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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
Thu Feb 21, 2008 09:15 AM
Dear Vale,

I think that education is never enough!!

I also think that an LL.M is much more suitable for somebody with a substancial practical experience, than for someone who just want to postpone its entrance to the wild environment of Law Firms, Banks and Audit Companies.

I can guarantee you that the likelihood to find over 40 on LL.Ms in Europe in not very high. However, it happens.

I am in contact with a former student of the ILF that have more or less your maturity and experience. Probably your age. If he agrees, I will be happy to forward his email to you.

Another important factor that you might consider is that you can share your experience. In such a program, the idea is not only gain knowledge but also share experience, approaches to different problems. I am quite sure that the whole group would gain with your presence.

Finally, some LL.Ms, as it is the case of the ILF, accept people with different backgrounds to discuss tha same topic: FINANCE.

So, you may have a great experience in the Law side, but you might have none in accounting, taxation of financial funds (looking from the business perspective), just to name few.

Thats my opinion.

I wish I had money and opportunities to recycle myself one year every 6 or 7 of work, attending a masters.

Cheers!
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Jai1

Joined: 01 Jun 2007
Posts: 43
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Thu Feb 21, 2008 01:18 PM
@Mr. Lawyer.....

Thank you very much....

Hope will join ILF and very much pleased to meet you.... but will decide next month....

If I have more queries in this regard, will bother you....

Regards
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Vale

Joined: 09 Jan 2000
Posts: 2
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fri Feb 22, 2008 08:55 AM
Dear Vale,

I think that education is never enough!!

I also think that an LL.M is much more suitable for somebody with a substancial practical experience, than for someone who just want to postpone its entrance to the wild environment of Law Firms, Banks and Audit Companies.

I can guarantee you that the likelihood to find over 40 on LL.Ms in Europe in not very high. However, it happens.

I am in contact with a former student of the ILF that have more or less your maturity and experience. Probably your age. If he agrees, I will be happy to forward his email to you.

Another important factor that you might consider is that you can share your experience. In such a program, the idea is not only gain knowledge but also share experience, approaches to different problems. I am quite sure that the whole group would gain with your presence.

Finally, some LL.Ms, as it is the case of the ILF, accept people with different backgrounds to discuss tha same topic: FINANCE.

So, you may have a great experience in the Law side, but you might have none in accounting, taxation of financial funds (looking from the business perspective), just to name few.

Thats my opinion.

I wish I had money and opportunities to recycle myself one year every 6 or 7 of work, attending a masters.

Cheers!


Hi,

well, thanks a lot for your tips and your "moral" support and yes, please, if that former student agrees, just forward to him my message.

Thanks again.
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Rafael Lima

Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 68
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:24 AM
Hey Vale,

Are you from South America? At least we have a great "Vale" Family down there.

If you wanna more information about the program, I am a current student. Always a pleasure to talk about the ILF.

See ya!

Rafael
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ringoeric

Joined: 11 Feb 2005
Posts: 6
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mon Feb 25, 2008 07:23 AM
Bretheren,

Am from the Geveva of Africa, Tanzania. I am saddened i have not been admited to ILF, i was reduced to tears. No apparent reasons were given than a "a dissapointing news e-mail". For sure, ILF has rocked my world, unfortunately, i have to accept their painful decision.

Well, i would like to ask you guys, if you happen to know the altenative to ILF (Finance, tax or corporate law) with such similar scholarship opportunities. Please let me know. LLM is my priority for now.

The Ringoboy.
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Lamine

Joined: 08 Aug 2007
Posts: 7
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Feb 27, 2008 01:03 AM
Ringoboy,

Sorry about the unfortunate ILF news...have you considered Bucerius/WHU in Hamburg or Erasmus in Rotterdam? The Bucerius/WHU program is structured like the ILF in that it consists of a two-month internship, like ILF, and also has a curriculum including half law and the other half consisting of business/management/economics. Check their websites or feel for free to contact me with any questions.

Best regards,
Lamine
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Mr. Lawyer

Joined: 11 May 2007
Posts: 58
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Feb 27, 2008 09:03 AM
Hey Boy,

Dont be that sad!

Life is like that sometimes, we that come from 3rd world should be used to these situations. Life is better when we get things in a harder way. I learn to give the right valued to them.

As a suggestion, I would say to you apply again next year. Maybe they had already selected the 40s of the year. I dunno...

You may find other places to apply as well. Have a look in Leiden and Tilburg in Holland. They have advanced programs, more in international business than finance, but it is a good start though.

Cheers,

ML
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PP65468

Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 17
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mon Mar 03, 2008 04:58 PM














[Edited by PP65468 on 15 Mar 2008]
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Rafael Lima

Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 68
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Tue Mar 04, 2008 10:18 AM
Mate,

Be sure that you will have a chance. It would be much better if you had at least the first exam in Germany or other BAR Exam in a foreign country.

But, since your professors will be the partners of firms like Norton and Rose, Freshfields, Baker and Mckenzie, Linklaters, to name few... You will have a unique opportunity to show your value and run after you inscription in their BAR in future.

You will be in your country mate, come on!

I am Brazilian and am working for in Financial Services at PwC now.

Tschuss

Rafael

[Edited by Rafael Lima on 04 Mar 2008]
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Alexia

Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 10
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Tue Mar 11, 2008 01:00 PM
Hi everyone:)
I write for a first time in such a forum, so please excuse me if I make mistakes with the posts:)
I have been just accepted to the ILF program and I am very glad because of that fact but I still have some additional questions and I will highly appreciate if someone can help with his/her own experiance.
I have been granted with 5000 euro by the ILF but there still remains the question about living expences. I tried to contact with a number of german foundations that provides scholarships but the answer again and again is the same: " You don't know German language so we can't help you". So if somebody has (or had) the same case like mine and he/she can provide me contact details of any organization or at least a little bit more detailed information about the requerements for scholarship I will be very graceful !
About the ILF....as i can see here I have made a good choice applying for that program;). I hope that the real job opportunities are really as good as they are pointed out by the guys here;). It is really great to have "inside" information about the program and about the chances that it can give!
Thnx to all!
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PP65468

Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 17
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Mar 12, 2008 05:21 AM
Alexia, first off, congratulations on getting accepted. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share some info you may have about the program. Do you know by any chance if people are able to get jobs in Germany after graduation? Also, are they still accepting applications at this point?
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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
Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:24 AM
They provided you with Internships in the leading firms, Banks and Financial Institutions.

I could personally talk with a former brazilian student that works for Baker and Mckenzie, an American student that was hired by Allen and Overy, two Germans that got places in the RBS and one that went to ECB. Also, an Indian is working for PWC.

But, you must be aware that Jobs after your LL.M will rely on mainly three factors (all of them not related with the ILF, or any other University):

1) Market situation in Finance (nowadays it is not very positive, there is much more activity in corporate, than finance itself);

2) How you perform in your Internship. If you suit on the team, your level of English and German, enthusiasm and capacity to help;

3) Imigration Status/Bar or other board admission.

That´s my opinion.

P.S.: Regarding the application period, the ILF and QMUL are the only top Institutions that do not impose any restriction on dates. However, you must be aware that as soon as you apply, bigger are your chances.
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PP65468

Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 17
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:20 PM

[Edited by PP65468 on 15 Mar 2008]
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Alexia

Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 10
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Mar 12, 2008 01:34 PM
PP65468, I will be glad if I could help you with some kind of information regarding the Programme but unfortunately I can share only my own experience acording the acceptance. As I know they don't have deadline for applications but when I was at the beggining of my applying the admission menager of the programme told me that they usually were full till March. But of course this is not 100% sure:) So... good luck:)!
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btr


Joined: 03 Feb 2008
Posts: 9
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Wed Mar 12, 2008 08:39 PM
Hi,

Alexia, congrats first! And I want to learn when you sent your application documents? How long did it take to get the admission offer?

Thanx in advance...
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Alexia

Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 10
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Thu Mar 13, 2008 01:36 PM
thnx!
well, I sent the documents in the middle of January and I recieved an offer after 2 or 3 weeks.
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Rafael Lima

Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 68
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fri Mar 14, 2008 10:11 AM
Hey,

I was reading the posts here and want to congratulate the ones that already got an offer.

That´s great! I hope you like and enjoy it as much as I am enjoying.

As an advice, If i were you I would start looking for accomodation in Frankfurt. There are many WGs around, some related to churches that are really cheap and really good. Much better that the Universitiy ones. Also, in the private market you may find nice places to live, but the chances improve dramatically if you start looking soon.

Thats all...

All the best,

Rafael
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sulpikius

Joined: 21 Feb 2007
Posts: 8
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fri Mar 14, 2008 11:14 AM
Guys, I would not want to disappoint you, but do not have your hopes really high on getting a job that easily.
The timing is not at all good with the current credit crunch and everything. Law firms in London are letting people go and investment banking activities have reached a 5-year low.
One useful piece of advice to those considering to start looking for a job in frankfurt after graduation : start practicing your german language skills. Non-german speaking hires are the exception and not the rule in frankfurt.
Nonetheless, the LLM courses are very interesting and the program reputation is building up very fast.
To those of you who were admitted, congratulations, to those of you who are still considering to apply, I think that the intake is full for the next year...so , bad luck....
PS Alexia, where are you from???
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Alexia

Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 10
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fri Mar 14, 2008 12:25 PM
Sulpikius, I am from Bulgaria.
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PP65468

Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 17
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Fri Mar 14, 2008 05:41 PM
Sulpikius, thank for the warning. It's more helpful to get realistic advice I think. You seem to know a bit about the German market. I am a native German speaker but don't have a German law degree (I'm getting an American degree and would hopefully be qualified in NY by the time I would start the program). What would you think are the chances for German speakers without a German law degree? Thanks in advance.
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sulpikius

Joined: 21 Feb 2007
Posts: 8
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Sun Mar 16, 2008 07:40 AM
While getting the NY Bar admission in the field of finance, would seem that you simply rule the world and can work everywhere in the world, in Germany, if you don't have passed the second State Exams to become fully qualified, you will simply end up being paid half of what the qualified German lawyers are getting.
On the other hand, in your case, I don't know what's the deal with the US Law firms that are based in Germany, maybe their primary criterion is the US and not the german qualification.
If I were you, I would not worry about getting a job in Frankfurt (German native+NY Bar), that's definite, I would only be concerned with the terms of employment.
Anyway, I hope I was of a little help to you.
PS The purpose of this discussion blog is to help one another make informed decisions. If you read only the pros but no the cons, then you simply end up misinformed......
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Rafael Lima

Joined: 14 Dec 2006
Posts: 68
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Sun Mar 16, 2008 04:04 PM
Hello Everybody,

You must be aware that Sulpikius (I know you mate...hehe) is pointing out something really important: there is a differentiation in terms of salaries for German, American and Rest of the World in the Frankfurt Market.

However, it is still very attractive comparing with the reality of some other countries. A reasonable expectation here would be something around 50 - 60 thousand Euros a year (be aware that half of this will go to the German Government in form of Income Tax).

If you are good the sky is the limit, though.

That's all from my side.

Rafael
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PP65468

Joined: 19 Sep 2007
Posts: 17
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Sun Mar 16, 2008 06:50 PM
Thanks for the info guys. Do you know by any chance if there is any way for foreign lawyers to re-qualify in Germany? Just wondering...
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Alexia

Joined: 10 Mar 2008
Posts: 10
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mon Mar 17, 2008 01:53 PM
Hey everybody! It looks like I am the only woman in this men's world here :) So please, guys, I need help... :)
I would like to ask for opinion about the importance of the german language skills in Frankfurt. Before a couple of days Sulpikius wrote that to get a job in Frankfurt without good german language skills is an exeption. And I am a bit concerned because for me especially german is disaster... So, Rafael Lima (it seems to me that you are one of the best imformed persons here) or somebody else who has any opinion or experiance concerning that issue ... I will be graceful if you could share it. Thnx in advance!
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sulpikius

Joined: 21 Feb 2007
Posts: 8
LL.M. in Finance - Institute For Law and Finance at Goethe University - Germany
Mon Mar 17, 2008 02:59 PM
Alexia,
I don't know whether your background is legal or financial, but if you want to work in the banking sector, I would say it is of critical importance to be able to speak german.
Some law firms do hire foreign non-german speaking foreign associates, but that is not definitely the rule...
Both me and Rafael (are you going to Boston next year mate??? Congrats!!!) are not renowned for our german language skills, so you can count on our comments!!!
Anyway, if you are seriously planning on staying in Germany afterwards, you have sufficient time to improve your language skills, both prior to, and after coming to Frankfurt.
PS Which part of Bulgaria do you come from?? We are your southern neighbors....
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