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Alumni
A Journey of Growth and Purpose: Melis Ozcan '24 LLM
Initially, Melis Ozcan ŮٱƵ24 LLM described her main objective in pursuing her LLM as to sit for the New York Bar Exam, however, her educational experience at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at ŮٱƵ ultimately contributed to her personal growth while also providing her with a high-quality legal education. ŮٱƵWhen deciding which school to attend, I consulted coworkers who had previously done LLM programs in the United States and Haub Law came highly recommendedŮٱƵI learned of an acquaintance, a Haub Law graduate, who had carved out a very successful career at a globally renowned company,ŮٱƵ said Melis. ŮٱƵThat truly impressed me. After researching the school further, I found its location and history particularly appealing.ŮٱƵ
Once she began her studies at Pace Haub Law, Melis shares that it was a truly unique experience and exactly what she had hoped for. ŮٱƵMy classes were comprised of lawyers from all over the world; some were recent graduates, while others were experienced attorneys with a passion for ongoing professional development. Studying and interacting with them in an academic setting, exchanging ideas and learning from each other, was incredible.ŮٱƵ The supportive and accessible atmosphere and faculty were equally impressive to Melis. ŮٱƵEveryone was always willing to help. The personalized attention available made it very easy to adapt to a different culture and also a different legal system.ŮٱƵ
While Melis enjoyed so many of her LLM classes, she describes her absolute favorite as Civil Procedure with Professor Michael Mushlin. ŮٱƵI am so grateful I took Civil Procedure during my first semester of the LLM program because Professor Mushlin is truly one of the most engaging and effective instructors IŮٱƵve ever encountered,ŮٱƵ recalls Melis. ŮٱƵI consider him to be one of Pace Haub LawŮٱƵs greatest assets, and I think everyone should experience taking at least one course with him. IŮٱƵm convinced that my clear understanding of Civil Procedure played a major role in helping me pass the Bar Exam on my first attempt, saving me a tremendous amount of time and energy during my studies. Professor Mushlin has wonderful and effective teaching methods.ŮٱƵ Melis also describes another standout class for her as Advanced Issues in Criminal Law: Sex Crimes with Adjunct Professor Fredric Green. She describes the course as incredibly eye-opening and an unforgettable experience having it taught by a highly experienced and successful prosecutor.
While Melis was an LLM student, one of her biggest pieces of advice for anyone enrolling in an LLM program is to make sure you enroll in at least one course with JD students and interact with them as much as possible. ŮٱƵI donŮٱƵt believe you can fully experience what itŮٱƵs like to be a law student in the United States without engaging with local students. While itŮٱƵs invaluable to connect with your fellow international classmates, building relationships with JD students equally contributes to your academic and personal growth. By attending classes with them and actively participating in class discussions, youŮٱƵll gain far more than you might expectŮٱƵfor both your legal knowledge and perspective.ŮٱƵ
I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more peopleŮٱƵs lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.
Today, Melis is at Akalan Law Firm, specializing in immigration law. Immigration law has always been an area of interest for Melis. ŮٱƵMy home country, Turkey, has hosted many refugees from the Middle East. As a result, immigration, especially human rights and asylum lawŮٱƵhas remained a significant focus there. IŮٱƵm excited to be furthering my career as an immigration attorney here in the United States, now that IŮٱƵve completed my LLM and gained a solid understanding of the United States legal system. I find immigration law particularly rewarding; being able to help individuals access more humane living conditions every day is extremely meaningful to me. I hope to continue making a positive impact in many more peopleŮٱƵs lives as an immigration lawyer. I would not be able to do this without my LLM degree from Pace Haub Law.ŮٱƵ
In her spare time, Melis loves going on nature hikes and exploring upstate New YorkŮٱƵs parks, forests, and natural areas. She shares, ŮٱƵI really enjoy discovering these new outdoor spots, especially since this country is still new to me.ŮٱƵ She also enjoys the more urban benefits of living in New York ŮٱƵ including attending numerous concerts.
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