Building a Family Far from Home
Tobias Keil (LLM’24) goes the extra mile to create community for the American Law Program.
Building a Family Far from Home
Tobias Keil (LLM’24) goes the extra mile to create community for the American Law Program.
This year, 144 legal practitioners from around the world came to Boston University School of Law to study in the LLM in American Law Program. For many, a new life in the United States can be a daunting adjustment. Tobias [Tobi] Keil (LLM’24), who traveled from his home country of Germany, took it upon himself to help ease the transition through organizing informal gatherings with his program peers.
“With forty-two nations represented in our LLM programs, our goal is always to bridge community across countries,” says Maureen Leo, director of international graduate programs at BU Law. “Student leaders like Tobi who serve as natural ambassadors of good will and connection have been integral to achieving this goal. Tobi is respected by his professors, admired our staff, and beloved by his peers.”
As we approach the Commencement of the Class of 2024, The Record sat down with Tobias to learn more about his time at BU Law and what motivates him to bring people together.
Q&A
with Tobias Keil (LLM’24)
The Record: What brought you to BU Law?
Tobias Keil: The main reason is Maureen [Leo]. BU was one of two law schools that had real interviews––the others just sent you the admission letter. But Maureen took the time to talk with me and it made me feel like this was a place where students are really supported.
Then also, the program itself, the variety of courses you can choose from, and the city too. I’m from Germany, and I didn’t want to have a crazy culture shock. But Boston feels like the most European city in the US, and I’m a huge winter sports fan, so it didn’t take long to feel that, even though it’s a different city, it’s the same surroundings.
The Record: You’re known as someone who brings people together outside of the classroom. What does that mean to you and how do you balance that with your academic obligations?
Tobias Keil: There are a lot of things you can do that are really appreciated by people that take a tiny little effort. Like creating our WhatsApp group. I asked if people wanted to meet on a regular basis, and now we get together every three weeks. We first met as a group of about eighty at Time Out Market and continue to get together at other venues.
Sometimes when balancing everything in my life, my sleep suffers [laughs], but it’s worth it. It’s so nice to have the community–it’s why I came to BU. Everyone knows each other, but it doesn’t happen overnight, you need to spend time together. So, I always felt that it’s a good thing to give a little of your personal time to get everyone together.
The Record: Did you have a favorite professor at BU Law?
Tobias Keil: Stephen Donweber. I had contracts with him, and he did a mock class during orientation where you felt that he was going to really take care of us. Especially on the first class, the first semester, when you don’t have a clue how university life is going to be in the US. But he makes himself and the class approachable and it’s so comforting.
The Record: What’s next for you after graduation?
Tobias Keil: Luckily, I went home for Christmas and was able to interview in person in Frankfurt and will be a trainee at A&O Shearman LLP. I will also be working on my doctorate at University of Würzburg, focusing on criminal law.
The Record: Beyond school and your career, can you share with us some of your hobbies?
Tobias Keil: Despite all these professional pursuits, music is the biggest part of my life. I started playing the piano when I was five years old, then the violin, the organ, and I taught myself to play the accordion. I am also a choir conductor. It’s a big lift, especially the conducting. But I don’t hesitate to put a lot of time into those things because it gives you so much back.
I also love running to help balance all of the sitting I do while studying. Without running, I can’t learn. It helps me to relieve stress and clear my head.
And there’s Fastnacht, or “carnival,” a big celebration in Germany. My whole family is involved, and I have been performing on stage at carnival since I was six years old. Now I am in a traditional carnival band with friends, and we write and record our own songs. It’s so nice to see something that started with one tiny idea and now our music is on Spotify, or I’ve played in front of 9,000 people.
The Record: What will you remember most about your time at BU Law?
Tobias Keil: The people. Maureen said in orientation that the time will pass by so fast, and in the beginning, you say “yeah, yeah, we still have a year.” But then the second semester hits, and then it’s spring break, and then here you are. The people, which are like your second family now, you’ve spent so much time with them, suddenly it’s over.
The Record: Do you have any advice for incoming students seeking community here?
Tobias Keil: From the very first second, connect with people. Create a WhatsApp group and text, “I’m here. Do you want to go out and do stuff?”. The more you can bond with people, especially those not from your own home country, and be open minded about everyone, the better your time with the program will be.
And don’t always talk to the people you already know. So many times, I felt I was settled, and then I met someone new and thought, “This person is super cool, it’s so sad I didn’t find them earlier.” Even if you’re more introverted, try to go out to events and speak with people, because they are also looking for friends.
