Law school admission consultants supporting applicants to U.S. LL.M. and J.S.D. programs from across the globe
Welcome!
Congratulations on taking the next step on this amazing journey!
You may have heard LL.M. graduates describe the experience as “the best year of their lives!” and wondered why. Because of the countless opportunities to explore, to grow, to discover new interests, and to boost your self-confidence. But most of all, because of the strong network and deep friendships you will build with your classmates!
Applying to law school is stressful, but done right, the process can be a wonderful opportunity for self-reflection. As an admission coach/consultant, my goal is to help reduce the stress so that you can enjoy the process. By asking the right (thought-provoking) questions, I hope to inspire you to explore your values, dreams and goals as you take the next steps.
I look forward to getting to know you!
Every applicant is unique — in their skills, interests, experiences, goals.
Your application should reflect your uniqueness!
I’m here to help you thrive.
I am passionate about helping individuals explore their interests, values, and goals, and chart a new path to achieve those goals. Over the last 20 + years, I have had the privilege of counseling and coaching thousands of lawyers and law students on academic, personal and professional matters. I have seen the impact the LL.M. and J.S.D. experience has had on their personal and professional lives, and am grateful to have had a role in that. I have set up this platform to help LL.M. and J.S.D. applicants from across the globe with the application process so they too may have the experience.
For more than 20 years, I led several top LL.M. and J.S.D. programs at Columbia Law School and the University of Miami School of Law. I oversaw all aspects of the programs, including admissions, recruiting and student advising, and was actively involved in leadership training and career counseling. I set admissions policies and developed admissions strategies, and personally evaluated and made final decisions on tens of thousands of applications.
I am intimately familiar with the admissions process, and understand how admissions committees evaluate and make decisions on applications. I will draw upon this vast experience to help you identify the law school programs that best align with your interests and goals, and to help you craft the strongest application you can — an application that highlights your strengths and tells your unique story.
I look forward to working with you!
My approach
I work with each client individually. Together we will design a plan tailored to your specific needs.
Your package may include:
Advising on review of programs and creation of school list
Brainstorming ideas for the application essays, application forms, CVs/résumés, and other application documents
Advising on selection of recommenders
Preparing for interviews and other conversations with school representatives
Strategizing about the TOEFL
Evaluating your offers of admission
Assisting with other relevant matters and questions as they arise
I will remain a resource for you as you prepare for the start of your program, including helping you explore the seemingly endless opportunities it will provide!
I work with a limited number of clients every year to make sure I have the time to dedicate to each, and offer both a comprehensive package as well as service on an hourly basis.
For additional information, sign up for a free consultation.
I look forward to meeting you!
What People Are Saying About Sylvia
My experience with Sylvia was exceptional. Sylvia provided me with crucial advice in my transition from being a corporate law attorney in Spain to applying (and being admitted) to top law schools in the U.S. to pursue an LL.M. Sylvia's enthusiasm is contagious, and this helps her clients realize their maximum potential. I would definitely recommend working with Sylvia to anyone who is excited about pursuing a U.S. oriented legal career.
— Jaime Begara Bretón, Spain, NYU LL.M. 2022
As an international student from Nigeria coming to the US for the first time to study at an Ivy League institution, I was lucky to meet Sylvia. She believed in me and supported me in many ways — not only as my Dean but also as my friend. She sacrificed her time and energy to ensure that all my needs, whether physiological, academic or professional, were met; constantly advising me and monitoring my academic progress. I graduated with honors and have several awards to show for that sacrifice.
Dean Polo is uniquely trained, qualified and positioned to provide state-of-the-art and result-oriented coaching and mentoring for students looking to pursue advanced studies in the US, having provided those services in the context of top academic institutions for almost three decades.
I don’t think anybody is more qualified to take on this noble task.
— Bamisope (Bami) Adeyanju, Nigeria, Columbia LL.M. 2020
Your confidence in me gave me confidence in myself. Thank you!