third of what the professor said, but as I earned credits, my ear gradually became accustomed to the language, and by the time I graduated, I was able to understand most of what the professor said. I was often overwhelmed by my classmates who spoke English very well, such as returnees, those with extensive overseas expatriate experience, and those who had studied abroad during their university years, although I made a conscious effort to speak up to improve my English skills. The first semester lasts about four months, and there is a lot of preparation for me who is studying while working, and it was quite difficult to earn credits for even one course. However, as mentioned above, it was very meaningful for me because I could improve my English dramatically and fulfill the requirements to take the Bar Exam.
Classmate
Most of my classmates were members of the legal departments of corporations, and some of them were licensed Japanese lawyers. Few of them were sole proprietors like me. When I first enrolled, most of the students were in their 40s or older, but recently the number of students in their 20s has been increasing, and I feel that the backgrounds and ages of the students are very wide-ranging. It was very encouraging that we had so much in common in that we were working and earning credits at the same time, and we were able to encourage each other as we went along.
Faculty
There is only one full-time professor at TUJ LAW, and the rest of the classes are taught by part-time lecturers, including people who are practicing lawyers in Japan and people who are in charge of legal affairs at major foreign companies. The classes are not only academic, but also practical, which is very helpful. The teachers are very friendly and wonderful people, and some of them are still good relationships in their private time after graduation. They are all native English speakers, but they speak very slowly so that Japanese students can easily understand them, so if you are worried about English-only classes, don't worry.
Facilities, Campus
TUJ's campus is located in Sangenjaya, Setagaya-ku, which is very accessible, and the new building was completed and TUJ was relocated to it in August 2019, so the campus is very clean. Each classroom is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an online conferencing system, and there is a cafeteria on the first floor where students can take a break, and a large seminar room where networking events are frequently held. Thus, the facilities and the campus are of an impeccable standard.
Support for BAR EXAM
In addition to regular classes on U.S. law, international law, etc., TUJ LAW offers a Bar Course to prepare for the Bar Exam, which is taken by students who have started studying for the Bar Exam after graduation. When I started studying for the Bar Exam, I had no idea what to study and how to study, so I took this Bar Course and was able to learn the basics. In addition, there are periodic Bar Talks, which are seminars by graduates who have passed the Bar Exam, where you can get the latest information from those who have recently passed the Bar Exam. The Bar Talk is always followed by a networking event where you can get to know past successful candidates, professors, and classmates. You can also ask the office to introduce you to a past successful candidate in the state you are trying to pass and become your mentor. I was assigned a mentor, and the mentor was very kind and set up a one-hour meeting twice a month for four months to give me points on how to study for the Bar Exam. Even after the mentoring period ended, my mentor continued to answer my detailed questions, and his support is not only helpful but also a great emotional support. In this way, TUJ LAW provides not only regular law classes but also generous support for the Bar Exam.
Summary
As mentioned above, you can graduate from the American law school (LL.M.) while working, you can qualify for the Bar Exam in some states, you can get peers to take the exam, you can connect with American lawyers professors who are practicing law, the campus is beautiful, and TUJ LAW has its excellent Bar Exam support, so I highly recommend TUJ. If you are not sure which law school to choose, we hope you will give TUJ positive consideration.