Alexandre Le Nepveu

Class of:

2019

Why have you decided to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree?

Once I obtain my French Master's Degree in Business Law, I want to extend my legal learning outside of the civil legal system. In my opinion, as the Common Law legal system contributes in shaping and influencing international legal instruments in modern times, moving to the US is a tremendous opportunity to get a sound knowledge base. I really want to be equipped with well-rounded knowledge in common law in order to mature my professional career as an international legal practitioner. I am actually planning to take both the French and American Bar examinations in order to be able to practice as a lawyer in France and in the US.

Why did you choose to study at Minnesota Law?

I chose Minnesota Law School because it is a well-ranked Law School in the US. Above all, I did appreciate that its LL.M. program allows foreign students to study with the JD students.

Describe the LL.M. course you are studying.

I am a LLM student concentrating in Business Law. Therefore, my courses are oriented toward corporate and trade legal issues (e.g. Business Association and Corporations; Corporate Tax; International Trade; Contracts; Essentials of the Business lawyers (US accounting); Professional Responsibility of the Business Lawyer). To meet the requirements of the business law concentration, I also took the LLM legal writing class. Thanks to this seminar, I will graduate with sound legal writing and research skills.

Which classes do you like most and why?

So far, I have enjoyed all my classes and I don’t have any preference.

How do you finance your education?

Thanks to the University of Minnesota Law School, my tuition fee was substantially reduced since it was awarded to me as a scholarship. As far as the remaining amount of the tuition fee to be paid and cost of living in the US, nothing would have been possible without my parent’s financial contribution.

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

The most exiting and interesting experience at the University of Minnesota Law School is the judicial observation course offered to LLM students. This class consists of writing a paper after having observed a Federal or State judge during one semester. This course is a tremendous experience and a great insight into what the US judicial system is like.

What is the best thing about the program?

According to me, the best thing about this program is that LLM students are mixed with the JD students. This makes the LL.M. program richer culturally and academically because JDs bring another perspective of the law that broadens our horizons and makes us reflect as foreigners. In addition, this strengthens my feeling that I belong to the University of Minnesota Law School community rather than just being a temporary foreign student.

Name three terms that you associate with the word „law“.

Tool, Discipline, Power

What are your plans after graduating?

After graduation, I plan to take the New York bar exam in order to practice as an International Business Lawyer. Then, I’m hoping to enter an American Law-firm as an intern or associate.

What advice do you have prospective students?

Taking part in the University of Minnesota LLM program is a unique life experience. However each student shapes his or her own experience. So do not wait for opportunities to come to you, be proactive both inside and outside of the Law School. Simply be curious!