Valeria Subocheva Smith

Why did you choose to study law?

I chose to study law because my father was a lawyer, and since childhood, I have a lot of respect for this profession.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Georgia?

I chose to obtain my LL.M. degree from the University of Georgia School of Law because my husband and several members of his family had graduated from this law school and spoke highly of it. Another reason was an attractive tuition cost.

What was your contact with other students like?

We had a small group of LL.M. students and communicated very closely with each other. At the same time, we studied together with J.D. students, and I established contact with several of them.

Did you profit from the University of Georgia’s network?

Yes, UGA’s alumni network helped me a lot during my job search and introduced me to a lot of valuable contacts.

Do you still have contact with your study colleagues?

Yes, I still communicate with my LL.M. group via WhatsApp, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Were there any alumni reunions after you finished your LL.M?
If yes, how did they look like?

Since graduation, I have been to one UGA Homecoming event in 2019. There is also an LL.M alumni group, which includes only LL.M. graduates. This group meets annually in different places of the globe. I have not been to their meetings yet.

How did attending the University of Georgia School of Law change your career?

An LL.M. degree from the University of Georgia School of Law allowed me to qualify for taking the Georgia bar exam as a foreign lawyer and start practicing law in the United States. And UGA’s alumni network helped me in my job search in the U.S.

Which was your favorite course / part of the program you attend?

My favorite courses were the Corporate Law and Life Cycle of a Corporation by Professor Usha Rodrigues.

Why would you recommend the University of Georgia’s study program to future students?

I would highly recommend the UGA Law School to foreign students seeking an LL.M. degree. They will find here great quality of education, reasonable tuition cost, supportive atmosphere, encouragement and assistance from professors and staff, and a friendly student and alumni network willing to help them in their future careers.