After living in Frankfurt, Germany, for more than a decade, Sarah Buschmann, LL.M. ’23 made the decision to study in Fordham Law’s LL.M. program in banking, corporate and finance law. In the past year, she said she has not only gained a better understanding of U.S laws relating to capital markets and financial institutions, but genuine insights into the goals and strategies of U.S. executives and business lawyers as well.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I studied law at Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, and eventually qualified and worked as an attorney in Germany.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
Before enrolling in the LL.M. program, I was working in the field of capital markets. Because these kinds of transactions are heavily influenced by U.S. laws and regulations, I wanted to study in a global financial center like New York City to expand my legal knowledge and to understand how U.S.-educated attorneys approach the law conceptually and practically. With its breadth of courses, diverse faculty, experiential opportunities, and integration with the legal profession in New York, Fordham Law provided an exceptional opportunity to do just that.
Additionally, unlike some other law schools, a lot of classes at Fordham can be taken by LL.M. and J.D. students alike. The Lincoln Center campus is also perfectly located in the center of Manhattan, right next to Central Park (one of my favorite places to spend free time).
What’s it like studying law in New York City?
New York City offers an amazing variety of networking activities as many law firms and companies are located in the city. There are multiple bar associations here, as well, which offer professional and social events and opportunities to connect with other law students across the city.
New York City also offers many possibilities for leisure. I have enjoyed many events ranging from garage sales to fundraising meetings, visits to the Metropolitan Opera and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, beaches on Long Island and Coney Island, and shows in Central Park and Carnegie Hall.
Is there something special you are involved in at Fordham Law?
I am currently working as an extern at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which is giving me an incredible insight into the court system, the judicial process and judicial reasoning, and the courtroom proceedings in general, as well as helping to develop my legal research and writing skills.
What has been your favorite experience at the Law School?
My favorite experience so far has been meeting and getting to know so many interesting people from all over the world, and learning about the wide array of their practice areas and backgrounds.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I have worked in capital markets before and plan to continue in that area. After graduating, I plan to take the bar exam in February 2024. I am enjoying New York a lot and would like to work here after that. Plus, a U.S. legal work experience would be very helpful for my future career.
Fordham Law’s LL.M. program is training the next generation of global lawyers. Learn more about the program and our nine specializations.
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