Allan Kanyoro Kamau Found His Balance Between Study and Work at UNH 金莲直播
Q: What is your name, year, and degree program?
A: My name is Allan Kanyoro Kamau. I will be getting my LLM in Commerce and Technology Law in 2026.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I am from Kenya.
Q: What did you do before coming to UNH Franklin Pierce?
A: I practiced Law in Kenya in the name and style of Kanyoro Kamau & Company Advocates. My practice was very diverse. I worked on criminal law, family law, succession and probate, conveyancing and land matters, civil litigation, employment and labor relations, commercial law, landlord tenant cases and personal injury matters. I also gained experience in alternative dispute resolution.
Two cases in particular stand out from my early practice. My first land case was in the Environment and Land Court in Busia, where I represented a church in a land dispute. Winning that case as a newly admitted Advocate was a milestone and seeing the joy of the trustees reminded me how much impact legal work can have on communities. Another case involved defending an elderly blind man who had been charged with obtaining money by false pretenses. Winning that case was deeply fulfilling because it wasn鈥檛 just about the law, it was about protecting the dignity and rights of a vulnerable person. Those experiences fueled my decision to pursue a graduate degree.
Q: Why did you choose UNH Franklin Pierce for your LLM?
A: I chose UNH because of the scholarship opportunities available for international students, which makes quality education more accessible. Additionally, its location in a small, serene town creates an ideal setting for academic focus and personal growth. The peaceful environment surrounded by nature not only fosters concentration but also provides a healthy balance between study and wellbeing.
Q: What is your involvement on campus, and why did you seek out these roles?
A: I am currently working as a Graduate Admissions Student Ambassador and serving as an LLM Governor in the Student Bar Association.
I believe in leading the way for others to follow, and this made me want to support prospective students, especially those navigating the same transition I did coming from a different country, especially in Africa, to pursue graduate studies in the U.S. I know firsthand how many questions and uncertainties one has and I wanted to be a resource for others.
I look forward to the chance to connect with students from different backgrounds, share my story, and encourage them. I also see it as a way of giving back to the UNH 金莲直播, which is giving me so much support in this journey. It鈥檚 rewarding to know that my journey from practicing in Kenya, to cases like the Busia land dispute and the old blind man鈥檚 defense, to now aiming for the New York Bar can inspire others who are considering the same path.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment or change that you experienced in coming to the US for school?
A: The biggest adjustment was adapting to the teaching style and academic culture. In Kenya the legal education is more formal and lecture based, while here the Socratic method requires you to engage constantly, think critically, and defend your reasoning in class. At first, it was intimidating, especially as I was also adjusting to a new legal system, terminology, and the pronunciations.
Generally, the school has been very supportive through various ways such as the orientation programs and academic and non-academic support groups. Most importantly, professors are approachable and always willing to discuss issues outside class, which gives me confidence. The welcoming environment, both from faculty, fellow students, and the serene environment in Concord has been a big part of helping me settle in and thrive.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your law school experience?
A: The diversity of cultures enriches my academic journey to facilitate my understanding and create a more inclusive learning environment.
Q: What is your favorite class or Professor you鈥檝e had?
A: I took Remedies with Judge Delker, and he is my favorite professor because he blends theory with practice seamlessly. Giving insight into his experience on the bench, he teaches law in a way that is practical, engaging and grounded in real cases.
He also emphasizes the ethical side of lawyering, which resonates strongly with me given the kinds of clients I represented back in Kenya, because as an Advocate I must adhere to the Ethics Code of Conduct. Lastly, his ability to challenge us while still being approachable makes his class both inspiring and impactful. Plus, the smile he gives everyone in class while participating goes a long way.
Q: What are your postgraduate plans?
A: My future plan, God willing, is to undertake the New York Bar exam and qualify to practice law in the U.S., while at the same time expanding my knowledge of global legal issues. My long-term goal is to bridge my practice between Kenya and the U.S., so I can work across both jurisdictions, contribute to legal reform, and bring an international perspective to complex issues like land rights, commercial disputes, and employment and labor relation disputes.
