LLM degree and practical training at UNH Franklin Pierce is shaping IP Law

The University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce’s LLM degree program and Optional Practical Training is empowering its students to make a significant impact in the world of IP law.

UNH Franklin Pierce LLM alumni are excelling in their fields and becoming influential leaders and innovators. At UNH Franklin Pierce, initial post-graduation employment for international LLM graduates is often pursued through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provides temporary work authorisation for international students to gain experience in their field of study while maintaining their F-1 visa status in the US.

Let’s take a look at some of the OPT stories celebrating the education and experiences that have helped to shape the early careers of UNH Franklin Pierce alumni and intellectual property professionals worldwide.

Victor Kronemberger from Brazil

UNH Franklin Pierce Victor Victor worked as a Law Clerk at Sunstein LLP in Boston, Massachusetts during his OPT period – here, he put into practice everything he learned during his LLM program at UNH Franklin Pierce. This experience transformed his understanding of US trademark law and the broader IP ecosystem. The insights he gained into US legal business practices prepared him for success when he went home to Brazil, giving him a greater understanding of his clients’ needs.

Victor’s advice to LLM students at Franklin Pierce is, “Engage actively with faculty, network relentlessly, and seize every opportunity to immerse yourself in the legal landscape and build relationships.”

Sujay Jayanth from India

UNH Franklin Pierce Sujay Sujay has become an Associate Patent Agent and he credits the courses at UNH Franklin Pierce for providing the foundation and training necessary to excel in patent drafting, claim construction and office action responses in his daily work responsibilities.

He says, “Stay consistent with your job search, network as much as possible, and leverage the support of Franklin Pierce faculty and the Career and Academic Advising for support with your OPT job search.”

Sarafina Nwabueze from Nigeria

UNH Franklin Pierce Sarafina While she was studying at UNH Franklin Pierce, Sarafina became passionate about trademark law. Post-graduation, she undertook OPT experience as a Trademark Law Clerk at Markery Law which gave her experience in trademark prosecution and portfolio management. Sarafina credits the role of practice-oriented classes at UNH Franklin Pierce, such as Trademark Law and the Intellectual Property and Transaction Clinic, with giving her the legal knowledge and practical training for her career.

Her advice for UNH students? “Leverage every resource – professors, Office of Career and Academic Advising, and the Office of International Students and Scholars – to maximise your opportunities.” Sarafina credits Franklin Pierce’s career services with providing valuable career guidance, explaining, “Through networking events, job postings, and personalised career advice, Career and Academic Advising helped me identify opportunities aligned with my expertise in trademark law, refine my resume, cover letter, and interview skills, and proved invaluable in helping me successfully secure my OPT role.”

Lavanya GT from India

UNH Franklin Pierce Lavanya Lavanya chose UNH Franklin Pierce because of its emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and access to a vast network of IP professionals. Her experience was as a student attorney in the Intellectual Property and Transaction Clinic, which gave her exposure to real cases with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), preparing her for OPT employment as a Contracts Analyst in a major US public health organization, where she manages a variety of contracts with a focus on IP agreements.

She cites the school’s annual IP Law Symposium, and her relationships with professors, as helpful factors in her OPT. Lavanya’s advice to Franklin Pierce students is, “Actively participate in extracurricular activities and networking events, as they provide invaluable learning and career opportunities.”

Maria Gabriela Riveros Paredes from Paraguay

UNH Franklin Pierce Gaby Gaby pursued her LLM in the US because she wanted to deepen her IP knowledge and expand her global connections. Gaby’s experience at UNH Franklin Pierce enriched her legal expertise and cross-cultural professional connections, it also helped her land OPT employment, and ultimately a full-time role, as International Counsel at a prominent IP law firm in Washington, DC. While she was at Franklin Pierce, Gaby attended networking events where she met outstanding professionals who shared their journeys and provided career advice and inspiration. She says, “Take the leap! Go for it, even if you feel scared. UNH Franklin Pierce will support you throughout your journey. My LLM experience changed my life; I wouldn’t be where I am today without it and without the people at Franklin Pierce who supported me along the way.”

UNH Franklin Pierce LLM applications open

As these alumni case studies demonstrate, UNH Franklin Pierce is a place where academic excellence, real-world experience and student support come together to create a thriving community of legal professionals. The law school offers a hands-on clinic work, networking opportunities and personalised guidance from the faculty. Applications for on-campus and online LLM degree programs at UNH Franklin Pierce beginning in August 2025 are still being accepted.

Find out more and apply now!

Looking for funding for postgraduate studies? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions.

Content added on 31st March 2025.

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