Name: Mozar Ross
Year of International Arbitration LL.M.: 2019
Country of Origin: USA
Previous Law School(s) Attended: Howard University, Washington, D.C., USA
Current Position: Judicial Law Clerk, Supreme Court of South Carolina
Current City: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Relevant Past Positions:
- Foreign Law Clerk on the Constitutional Court of South Africa in Johannesburg;
- International Arbitration Fellow for the Honorable Charles N. Brower, assisting his team in adjudicating international arbitrations;
- International Arbitration Intern in the International Arbitration Practice Group of Al Tamimi & Company in Dubai, UAE.
Awards & Honors: Recipient of the International Arbitration Institute Merit Scholarship for LL.M. studies
What are Your Current Position, Title, and Day-to-Day Tasks?
I am currently a judicial law clerk to Justice Kittredge on the Supreme Court of South Carolina. I perform tasks that are traditionally associated with a judicial clerkship. For example, my paramount task is drafting bench memorandums, which involves analyzing the record, submissions from the respondent and petitioner, researching relevant laws and finally drafting a bench memorandum. For the cases at which I am not drafting a bench memorandum, I conduct oversight to advise my Justice on the legal issues, especially appeals pertaining the enforcement of arbitration awards. I also perform administrative tasks for my Justice.
How Did the LL.M. Help You Start a Successful Career in the Field?
My LL.M. was integral in securing a state Supreme Court clerkship. The Judicial Clerkship Committee at Miami Law helped me to refine my application and provided mock interviews. Furthermore, I submitted in my application for the position a writing sample from my participation in moot court. Judges favor applicants with law review or moot court experience because these activities require students to exercise their legal writing. My LL.M. helped me to land this position, which provides a master class in legal writing by sitting under a seasoned legal mind, a judge. Many top practitioners like Lucy Reed, Gary Born, Luke Sobota and John Rooney began their careers as a judicial law clerk on a federal court or state Supreme Court. I therefore feel my LL.M. has helped me to start a successful career.
How Has Your LL.M. Experience Impacted Your Current Position?
My LL.M. has facilitated success in this current positon. In terms of general legal skills, participating in moot court, allowed me to further develop my legal writing skills for a judicial clerkship. In terms of substantive law, an education in arbitration has equipped me to tackle arbitration issues that come before court.
What Was Your Favorite Experience From the LL.M. Program?
My favorite experience during my LL.M. was interacting with colleagues from countries spanning the globe. The environment was rich with culture. From colleagues of diverse backgrounds I had an opportunity to learn about different legal systems, which in turn helped me to further understand the American common law system. Also, the cultural interchanges required me to reflect upon my perspectives while evolving mine as well.
What Advice Would You Give to Students Looking for Jobs During the Pandemic?
A key skill of a lawyer is handling unforeseen circumstances in a dispute. This pandemic has indeed rocked the boat for recent graduates seeking to launch their career. However, it presents an opportunity to exercise this key lawyering skill. I would advise recent graduates to employ their creativity in building their resume and skill set, thinking outside the box. It may be beneficial to take an opportunity that does not necessarily involve arbitration, but that does provide experience in substantive areas that trigger disputes, for example like insurance and reinsurance among many other areas. Also, general litigation skills from a clerkship or private practice are valuable and transferable. Finally, be flexible and stay abreast of updates, as the pieces on the board move an opportunity may present itself!
Read about the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program
