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LL.M. Discussion Board > Europe > LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany 
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
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Finance Guy  
Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 13 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hello,Tue Dec 04, 2007 08:21 PM Is there anybody else applying for the LLM in Finance at the ILF to 2008/2009? Is there anybody that had attended this LL.M in the past to provide me a feedback? I heard a lot of great things about them in special regarding a high rate of scholarships granted and a high rate of graduates getting jobs in the prestigious market of Frankfurt after the program. Also, there are one of the few programs that accept business guys and lawyers. Thus, discussions in class must be even better and considerable abrangent. If somebody could share experiences and wishes it would be great!! Cheers... |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 56 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey Finance Guy,Wed Dec 05, 2007 06:45 PM If you are interested to know a bit more about the ILF, I would be very keen to help. What exactly would you like to know? ML |
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| bekalu
Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 1 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
I wonder if i can get L.L.M schoolarship
Thu Dec 06, 2007 06:36 AM |
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| Fasil Mekonnen
Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 2 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hello EverybodyThu Dec 06, 2007 12:44 PM It is really a nice idea to join Institute for law and finance. Specially since I am a student and know a lot about the program, I strongly recommend to everybody who is interested having LLM. I would prefer not to talk much about it since the program by itself is self explanatory. May be you can get similar program elsewhere in the world. But I can 100% guarantee you there is no program that exactly resembles ILF.Some of the reasons behind this fact is -almost 95% of lecturers are practitioners -generous scholarship award -internships in different big law firms, banks, accounting firms which helps to establish good career contact -accepts both Law and Economics/Business students irrespective of their working experience and any other background -small student body... These are not the only benefits that you might get here. Still there are unmentioned hidden benefits of ILF. Regards, Fasil Mekonnen Alemu (Nationality Ethiopian) [Edited 26 Mar 2008 by Fasil Mekonnen] |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hello Everybody!Thu Dec 06, 2007 02:16 PM Firstly, I would like to cheer the initiative of Mr. Finance Guy for asking about the ILF. Without a doubt, I can say that the best way to evaluate a place and to know about its LL.M Program is asking to those who already took or are attending it. Since nobody could properly help me when I was selecting my LL.M and due to the fact that I do think I did a great job selecting the ILF, in spite of having more known British universities to go (where fellows here say the programs are not that intense) I am very keen to share my experiences with you. The Institute for Law and Finance is part of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe – University of Frankfurt, the really best university for Finance in Germany (See DAAD Ranking) and one of the most prestigious for Law as well. Nonetheless, even though it is part of the university, the Institute has its own facilities just for the students of the LL.M, an exclusive library, computer room and everything else. The vibe in the Institute is great, the Staff is always available and I just can say good things about here. Also, the university provide us a lot of help, as a fair Menza (food court) with good subsidized food, the Goethe Card which allows you to use all public transports in the state of Hessen, day-night weekdays or weekends, for Free. But the main issue is the quality of the program which (I bet!) you may find something as good, yet probably not better. It is intense as an LL.M has to be (IT IS REALLY A LOT TO DO AND READ), mainly practical, not strictly academic with just boring questions. Another factor to consider is the size and peculiarity of the selected group: formed strictly with 40 Graduates (this year from 28 different countries) with different backgrounds (Business and Law). As I have already mentioned, the professors are all practitioners from different countries (until now I got a British, a Swedish, an Italian, some Germans, a Portuguese and an American as far as I can properly remember) and from the main organizations (ECB, German Central Bank) and Law Offices (Clifford Chance, Freshfields, Price, etc...). This fact provides us an International experience and an opportunity to analyze important topics in different perspectives, enhancing our knowledge. In addition, trying to not be that extensive, the ILF has a great Scholarship Program (They really can help you if you prove that you are good and need help to afford your tuition fees!!!!!). I got a scholarship by myself and am really grateful for them. Another important factor to be considered is the relation that the institute has with major firms. They do arrange an internship for you in one of its sponsors and attending it is a requirement for a graduation (you may find it by yourself if you prefer to do so). Definitely, it helps you to get a job and to get experience. As a matter of fact, I got 5 months internship in Linklaters and am proud for that. Finally, the ILF has good contacts with other universities. For Example, the two best students for the first semester get a chance to go Columbia University in the USA to keep studying for a semester after the LL.M. completion. Also, Columbia sends their graduate students to the ILF every year. In any case, if you still have questions to address, feel free to write it down and I will be happy to help if I can. Please, just to not send personal messages, because I always forget to answer. Cheers, Rafael |
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| Finance Guy
Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 13 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fasil and Rafael,Thu Dec 06, 2007 03:21 PM Many Thaks!!! I really heard a lot about the ILF... a friend of mine attended it couple years ago. I am still thinking, but if these are the conditions, I will be willing to apply as soon as I get my papers done! How about admissions? Cheers |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey Mate!Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:18 AM Just go to the website www.ilf-frankfurt.de and see the proceedings there. It is not that complicated... But, as far as I know after the 40th placement, no one more.. so if you want to apply, I would suggets you to do so as soon as you can!! See ya [Edited 07 Dec 2007 by Rafael Lima] |
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| ashraf
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 28 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Dear All,Sun Dec 09, 2007 03:00 AM I am very much interested to participate in ILF in 2008. I've already sent my application. Is it too late ? Could anybody tell me how long ILF takes to take a decision after receiving the application? I've a a particular question for Rafael Lima. I am a lawyer from Bangladesh, got second position in my class among 100 students, have worked in a corporate law firm here for four years mainly on syndication and structured finance, presently I am working in a multinational in Bangladesh. My English is fairly good (IELTS 7.5) and I have good recommendation letter. I would ask your opinion abt my chances to get admitted to ILF? Where r u from? Where did you do ur first degree? Thanks all. Ashraf |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey Ashraf,Sun Dec 09, 2007 11:38 AM Regarding admissions, I just cannot talk too much... as you know I am just a current student. As far as I remember, I got the admission letter 3 or 4 weeks after my application. They are quite fast here... Just do not worry about when you applied, I do believe that since your CV and application documents are good, you have a chance to be accepted. I applied a bit later than you and I am here today. By the way, there is a girl from Bangladesh in my class. She is great... I had a background very simliar to yours: - An IELTS of 7,5 (I think, it is their ball park); - Two nice Recommendation Letters; - A legal background; - Had worked with corporate law in a Bank in Brazil. I wish all luck for you and hope to see you here next year, since I will stay a bit longer practising.. See ya |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 56 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mates,Sun Dec 09, 2007 04:56 PM I totally support the ILF... They are great!!!!! If I can give you an advice is: Do apply!!! |
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| ashraf
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 28 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Thanks Lima for your reply.Mon Dec 10, 2007 02:27 AM BTW, could you tell me the name of Bangladeshi girl and which university she is from? If she's studied in Bangladesh, then we might have common friends at least, it is a small world.... Thanks others also who have posted their reply here. Ashraf |
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| albygrotta
Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 18 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
I would ask a thing to who has just attended the LLM.Mon Dec 10, 2007 11:06 AM The tuition fee is 15.000 Euro and it doesn’t cover the life expenses. How could I obtain a scholarship and what does this scholarsip cover? Could someone that have just applied for this indicate me how many possibilities I should have to obtain a scholarship and the terms for that? Thanks a lot ( I ve just red the indications shown in the LLM site but I should have more informations about the scholarship because only through this way I could apply for the LLM) Thanks everybody :) |
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| ringoeric
Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 6 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Guys, I am working in public finace sector (Tax, corporate and Investment) I have good first hand knowledge and practise in finance issues (Syndication, taxation, securitaisation as well as capital markets) am desperately looking for LLM scholarship 2008 or 2009 in either of the field, any sugestions? Mon Dec 10, 2007 03:22 PM Am now on the process to trying my lucky at ILF, I have heard enough of its superiority....! (indeed, is TOEFL or IELTS their major application criteria?) Are there other alternatives, please please help...! [Edited 10 Dec 2007 by ringoeric] |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey,Mon Dec 10, 2007 03:38 PM I again can just help with my experience, once I really do not know how it works internally. But, when I applied to a scholarship I filled the Application Form as required, I wrote a letter explaining my situation, how much I wish to attend the program and showing them that even though I could fulfill all their admission requirements at that time, I would not be able to attend the LL.M. without a financial support. Unfortunately, I am afraid to say that they will require some proof of your financial situation. You cannot just ask for help, without needing it. So, you will probably have to disclosure some private information. Nonetheless, if you really need a help, they will certainly provide you something. Just keep in mind: Provided that you fulfill their quality standards for admission (anyway, it is better to try than to quit beforehand). I can say that they were really fair with me! I got the scholarship in the extent I needed. It covers only the Tuition Fees. So, if it cost 15.000 and you got a 5.000 (for example), you will have to pay the remaining 10.000 as fees for tuition. If you got a 10.000, then you will pay 5.000, and so on. In reality, there is no school that I know which cover your living costs, so it is a normal procedure. You may meet you shortage of resources getting a shared place to live here, a student wg, eating at the university. It is up to you!! Regarding scholarships, I also know that the Institute has nice relations with some foundations that provide scholarships, but I don't know much about them. In case you have doubts, I would suggest you to write to the admission office of the ILF and inquire them. They will certainly provide all you need to know! That’s it guys, hope I’ve helped a bit! Cheers, Rafael [Edited 11 Dec 2007 by Rafael Lima] |
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| ringoeric
Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 6 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Rafael,Mon Dec 10, 2007 04:21 PM Thank you very lot for sharing your first hand experience with ILF. I am elated. For sure, I am ILF admirer, I have always dreamt of having my LLM at ILF, i feel like this course is very ideal to what i am doing daily....! I now need their wider exposure...! let me throw my dice this week....! However, do u happen to know any other alternative to ILF, ofcaurse with some scholarship?! Erik [Edited 10 Dec 2007 by ringoeric] |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 56 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mate,Mon Dec 10, 2007 08:07 PM It is quite difficult to answer your last questions... I mean, LL.M in Finance is quite hard to find. There are just a few that you can really takes in consideration, specially in Europe. Here, I would say it is ILF and nobody else, if you want to have a goal in syndicatted loan, project finance, comparative company law, financial regulation, looking not only the law, but the business itself too... Well, I think Kings College have sth, LSE certainly have too!!! Apart from then... maybe something in Holland... nut i would never go that far. Financial centres are London and Frankfurt in Europe and NYC in America. BTW, in US, I would say Columbia, Stanford, NYU (??)... maily in New York city! But, I know that they offer just a few scholarships and do not know how to get them, to be honest... Just try!!! |
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| Finance Guy
Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 13 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
What´s up guys!!Tue Dec 11, 2007 09:28 AM I am quite happy that we have a plenty of posts now!!! As I ve learned in the School, in this world information is everything! Therefore (You lawyers love therefores, thuses, e.g., and etc...) I would like to know how international is the group of students and if the ILF does have business students studying a bit of law, or just lawyers learning a bit of the business... See ya [Edited 11 Dec 2007 by Finance Guy] |
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| Fasil Mekonnen
Joined: 05 Dec 2007 Posts: 2 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hello Finance GuyWed Dec 12, 2007 09:00 AM I am a graduate of Accounting in Ethiopia. But thanks to ILF, I increased my stock of knowledge in area of law as well. As for the other question, the program is international in every respect: the curriculum, our faculty and students. For instance this year we all come from about 28 countries which sound impressive. We also study international and European laws in different areas and our professors are also from different countries. |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey,Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:17 PM Someone asked about the Bangladesh girl at the ILF. Well, her name is Arzoo and she is a former student of the Business School at the North South University, Hope I have helped! Cheers |
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| ashraf
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 28 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Thanks Rafael.Thu Dec 13, 2007 02:16 AM I asked the name of Bangladeshi giri studying at ILF. Well, I thought she is from law background and thats why I asked for it to see whether I know her. Though I know some ppl from NSU business school, the name does not ring any bell yet. If she agrees, you may give her email ID. Thanks again. Ashraf |
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| mayumi
Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hi. I have been following this discussion board for sometime now and this program seems to be the one I have been looking for. I am hoping I could get some clarifications regarding the following:Thu Dec 13, 2007 01:09 PM 1. Are there still slots available for 2008-2009? 2. Assuming that one gets accepted to the program for a given year, does the ILF allow deferment to the following year? If not, would one be disadvantaged if he applies anew in the following year? 3. Is the ILF particular about the TOEFL? It seems that it is not needed if one has obtained a degree from a university wherein English is used as a medium of instruction. I obtained my B.A., LLB, and MBA degrees from Asian universities which use English but for ease in the application processing, would it be better I just go through the TOEFL? I am still in the process of completing the requirements. Hopefully, I will be able to file my application by January 2008. Thanks, Yumi Hello, |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 56 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hi Yumi,Thu Dec 13, 2007 09:12 PM Well, I will try to help you, but take into consideration that I am a former student and I really dunno how things are conducted inside the ILF Admission Board: 1. Since applications are still open, you must suppose there are still available places. I think they send all confirmations, or at least keep some to be sent, in january or february 2008. That is, you may still apply and get someone's place, in case they are in doubt about him/her. (It is cruel, but is how it is...) 2. I don't think so! If you wanna 2009/2010 you will probably have to apply again. In my oppinion, it should be different. You know, cheat happens in this world!!! But I am quite sure they do not deffer any admission. In any case, you may apply again and I bet you will be accepted if your papers are good enough in comparison with the pool of aplicants of that year. No bad fellings at all... 3. Send an e-mail to them and they will certainly inform exactly how it works. I applied using Toefl and Ielts... 3.1.Z - If you can get a good mark on TOEFL, do it!! It is easy and allow you to apply for others Universities (If it is the case) and to show english proficiency in Interviews (Mandatory to pass in the ILF). Just have in mind that Europeans Unis do prefer IELTS. Bests, ML [Edited 13 Dec 2007 by Mr. Lawyer] |
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| Rafael Lima Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 65 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hi Everybody,Fri Dec 14, 2007 01:52 PM In cases like this one, I would suggest you to write an e-mail to the admission office of the ILF. Unfortunately, I cannot help in these specific questions. Bye Rafael |
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| Gibbo
Joined: 13 Dec 2007 Posts: 2 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Can anyone help me on the academic barriers for acceptance?Fri Dec 14, 2007 09:54 PM Some years ago I received a high 2:2 in my LLB in Australia and was ranked around the 50% mark in my class. Is there any point in me applying for this program? Many thanks, Gibbo |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 56 |
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Hey Gibbo,Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:58 AM I read the Admission Requirements on the ILF Web Site (www.ilf-frankfurt.de), and could not find a precise information regarding final grades. I mean, whether you got a first, upper second or lower second as far as I can understand will not be a barrier for your admission. But Ranking is important and they will certainly require it. In any case, I would say... APPLY!!! The LL.M. is really great... Reasons for that: 1) There is no application fee; 2) Your language is English, thus no Proficiency Exam for you; 3) No cost with translation of documents (they are in english already). 4) You just need to collect everything and send a by mail. As a suggestion, I would say to you: 1) write a nice Statement of Purpose saying that you are really interested and you will be able to gain knowledge and share experiences... you know!! 2) get 2 or 3 nice Recommendation Letters... these are the most important documents... 3) Put stress on your work experience if you have some... Just Remember... It is better to have an application denied than not had even tried mate!! Ciao |
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