CWRU LLM and SJD

As an LLM student at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Zhihan Wang (LAW ’20) found immense value in the program’s supportive peer-learning system—particularly the weekly tutoring sessions led by JD students who had previously excelled in the same courses.

“These sessions created a comfortable and open environment where LLM students like me could freely ask questions,” said Zhihan, who passed the California Bar Exam earlier this year. “This experience went beyond mere academic support—it built a sense of community and shared growth, which truly embodied the collaborative spirit of legal education.”

Now practicing in Hong Kong, Zhihan credits the program for not only strengthening his legal foundation but also helping him adapt to the common-law reasoning style.

“The LLM taught me to reason from precedent, distinguish key facts, and think from fundamental principles,” he said. “This allows me to deconstruct the opposing counsel’s logic more effectively and construct far more persuasive and sophisticated legal arguments for my clients.”

“This fundamental training gave me the clarity and confidence I rely on today to communicate effectively and professionally with international clients and colleagues,” he noted.

Outside the classroom, Zhihan discovered another passion in Cleveland: skydiving.

“That experience taught me focus, courage, and how to embrace freedom with discipline,” said Zhihan. “It became a powerful metaphor for my legal journey—aiming high, navigating complexity, and moving forward with confidence.”

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