CWRU LLM and SJD

After earning his first law degree at King Saud University, Rakan Almutairi, LLM wanted to get his next law degree in the United States. He heard positive feedback about Case Western Reserve University’s supportive environment for international students and its distinguished faculty. Drawn to the practicality and structure of the law school’s courses, he discovered a program that perfectly aligned with his goals: the LLM in International Business Law.

“The classes were not only theory-based—professors used real cases, discussions and examples from actual legal practice,” he said. “This helped me think like a lawyer, not just memorize rules.”

As an LLM student, Rakan valued the support from the law school’s faculty and staff members, who were readily available for guidance—whether about academics or life in Cleveland. He also credits Jack Turner, director of the International LLM program, as having a major impact on his law school journey and career.

“I really enjoyed Professor Turner’s contract law class. He made every session engaging through real case examples and open discussions,” said Rakan. “His way of teaching encouraged us to analyze, debate and think critically.”

Today, Rakan applies the knowledge he gained at CWRU as a legal associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers Middle East, where he focuses on contracts, non-disclosure agreements and corporate work.

“CWRU’s LLM was not just a degree for me, it was the foundation of my legal career,” he said. “It gave me knowledge, confidence and a global mindset. The program prepared me to work in international environments, handle complex legal matters and gave me a direction that I still follow today with pride.”

Drawn to Case Western Reserve University School of Law for its strong academic reputation and specialized legal tracks, Hawazen Hakami ('22) found a perfect fit in the university’s LLM program, where she earned Honors in her concentrations in International Business Law and Investment Law.

"The university excels in international business law, providing practical learning experiences," she said. "Its multicultural setting enriches global perspectives and fosters professional growth making it an ideal choice for legal studies."

Today, Hawazen leverages her studies in Saudi Arabia as a Senior Legal Specialist at the National Competitiveness Center, where she is also a Saudi delegate at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. She also provides legal consultations and reviews legislative projects to ensure they align with national interests and international standards.

"The flexibility of the CWRU LLM program played a pivotal role in shaping my legal career," said Hawazen, who graduated in 2022. "The program not only deepened my knowledge in the field, but also significantly contributed to my professional growth by fueling my passion for the subject while complementing and enhancing my practical experience."

Hawazen credits Cleveland’s vibrant culture and her campus relationships as key contributors to her student experience, which offered a healthy balance to the demands of law school.

"The university, law school staff, and classmates all contributed to a positive atmosphere for studying law and living in Cleveland by fostering a supportive and collaborative environment," Hawazen noted. "Together, these efforts created a well-rounded and supportive environment that helped me thrive academically and socially."