Luc von Danwitz

Why did you choose to study at the University of Michigan Law School?

Michigan impressed me with its broad course offerings, internationally renowned faculty and a unique openness to international, European, and comparative law. Especially for lawyers interested in EU law, Michigan is the place to be in the U.S. and in many respects much better equipped than many Universities in Europe. But Michigan is also known for its significant ties to Germany – many faculty and staff members speak fluent German and a wide range of famous German academics and judges are affiliated with the Law School, which put it on my radar. The small size of the LL.M. class was also attractive to me. Finally, the contact with the courteous staff and students showed me that this was a place where LL.M. students are valued as part of the law school community and where I could feel at home. 

 

Which classes do you like most and why?

I was able to get into all classes that really interested me – so it’s hard to say which one is my favorite. I particularly enjoyed my seminar on Health Care Reform, an interdisciplinary course on State Surveillance, and courses on the Law of the Internet and Comparative Human Rights. Larger classes on core subjects of U.S. law, like Constitutional Law or Legislation and Regulation are a little more difficult but provide for unique and stimulating insights into U.S. law. 

 

What was your most interesting, astonishing or hilarious experience so far?

So many things come to mind! Experiencing a real American Thanksgiving Dinner at a professor’s house, taking a trip to the beautiful Lake Michigan with fellow LL.M.s during the fall break, playing in an LL.M. soccer team, having insightful legal discussions with faculty members, researchers and LL.M.s in a very relaxed and amicable atmosphere, going to Football matches of the Michigan Wolverines… the list just goes on and on!

 

What is the best thing about the program?

The best part of the LL.M. experience at Michigan Law is that the LL.M.s are truly integrated into the academic community at the law school. Many professors – most of them world-wide leaders in their fields – are genuinely interested in different legal perspectives from all over the world. It is very easy to get in touch with faculty members, research scholars and J.D. students, and the unique perspectives that LL.M. students have to offer are truly valued. For example, I am organizing a bi-weekly reading group on EU law, which is attended by faculty, research scholars, J.D.s, and LL.M.s and it’s a blast! 

 

How is life in Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor is a real college town, so everything a student needs (including many bars, clubs and restaurants) is close by. It is also easily possible to conveniently live on campus or very close to it. Especially in the winter it is great that the whole town centers around the University. And although it is comparatively small, Ann Arbor has a surprising wealth of cultural life, with many great concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions that can easily compete with larger cities, but that are much cheaper for students here. The Football games in the Big House are also unique experiences, because the whole town is on their feet to celebrate.  

 

What advice do you have for prospective LL.M. students?

Michigan is the right place for an LL.M. year if you are looking for an intensive program of study at one of the best universities in the country with a small LL.M. cohort and infinite possibilities for exchange with leading academics and career development. If you reach out to alumni, current students, faculty, and staff you will immediately feel the difference – all of them are very supportive, kind, helpful, and at the top of their game. Here, you are valued for who you are, and the Law School is genuinely interested in your growth as a lawyer with a broad international perspective.