Which is better for you -- a J.D. or an LL.M.?

If you come to the U.S. for a law degree, you can choose a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) program.

What is the different between a J.D. and an LL.M.?

 ·   Bar Exam. If your J.D. is from an U.S. law school accredited by the American Bar Association, you may sit for the bar exam of any U.S. state or territory. LL.M. graduates may sit for the bar in only a handful of U.S. states.

·   Length. The J.D. program is 3 years (6 semesters). An LL.M. program is 1 year (2 semesters).

·   LSAT. You must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) for J.D. admission. You do not need the LSAT for LL.M. admission. 

·   First degree. A first or undergraduate degree in any subject is acceptable for J.D. program admission. A first degree in law is required for LL.M. program admission. If you hold a non-U.S. law degree (e.g., LL.B. or B.A.) you may enter either a J.D. or LL.M. program in the U.S.

·   S.J.D. eligibility. You must have an LL.M. to enter an S.J.D. program in the U.S. The S.J.D. also requires a first law degree, but it can be a J.D., LL.B., or B.A., in addition to the LL.M. 

The personal statement you attach to your LL.M. applications is an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself from the hundreds or even thousands of other highly-qualified LL.M. applicants.

LL.M. program admission committees want to get to know you—your personality—who you really are, what drives you, what makes you tick.

Your diplomas, course certificates, grade point average (GPA), recommendations, TOEFL or IELTS scores, CV or resume do not present a full picture. Committees see many similar objective documents from most applicants.

Try to convince the LL.M. program to accept you because you are one of the best candidates for that school, and because that LL.M. program and school are the best choice for you.

Personal statements help inform U.S. law schools that you are appropriately motivated, with insights, commitment and aspirations that render you eminently suitable to join the school’s ranks. You must convince the admissions committee that it will make the right decision by admitting you to the LL.M. program, that you outshine other qualified LL.M. candidates. In your personal statement you can paint a picture of yourself that may be enough to convince the school to choose you, rather than one of the dozens or even hundreds of other applicants. Your personal statement is a very important part of your LL.M. application.

                                                     8 Tips for LL.M. Personal Statements

1.   Follow instructions.
LL.M. applications will have instructions for your personal statement. Be certain to follow those instructions, carefully! If the instructions call for 500 words in the personal statement, do not submit 501 words. If there is a page limit, stick to it. Be certain to