Studying in the LL.M. program at Temple University Beasley School of Law has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic and professional journey. Coming from Italy, where I graduated cum laude in Law from LUISS Guido Carli, I wanted to deepen my understanding of corporate law and gain exposure to the U.S. legal system in a practical and challenging environment.
Before coming to Temple, I had already cultivated a strong interest in international and commercial law through my studies and international experiences. In particular, I had the opportunity to spend five months in London as part of an exchange program at City, University of London, where I studied subjects including corporate law and EU product regulation. Living and studying in such an international setting further strengthened my desire to pursue a legal career with a cross-border perspective.
At Temple, I was able not only to expand my legal knowledge, but also to grow personally and professionally. Courses such as Corporations, International Commercial Transactions, and Mergers & Acquisitions provided me with a deeper understanding of cross-border business law and introduced me to the practical and analytical approach that characterizes U.S. legal education. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to engage with professors and classmates from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds. The LL.M. program pushed me to think critically, participate actively in class discussions, and approach legal problems from a comparative perspective.
One of the most memorable experiences during my LL.M. was in my Legal Research and Writing II course. As part of the class, we were assigned to represent opposing sides in a case and, after submitting written briefs, we had to present an oral argument in front of the professor and our classmates.
I was randomly paired against an Irish student who was a native English speaker, and at first, I was intimidated. I remember thinking that as a non-native English speaker, it would be difficult to argue persuasively against someone speaking in his native language, especially in such a competitive and challenging environment. Before the oral argument, I was genuinely nervous and unsure of myself.
However, once the argument began, something changed. I became fully focused on the case and on defending my client’s position. To my surprise, I was able to speak confidently, think quickly, and respond persuasively to the opposing arguments. The experience became not only a challenge, but also a turning point for my confidence. At the end of the exercise, the professor was impressed and awarded me the Outstanding Oral Advocacy Award, which was completely unexpected for me.
That moment remains one of the proudest and most rewarding experiences of my LL.M. journey because it showed me that determination, preparation, and confidence can overcome the fear of not being a native speaker. It also reminded me that stepping outside of your comfort zone is often where the greatest personal and professional growth happens.
Another important stage of this journey was preparing for the New York Bar Exam. Although the process was demanding, my experience in the LL.M. program provided me with a strong foundation in American legal reasoning and helped me develop the discipline and resilience necessary to face the challenge. Studying for the bar also reinforced my interest in international corporate and commercial law and motivated me to continue building a career that bridges different legal systems. Now that I have passed the bar, I hope to continue working in the field of international business law, particularly in areas involving cross-border transactions, corporate matters, and commercial contracts. My goal is to combine my Italian legal background with my U.S. legal education to assist companies operating in increasingly global markets.
Looking back, earning my LL.M. at Temple was not only an academic achievement, but also a personal and professional milestone that opened new opportunities and broadened my perspective on the legal profession.
