For the past several years, Emory Law LLM student Mykhailo Meshcheriakov has been supporting his community and working to improve international relationships. Already an attorney in his native Ukraine, he brought his legal prowess and dedication to human rights to the US, where he is currently completing Emory’s Master of Laws program.

“Mykhailo is an outstanding role model for his peers,” writes Emory Law professor Nancy Daspit. “He has worked diligently to establish his legal career here, while also working with ICNA Relief to help Ukrainians and others seeking to settle in this country. And no matter the challenges he may face, he always has a smile and kind words for everyone he meets.”

Now, as Meshcheriakov plans for graduation and the Georgia Bar Exam, he shares insights into his international legal journey and his aspirations for a future in immigration and international law.

What was your professional experience prior to Emory Law?

I am originally from Ukraine. After graduating from law school there in 2016, I worked as a legal assistant. I passed the bar exam in 2020 and was sworn in in March; it was the last swearing-in ceremony before the COVID-19 pandemic.

I worked as a licensed attorney in Ukraine and then moved to the United States in 2023. As a foreign lawyer, I am not able to practice law here until I pass a US bar exam, so I looked for opportunities where I could use my legal skills. I joined the nonprofit organization ICNA Relief, which supports refugees and low-income individuals as they adjust to life in a new country and address various challenges. There, I worked with an immigration attorney, assisting her in providing services to clients while also attending immigration law trainings. I also enrolled in an academic English program at Georgia State University.

Eventually, I applied to the Department of Justice Recognition and Accreditation Program. In 2025, I was granted partial accreditation, which allows me to provide immigration services independently before the Department of Homeland Security. I have been working as a DOJ-accredited representative, helping low-income refugees obtain immigration benefits. I practice law in a limited scope.

What interested you in Emory Law’s LLM program?

An LLM is a practical and efficient path for foreign-trained lawyers. It builds on your foreign law degree and allows you to gain a strong understanding of US law—including the substantive, procedural, and ethical aspects. Whether you choose to practice law in the US or work internationally, given the global economic and political influence of the United States, this degree increases your professional value in many countries. Also, importantly, having an LLM makes you eligible to sit for the bar exam in certain US jurisdictions.

One of the managers of GSU's Academic English program first recommended the LLM program at Emory Law. The LLM program seemed more flexible and convenient for part-time students. I started asking around my community and realized how well-known and well-respected Emory Law is. People emphasized its name and strong reputation. This all reinforced my decision to apply.

How did you feel when you first started the LLM program? 

When I first enrolled in the program, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was excited because I was looking forward to gaining new knowledge at a great school. But I was also concerned if I was ready for the program. I’m from a civil law country, and the United States is a common law country—it’s an absolutely different approach to studying and applying law. I knew I would need to adapt to a different approach to law, which would be challenging. But now, I feel much more confident. I’ve been practicing American legal writing, and I understand common law more clearly. It’s a great advantage to understand these two legal systems.

What were your favorite classes at Emory Law?

I enjoyed ADR, because it’s not something common in my home country. In Ukraine, we don’t practice alternative dispute resolution; people just go and litigate. Every ADR class was like a real case. We would apply the techniques we studied and try to settle the issue. It was really interactive and interesting.

Some courses I love because of the professors. Samuel Donaldson’s property law classes were like a play—he presents the materials so interestingly, and he interacts with the students. Legal writing professor Nancy Daspit is really demanding, but I love it because I know that her ultimate goal is to train us very well and make us proficient writers.

How have you been involved with the Emory community?

As a DOJ-accredited representative who provides immigration services, I was glad to join the Emory Immigration Clinic. I served as an interpreter, assisted with client intake, and had the opportunity to shadow experienced immigration attorneys as they provided pro bono services. I promote the clinic within Atlanta’s Ukrainian community.

In addition, I had the chance to visit state and federal courts through a program organized by Professor Paul Koster and spoke with the judges about their approach to adjudicating cases and what is important to them. I have also attended a few meetings with Emory Law’s LLM alumni, which were really interesting and helpful.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ve applied for the Georgia Bar exam in July; I’m going to start studying for that soon. I will do my best to succeed. In terms of my future plans, I am interested in human rights, which is aligned with my current work. I’m also interested in international law and international relationships.

Do you have any advice for those interested in Emory Law?

Emory Law’s LLM is a great program with many advantages: it’s a short program, you can rely on your previous legal knowledge, the faculty is amazing, and a degree from a highly respected institution makes you more valuable in the legal market. Also, I have made so many friends from all around the world, like Brazil, Nigeria, Lebanon, India, and Turkey. If you are looking for a top-level program and opportunities to build strong connections with peers and the broader legal community, you should definitely consider Emory Law.