Can a LLM work in USA?
Asked by: Keegan Reichert | Last update: November 16, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (19 votes)
Most graduates work in private practice at law firms around the world, including many of the leading law firms globally. Each year, approximately 15 - 25% of Foreign-Trained LLM students report obtaining positions in the US; both short-term and long-term and in the private and public sector.
Is LLM accepted in the USA?
Ans. Yes, you can pursue LLM in the USA after completing your LLB in India. However, you must match the eligibility criteria of the university you choose.
Can you practice in the U.S. with an LLM?
Foreign trained lawyers who wish to remain in the United States and practice law here are advised to obtain the JD degree rather than the LLM degree. The JD degree will enable candidates to take the bar examination in every state while the LLM degree may qualify them only to take the bar exam in a few states.
Can I stay in USA after LLM?
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
After completing the LLM, students can apply for Optional Practical Training, which allows them to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a field related to their studies.
How much does a LLM lawyer earn in USA?
As of Jan 17, 2025, the average annual pay for the Llm jobs category in the United States is $142,663 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $68.59 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,743/week or $11,888/month.
US vs. UK for jobs after an LLM
Is it worth doing LLM in USA?
A US based LLM degree can boost the career prospects of international students both inside and outside the country. Through an LLM program employers find value within a strict academic training and an international exposure which also give opportunities for growth through different sectors within the legal profession.
Can you get a job in US with an LLM?
Most graduates work in private practice at law firms around the world, including many of the leading law firms globally. Each year, approximately 15 - 25% of Foreign-Trained LLM students report obtaining positions in the US; both short-term and long-term and in the private and public sector.
Which LLM is most in demand?
- Master of laws in Administrative Law Studies.
- Master of laws in National Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Economic Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Jurisprudence.
- Master of laws in Human Rights Law Studies.
- Master of laws in Dispute Resolution Studies.
Can you be a lawyer with just an LLM?
A JD or an LLM can prepare you for a legal career, but you can't become a licensed lawyer without a JD degree. Also, a JD degree program takes longer and has a broader scope than an LLM program. What really determines if a JD or an LLM is the right one for you are your long-term career goals.
What is LLM called in USA?
A Master of Laws (M.L. or LL. M.; Latin: Magister Legum or Legum Magister) is an advanced postgraduate academic degree, pursued by those either holding an undergraduate academic law degree, a professional law degree, or an undergraduate degree in a related subject.
Is an LLM better than a JD?
While a JD program provides the foundational knowledge you need to practice law, an LLM allows you to specialize in your specific area of interest and distinguish yourself in the legal market. Since an LLM allows you to dig deeper into specialized subject matter, it can also open up more job opportunities.
What states accept LLM?
Many states in the U.S. allow foreign-trained attorneys with (or without) a U.S. LL. M. degree to sit for the bar exam combined with other requirements. These states include Texas, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington.
How long is an LLM in USA?
Related Links. The LL. M. (Master of Laws) program is a one-year degree program that typically includes 180 students from some 65 countries.
What is the US equivalent of an LLM?
Master of Laws (LL.
For students with J.D. degrees from a U.S. law school, the LL. M. degree is often a path to an academic career or to further a career in law practice areas that demand high levels of expertise such as antitrust, taxation, or environmental law.
How much does an LLM cost in the US?
Students taking 12 or more credit in a given semester are charged a flat tuition rate of $26,846. Students taking less than 12 credits in a given semester are charged the per credit tuition rate of $1,988. To earn an LLM, students must complete 24 credit hours.
Which is better for LLM USA or UK?
LLM in USA vs the UK
The United States of America is one of the best choices for LLM as it is home to prestigious institutions in the world for law. LLM in the USA is highly preferable as it helps in improving communication skills, making strategies, and making you patient enough to tackle changing legal problems.
What can I do with LLM in the USA?
- Attorney/Staff Attorney.
- Chief Counsel/Chief Legal Officer/General Council.
- Data Privacy Officer.
- Director of Business Development.
- Director of Compliance.
Are LLMs worth it?
In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.
Can you take the bar after an LLM?
In some states, including New York, California, and Texas, the completion of an LL. M. degree along with certain other criteria will allow attorneys with a non-U.S. law degree to sit for the bar exam.
Is an LLM prestigious?
Holding an LLM from a top university could significantly lift your earning potential as well as your chances of getting that fabulous promotion or job offer from a top firm once you are more settled.
Can I get a job with an LLM?
The LLM can help you get your foot in the door at a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency. If you have decided to shift your professional focus, this degree may lay the groundwork for new opportunities by helping you expand your knowledge into a different area of law.
How to stay in the US after masters?
- Practical Training on an F1 Visa.
- Non-Immigrant H3 Visa (Trainee)
- Non-Immigrant H-1B Visa Specialty Occupation.
- Non-Immigrant R-1 Visa Religious Worker.
How to work with LLM?
- Identify the goal/purpose - There should be a specific use case for the LLM, and the goal will affect which data sources to pull from. ...
- Pre-training - An LLM requires a large and diverse dataset to train on.
Which LLM course is best in USA?
- Harvard University Law School. ...
- Columbia University Law School. ...
- University of Chicago Law School. ...
- New York University School of Law. ...
- University of Pennsylvania Penn Carey Law. ...
- University of Virginia School of Law. ...
- University of California Berkeley Law. ...
- Duke University School of Law.