Coffee Meet #22: Building a Life & Career in the U.S. — Education, Law & AI

ABOUT THIS EVENT

What does it really take to build a life, education, and career in the United States as a professional coming from Azerbaijan? For our next GoUp Community event, we are excited to host Banu Guliyeva, a Legal & Compliance professional, licensed attorney in Azerbaijan, and LL.M. graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Banu has built a professional career across legal, compliance, financial services, corporate law, cross-border transactions, and immigration, while gaining first-hand experience of both the Azerbaijani and U.S. professional environments. Having studied and worked in the United States while continuing her legal career in Azerbaijan, Banu brings a unique perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and realities of adapting to life and building a professional career in the U.S. During this session, we will explore the U.S. from both a personal and professional perspective — from education and career development to the legal system and the rapidly evolving impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession.

👤 ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Banu Guliyeva is a legal and compliance professional and an attorney licensed with the Azerbaijani Bar Association. She holds an LL.M. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and has professional experience across legal, compliance, financial services, corporate matters, and cross-border transactions.

Her experience includes serving as Head of Legal Department at Azericard, working as a Corporate Paralegal in the United States, and practicing as an attorney in Azerbaijan. With experience across two different legal and professional environments, Banu offers a valuable perspective for anyone considering studying, working, relocating, or building a career in the United States.

💡 WHAT WE'LL TALK ABOUT

1. Life & Adaptation in the U.S.

Culture, everyday life, professional environment, and the realities of adapting to a new country.

🎓 2. Education in the U.S. How the U.S. university system works, pursuing an LL.M. or Master's degree, academic experience, and what international students should know before making the move.

💼 3. Building a Career in the U.S. Understanding the job market, networking, CV & LinkedIn strategy, interviews, workplace culture, and building professional connections.

⚖️ 4. U.S. Legal System & Legal Career An introduction to the American legal system, key differences between the U.S. and Azerbaijan, and career opportunities and challenges for foreign-trained lawyers.

🤖 5. AI Is Moving Fast — Can the Law Keep Up? How artificial intelligence is transforming the legal profession, emerging legal challenges, and real-world court cases involving AI.

💬 OPEN Q&A

The session will also include an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask Banu questions about education, career opportunities, immigration, legal careers, adaptation to life in the U.S., and the realities of working across different professional environments.

📍 EVENT DETAILS Date: August 26, 2026 Time: 19:00 Venue: Coffeelea, Atatürk Avenue Format: Interactive Discussion + Open Q&A + Networking over Coffee

Whether you are planning to study in the U.S., build an international career, transition into the American job market, explore legal opportunities, or simply understand what life and work in the U.S. is really like, this conversation will give you practical insights from someone who has experienced the journey firsthand.

☕ Join GoUp Community for an evening of real stories, practical insights, and meaningful connections.