Clarity, Confidence, and Guidance for Your Next Step in Law
Personalized guidance for aspiring JD and LLM candidates, law students, and junior associates
I help aspiring JD/LLM candidates, law students, and junior associates navigate their legal journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose—drawing on my experience in BigLaw, litigation and transactional practice, and both civil and common law systems.
Whether you're preparing your application materials, getting ready for an interview, exploring the differences between transactional and litigation practice, or learning about U.S. legal education, I offer clear, strategic guidance to help you move forward with confidence and communicate your story with impact.
Below are the ways we can work together to strengthen your application, deepen your understanding of the legal profession, and present your experience with clarity, precision, and professionalism.
Services Overview
Prospective JD/LLM Candidates
U.S. Legal Education and Career Paths Informational Session
A one-on-one session covering the U.S. legal education system, admissions timeline, common career paths, and what to expect in JD/LLM programs—ideal for students from civil law jurisdictions.
Personal Statement and Essays Review
A detailed review of your personal statements and/or essays, focusing on structure, tone, and substance to ensure your materials are polished, cohesive, and persuasive.
A focused review of your resume’s structure, clarity, and presentation to ensure your experience is conveyed strategically, professionally, and with strong judgment.
Law Students and Junior Associates
Law Firm Careers Informational Session
A one-on-one session offering insight into BigLaw career paths, practice areas, workflows, and lifestyle differences—drawing on firsthand experience in both transactional and litigation practices.
A comprehensive review of your cover letter for clarity, structure, and persuasiveness, with feedback on how effectively it communicates your strengths, fit, and motivation.
A clear, strategic review of your resume’s substance and presentation, helping you highlight your strongest qualifications with concision, precision, and professionalism.
Summer/Lateral Associate Mock Interview
A practice interview with tailored feedback on communication, structure, and delivery, along with strategies for presenting your experience confidently in any interview setting.
U.S. Legal Education and Career Paths — Informational Session
This personalized, one-on-one session is designed to help prospective JD and LLM students gain a clear understanding of the U.S. legal education system. We’ll cover key aspects of the application process, program structure, and career pathways in both the private and public sectors.
Because I’ve studied and worked within both civil law and common law frameworks, this session is especially helpful for students coming from civil law jurisdictions seeking clearer insight into U.S. legal education, classroom culture, and the broader experience of studying and living in the United States.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of the U.S. legal education experience and professional development in the U.S. legal market. While the session provides valuable general insight, it is not intended to offer individualized admissions guidance, legal advice, or immigration advice.
Pricing
30-minute session — $150
1-hour session — $250
JD/LLM Personal Statement and Essays Review
This individualized review is designed to help JD and LLM applicants strengthen their written materials while maintaining authenticity and clarity of voice. I provide detailed feedback on structure, tone, and substance—focusing on how effectively your essays communicate motivation, judgment, and fit for the program.
You’ll receive both high-level, strategic suggestions and precise line edits to ensure your materials are polished, cohesive, and persuasive. The goal is to help you tell your story with confidence—clear, focused, and true to your experience.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. A 48-hour rush option is available for an additional fee.
Pricing
$150 per page
$75 per page for second readings
Rush add-on (48-hour turnaround): +$75
JD/LLM Resume Review
Your resume is often your first introduction to an admissions committee or employer. This review focuses on refining both substance and presentation to ensure your experience is conveyed clearly, strategically, and professionally.
I’ll evaluate your resume for tone, structure, and formatting consistency, identifying ways to highlight your strongest qualifications while maintaining concision and readability. The result is a resume that reflects not only your accomplishments, but also your attention to detail and professional judgment.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. A 48-hour rush option is available for an additional fee.
Pricing
$150 flat rate
$75 flat rate for second readings
Rush add-on (48-hour turnaround): +$75
Law Firm Careers — Informational Session (Law Students and Junior Associates)
This personalized, one-on-one session is designed for current law students and junior associates seeking a clearer understanding of career paths within major U.S. law firms. Drawing on my firsthand experience in both transactional and litigation practices, I’ll discuss key differences between these paths, the day-to-day realities of each, and long-term career considerations both within and beyond BigLaw.
You’ll gain insight into workflow, team structures, and lifestyle differences, as well as strategies for identifying the type of practice that best aligns with your skills and interests. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions tailored to your goals and areas of curiosity. While this session provides general guidance, it is not intended to offer specific employment or recruiting advice.
Pricing
30-minute session — $125 (law student) / $150 (junior associate)
1-hour session — $200 (law student) / $250 (junior associate)
Cover Letter Review (Law Students and Junior Associates)
A strong cover letter connects your experience to your goals with clarity and authenticity. This service helps you refine both content and tone so your letter complements your resume and conveys genuine motivation.
I’ll review your cover letter for clarity, structure, and overall persuasiveness, providing detailed feedback on how effectively it communicates your strengths and fit for the role or program. You’ll receive both high-level comments and precise line edits to ensure the final version feels polished, purposeful, and aligned with your professional voice.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. A 48-hour rush option is available for an additional fee.
Pricing
$150 flat rate
$75 flat rate for second readings
Rush add-on (48-hour turnaround): +$75
Resume Review (Law Students and Junior Associates)
A well-structured resume is essential for law students and junior attorneys navigating interviews, summer positions, and early-career transitions. This review focuses on refining both substance and presentation so your experience is communicated clearly, professionally, and with intention.
I’ll review your resume for clarity, structure, formatting consistency, and strategic framing—helping you highlight your strongest qualifications while maintaining concision and readability. My goal is to ensure your resume reflects not only your experience, but also the judgment, precision, and professionalism expected in legal practice.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround is 3–5 business days. A 48-hour rush option is available for an additional fee.
Pricing
$150 flat rate
$75 flat rate for second readings
Rush add-on (48-hour turnaround): +$75
Summer Associate and Lateral Junior Associate Mock Interview
This one-on-one session is designed to help law students and junior attorneys prepare for interviews with clarity and confidence. We’ll work through common and challenging questions, refine your responses, and strengthen both substance and delivery.
Drawing on my experience on both sides of the interview process—as a candidate and as someone who has interviewed law students and lateral attorneys—I provide insight into what interviewers look for, how to present your experience effectively, and how to navigate different interview styles.
You’ll receive detailed feedback on communication style, structure, and tone, along with practical strategies for articulating your judgment, experience, and motivation. The goal is to help you feel prepared, authentic, and confident in every interview setting—from screening calls to callback meetings.
Pricing
30-minute session — $150 (20-minute interview + 10-minute personalized feedback)
1-hour session — $250 (20-minute interview + 40-minute personalized feedback and follow-up questions
About My Path
Ignacio Saldana is a U.S.-trained attorney with a unique global legal foundation, shaped by formal training in both the civil and common law systems. He earned his LL.B. in Panama City, Panama, and studied abroad in the United States during that program. That experience transformed his approach to legal analysis—shifting him from the memorization-focused training of civil law systems to the “think like a lawyer” analytical model that defines U.S. legal education—and ultimately set him on the path to pursuing a J.D. in the U.S.
He later graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and began his career at a major New York law firm, gaining rare dual experience in both capital markets and litigation. His work spanned high-stakes transactional matters and complex commercial disputes involving leading financial institutions and multinational corporations, giving him a nuanced understanding of legal strategy, professional expectations, and the realities of practice across both transactional and litigation roles.
Today, Ignacio serves as Litigation Counsel at one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the world, overseeing impact litigation and advising on high-level legal initiatives. He has guided JD and LLM applicants, law students, and junior attorneys through pivotal academic and professional transitions, drawing on a blend of practical insight and cross-border perspective.
Through The Polished Jurist, Ignacio provides tailored, one-on-one guidance that helps emerging legal professionals articulate their strongest, most authentic narrative—whether refining a written statement, elevating a resume, or preparing for a high-stakes interview.