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. 

Non-US students joining an American LL.M. program can gain an edge as you transition to a new legal environment at a U.S. law school.  A special 6-day LL.M. Preview course in New York will help prepare you for the rigors of your U.S. LL.M. program.

LL.M. Preview offers you an overview of the U.S. Constitution and legal system, coaching in American law teaching methodology, and training in legal analysis and writing skills.  

Gain insight into what American law firms look for in foreign candidates, how to present your credentials, and how to build a professional network that can help you achieve your career goals. Learn post-LL.M. career strategies whether you want to work for a U.S. law firm, a multi-national corporation, a governmental ministry, a law faculty, an inter-governmental organization such as the United Nations, or other entity in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Classroom simulations allow you to learn-by-doing in a safe, supportive environment. Learn effective LL.M. student survival and success strategies for you to use inside and outside your LL.M. classrooms, and receive many tips on LL.M. student empowerment.

Learn from speakers associated with some of the most prestigious institutions and firms in the country including:

• Catholic University, Columbus School of Law
  
• Columbia University Law School
  
• Fordham University Law School
  
• LinkedIn
  
• LL.M. Roadmap*
  
• Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP
  

The 6-day LL.M. Preview course is offered by BARBRI, the leading Bar Exam preparation company in the U.S.  BARBRI as prepared over 1 million students to sit for the bar exam across the U.S.

Dates for 2013 LL.M. Preview are 5 - 10 August in New York. 

For more information and to enroll in LL.M. Preview, please visit the LL.M. Preview website here.

Or send an e-mail here: LLM@BarBri.com

A program for the LL.M. Preview appears below.

*Professor George Edwards, author of LL.M. Roadmap, will present on “LL.M. Student Survival & Empowerment”.  This session will focus on, inter alia, ensuring that your law school meets your reasonable expectations regarding your academic, personal and career expectations.  Professor Edwards has long advocated for rights of international LL.M. students in U.S. schools, and is exploring a proposed United Nations Declaration on the Rights of International Students. See, for example, the following:

• The Need for a United Nations Declaration of the Rights of international Students

                    Below is a copy of the program of LL.M. Preview (5 - 10 August 2013, in New York)!

LL.M. graduates from U.S. law schools may sit for the Bar Exam in some U.S. states, but not all.  Most graduates who sit for a Bar Exam prepare by taking a commercial Bar Exam Preparation (Bar Prep) course. Click here for  information about various Bar Prep courses and other Bar Prep resources.

There are many other commercial services available for LL.M. students and graduates, and the list in this posting is not an endorsement for (or against!) any of these services. Ask other LL.M. graduates, professors, and others for advice on choosing the Bar Prep course that suits your needs!

Some U.S. law schools offer LL.M. students special Bar Preparation classes and other resources. Before you enroll in your LL.M. program, ask your school if its LL.M. program will help you prepare for a U.S. Bar Exam, and how it will help you.

If you want to sit for the Bar in New York, California, or other states, please carefully explore all requirements! Each state has different Bar Exam rules!

Some states let you sit for the Bar Exam only if your school's LL.M. program meets very specific standards. If your school does not meet those standards, than you cannot sit for the Bar Exam. If you want to sit for a Bar Exam, you should explore requirements before you choose your LL.M. program.

A great place to check each state's requirements is the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements 2013, which is prepared by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.

Good luck!

PS:  Please be certain to click here for more information!

The Georgetown Law Center compiled a list of major law firms that actively recruit and hire graduates of U.S. Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs. These law firms are located in the U.S. and in other countries. This is not a complete list; many law firms around the world hire LL.M. graduates. Please check with each firm for details on their hiring practices.

For more information getting a job post-LL.M., please consult LL.M. Roadmap, Part VII ("Getting a Job; Achieving Other Post-LL.M. Goals"). Also, check the LL.M. Roadmap Table of Contents for other helpful information..

Below is the Georgetown list.

                  Major law firms that recruit graduates of U.S. Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs*