Season 5: Episode 2: Paula Marques Merlin
Contracts Manager at American Structurepoint
Paula Marques Merlin
Contracts Manager at American Structurepoint
How to get a job as a LLM in a consulting firm?
If you are wondering how to refine your LinkedIn profile and boost your chances of being hired, check out Paula’s story. Born and raised in Brazil, Paula is fluent in Portuguese, English, and French. While studying for the New York bar exam, which she passed successfully, Paula received a LinkedIn message about a potential job opportunity. She followed up after the bar exam and was soon hired as the contracts manager managing risks and contracts for American Structurepoint, an engineering and architectural consulting firm founded in 1966 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company has grown from a small business to a multidiscipline consulting firm with over 750 employees.
How to highlight transferable skills on LinkedIn to stand out to employers?
What are employers looking for when hiring internationally trained lawyers?
What’s Paula’s advice on how to pass the bar exam as an internationally trained lawyer?
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Why did you choose to study law in the United States?
I was born and raised in Brazil. Since I was a child, I’ve wanted to solve problems and develop solutions, and I've always been passionate about justice. Those interests are probably the reasons behind my journey. When I was interning in law school, I worked for a company in Brazil that was headquartered in the United States. That was my first exposure to the U.S. legal system and American law. After that, I decided I wanted to study in the U.S.
What languages do you speak? Could you tell us about what you do as a multilingual and internationally trained lawyer?
I speak Portuguese, English and French. Learning French has helped me connect with European attorneys for negotiations.
I’ve always worked in corporate and commercial law in Brazil. I worked for several companies before founding my own law firm. I had the opportunity to work with some clients outside of Brazil, which allowed me to use English as a working language before I came to the United States.
I also did some internships where I worked with both Brazilian and U.S. clients. It was great to bring insights from the cultures of both countries into negotiations. Understanding those cultural nuances can really make a difference when negotiating contracts and overcoming challenges.
Could you tell us more about your current position, and how did you get this job?
After getting my LLM, I wasn't looking for a job because I was fully focused on preparing for the New York bar exam. The company found me on LinkedIn, and I told them I couldn’t start working right away. They were willing to wait a couple of months until I took the bar exam, and now I’m working for an engineering and architecture company managing their contracts. The company is based in Indiana, and I handle agreements related to design and construction of roads and bridges. We manage everything related to risk management and contracts negotiation in the lifecycle of the projects.
It's amazing that your employer found you on LinkedIn! Could you give advice to law students and new lawyers on how to increase their visibility on LinkedIn so that they can increase the chances of getting hired?
I think it’s so important from the very beginning to keep your LinkedIn profile updated. Don’t think that just because you’re a student, you shouldn’t have an active presence. I always made sure my profile was up to date. Networking is crucial. Follow people you’re interested in working with, and don’t hesitate to interact with them. Approach them if you can and ask for informational interviews. Stay engaged, and consider posting professional updates to help with the algorithm, too. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there on LinkedIn.
On LinkedIn, I emphasize how my skills translate in the U.S. market. Let’s say they don’t want you to write a petition the way you would in your home country because the laws are different. Instead of saying, “I drafted an agreement,” focus on the fundamental lawyering skills - writing, researching, discussing, and negotiating. Highlight your ability to adapt these skills to the new context.
Transferable skills can be even more important than just knowing the law. You might be competing with attorneys who know U.S. law but lack those practical skills. If you can demonstrate that you possess these skills and are learning the law from a different perspective, you can really stand out.
Make sure your LinkedIn reflects how you can contribute to the specific company and area you’re targeting. If you want to work in litigation, include relevant information about that. If you’re interested in contracts, bring forward your business-related experience.
From your assessment, what qualities are employers in United States looking for when hiring internationally trained lawyers?
I would say to highlight how your diverse background can benefit the company. You bring new skills to the table, having been trained in a different country and culture. That experience helps you develop a unique skill set that others might not have. Even if you're not fully aware of the company’s procedures at first, showing that you're open to learning and eager to grow can make a big difference.
Most employers that are open to hire internationally trained lawyers value the fact that you’re coming from a different country and culture, trying to build a new life and start a new phase of your career. They see this as a strength rather than a limitation.
Congratulations on passing the New York bar exam. Would you share any tips and advice with the LLM students who want to take and pass the New York bar?
Thank you. When I share my experience (of passing the NY bar), I often hear, “That’s a lot of time invested. I’m not sure I want to spend all that time preparing for the bar.” Yes, you won’t have much of a social life for a couple of months, but I believe it’s worth it.
I recommend dedicating 40 hours a week at least to studying. Most importantly, you need to find the best study methods for yourself. Not every prep course will be the right fit, and finding the right one can make all the difference.
During my preparation, I focused on learning from my mistakes. Whenever I got a question wrong, I tried to figure out why instead of just brushing it off. For example, if I struggled with criminal law, I worked to improve in that area rather than avoiding it. What works for me may not work for you. Some students asked me to share my study materials, but I said no. I believe you need to build your own study plan, and that’s how you’ll truly learn.
Do you have any tips and advice for international lawyers who wants to improve their English?
In my case, whenever I didn’t understand a legal term—especially in law school—I never let it slide. I would write down the word and go back to the professor to ask, “What do you mean by this?” Then I’d research the meaning, try to memorize the word, and use it in my everyday conversations whenever possible. That way, I’d pick up new terms more easily.
I know it can be tough to let go of your native language, especially if you have friends from your home country around you. But try to speak English as much as possible. If you’re in law school and have friends from your country, make an effort to converse in English. This will really help with your fluency. Also, try to make friends at work or have lunch with someone and speak in English. The more you practice, the less afraid you’ll be to engage in conversations. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; it’s all part of the learning process.
Do you use ChatGPT? If so, do you have thoughts on how to use it effectively for multilingual lawyers?
Yes, I do use it, but not for contracts. I’m still uncertain about whether it’s safe to share confidential contract content on platforms like ChatGPT. However, I use it for questions about how to better phrase a clause or if I’m unsure about a specific term. I might research how to rephrase something or do some brief research. I think it’s a great tool, but I never used it to write anything substantive. It was not very good that in regard.
