My studies of law and recent experience in community work have fired a desire to expand my knowledge at a master's level. I hold a B.A. degree in law from a University in the Dominican Republic, and a B.A. in International Criminal Justice ‘summa cum lauded awarded by XXXX College. My goal is to provide expert assistance in the area of human rights and especially in immigrant advocacy in a non-profit organization setting. Pursuing an LLM degree will furnish the foundation I need to achieve this goal.
I held positions in the Dominican Republic in which I was able to apply my legal knowledge, and, since arriving in the US, I have used my spare time to advance my understanding of US law, primarily in the areas of political engagement of immigrant communities and in the area of immigrant advocacy by voluntary involvement in these areas of work.
I have been undertaking voluntary work for the NALEO Educational Fund. This organization facilitates the full participation of members of the Latino community in the US political process, which is a matter that had interested me since my teens when I twice acted as Voting Secretary at a polling center in the Dominican Republic. I also volunteer with the City University of New York’s initiative called ‘Citizenship Now!’ which assists eligible immigrants in submitting their naturalization paperwork. I have found my duties both exciting and deeply satisfying.
More experts in this area are clearly needed. While volunteering, I have witnessed the strengths and shortcomings of the initiative, and I have gained an understanding of the aspects that need to be improved and increased. Non-profit community-based work offers an invaluable opportunity to empower immigrants because workers earn the clients' trust, offering empathy and accessibility. In the future, I hope to work with this type of organization, providing expert, comprehensive and accurate advice to assist clients in their efforts to acquire social and civic rights. I believe that the program will equip me with the right tools and resources to do so. I also wish to set a positive example of civic involvement, and professional and personal realization to inspire other immigrants.
After a thorough consideration of all available LLM programs, I have been particularly attracted to XXXX University because of its excellent general introduction to Common Law and the US legal system and the opportunity to choose the courses that exactly match my academic and professional goals. The university’s ideal location will allow me to continue to provide helpful voluntary assistance in my areas of human and immigration rights and to network within my target community. Moreover, I am inclined toward your institution because of its prestige and its leading role in the advancement of human rights.
During the program, I hope to be involved in research projects particularly in areas of immigration law, and I also want to gain further experience through work in a human rights clinic. I am sure that my diligence and determined attitude will enable me to provide useful input.
