Professor Jacquelyn Slotkin with 2012 graduates of the LL.M. Program for Foreign Lawyers

“Many of my students would say I’m the stereotypical ‘Jewish Mother’-proud, controlling, supportive-sometimes interfering-protective, and an endless caretaker,” says Professor Jacquelyn H. Slotkin, director of California Western’s LL.M./M.C.L Program for Foreign Lawyers. The program brings licensed attorneys from around the world to California Western’s campus for a one-year master’s program.

This year’s class of 25 LL.M. students comes from 14 countries to learn the American legal system. They also spend a lot of time in Slotkin’s home for occasions such as Thanksgiving, where she loves to “mother them.”

“My personal pride is in the accomplishments of the many hundreds of lawyers and law school graduates from around the world who have completed the LL.M. program,” says Slotkin. “They are interning with law firms, government offices and national companies in San Diego and all over the country. They are pursuing new educational opportunities, passing rigorous bar exams and returning to their home countries to become partners in major law firms, in-house counsel for businesses or judges and public prosecutors. Some have started successful law firms and businesses in California.”   

LL.M. student Sara W. Al-Gharbawi, from Saudi Arabia, completed her law degree at home in 2012, but found that her opportunities to practice law were limited-the Saudi Ministry of Justice only recently allowed women to get law licenses.

She came to California Western’s program because, “I like how they see everyone for their individuality and uniqueness,” she says. “The professors are friendly and helpful, and there is a high bar pass rate. I will take the bar exam and work here in California for a year.”

Karen Amirkhanyan of Armenia also plans to practice law in California. “My friend completed California Western’s LL.M. program, passed the bar exam on the first attempt, and now is a successful attorney,” he says. “That motivated me to come here.”

Worawat Nattarit, of Thailand, values the international friendships he’s made with other students. “I will go back to my country to practice law,” says Nattarit. “I hope I can apply my new perspective of U.S. law to my society.”  

Seeing these students live out their dreams makes Slotkin one of the happiest Jewish Mothers on earth.

CHRIS SAUNDERS // RES IPSA ONLINE