Can I practice law in the US with a LLM?

Asked by: Prof. Kylie Cremin II  |  Last update: September 16, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (16 votes)

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.

What can you do with an LLM in the US?

While legal job titles or responsibilities can overlap depending on the organization, possible outcomes for graduates of our LLM degree programs include:
  • Attorney/Staff Attorney.
  • Chief Counsel/Chief Legal Officer/General Council.
  • Data Privacy Officer.
  • Director of Business Development.
  • Director of Compliance.

What is LLM equivalent to in USA?

Program Requirements for LLM in the US

Juris Doctor (JD) or bachelor's degree (JD, LLB or equivalent) in relevant courses with at least an 83-86% score Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 83% at bachelors level (varies with the university) Minimum 2 years of work experience (depends upon university)

Can I practice law in the US with a foreign law degree?

Yes. However, most jurisdictions require holders of foreign law degrees to have an additional legal degree, such as a J.D. or LL. M., from an ABA-accredited law school in the United States.

Can you take New York bar with LLM?

Bar admission involves not only, e.g., passing the UBE, MPRE, and NYLE, and meeting the required LLM coursework and pro bono requirements, but also meeting the New York character and fitness requirement. New York State's Board of Law Examiners must be satisfied that your background meets certain standards of conduct.

Studying Law in the United States | Master of Law Degree

16 related questions found

Can you take the bar in Florida with a LLM?

As part of a 2022 Florida Supreme Court rule change, attorneys with an LL. M. from a U.S. law school may be qualified to take the Florida Bar Exam.

Does LLM need LSAT?

The LSAT is an integral part of law school admission in the United States and Canada, but not for LLM applicants. The LSAT tests the skills necessary for success in the first year of law school for those applying for the Juris Doctor program.

Do US law firms hire foreign lawyers?

Lawyers from foreign jurisdictions seeking to join a firm in the United States have the onus to prove that their experience is compatible to an American practice. The primary issue for these attorneys is how to translate their education and experience so that a United States law firm can understand that experience.

What degree is best for international law?

  • B.A. in International Relations: International Law. ...
  • BA in International & European Law. ...
  • Bachelor in Comparative, European and International Legal Studies (CEILS) ...
  • Bachelor in International Law. ...
  • Bachelor in International Relations: Concentration in Diplomacy and International Law. ...
  • Hons.

Can I practice law in US with a UK degree?

If you are successful in the bar exam you can then successfully apply for admission to the State Bar Association for practice. Since each state has complete discretion in the process, some states have developed state-specific regulations that target admitting foreign lawyers (UK lawyers) to their bar.

Is LLM Recognised in USA?

Qualifying in the US

Just like in the UK, studying an LLM won't make you a qualified lawyer – you'll need to pass the Bar Exam for the state you're in. You'll obviously need to know about US law to pass the bar, and there are intensive courses you can enrol on to prepare you.

Is LLM higher than JD?

An LLM takes a lawyer deeper, to gain "advanced knowledge in a specific area of law for career advancement, upward mobility, and/or expanded practice opportunities." The primary difference in the curriculum is that a JD program covers general law concepts; the LLM is focused on a specific area of expertise.

Is a US LLM worth it?

Is an LLM worth it? First things first, an LLM is by no means necessary when it comes to securing a training contract. In fact, most firms adopt a neutral position toward an LLM. They don't view it as better than working in industry, but it's by no means worse.

Is it better to do an LLM in UK or USA?

Why Study LLM in the UK? If you are planning to pursue a Master's of law abroad then the UK is an exceptional choice as students across the globe come here to pursue different realms of law. One of the basic reasons to choose the UK is the opportunity to work across the globe and make further connections.

How useful is a LLM?

Bottom Line. Although you don't need an LLM degree to practice law in the US, it can be a great next step in your legal career. With an LLM, your career options can only improve. If you already have some experience in the field, an LLM program will help you become an expert and widen your professional network.

How can I practice law internationally?

Becoming an international lawyer requires formal education and licensure. Specifically, you need to earn a Juris Doctor degree, and it's recommended to earn a Master of Laws degree for specializing in international business. You're required to pass your state's bar exam to practice law legally.

Can you be a lawyer with an international law degree?

This is a broad academic subject that encompasses topics such as war, peace, diplomacy and rights. A degree in the subject can open opportunities to both a regular law career and employment with government or international organizations.

Can you work anywhere with an international law degree?

International lawyers practice all over the globe. American lawyers can be assigned to an overseas office of a particular firm or corporation, a foreign office of an international organization or a US consulate or embassy in a foreign country.

How do I become a foreign legal consultant in the US?

Basic Steps to Applying for FLC

Confirm that you want to apply as a Foreign Legal Consultant and answer the preliminary questions. Complete and submit your FLC application and pay the required fee. Upload all other required documents. Keep originals on hand—you must mail them to us upon request.

Is there a demand for international lawyers?

Preparing for a Career in International Law

U.S.-trained lawyers are often in high demand overseas due to America's oversized role in global trade and governance. Read: Why Law School Location Matters. International law jobs are highly competitive due to the popularity of the field.

How much does an LLM cost at Harvard?

Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $73,600; in addition, health insurance and health services fees, the LL. M. activities fee, dental insurance, the costs of housing, food, books and supplies, and personal and travel expenses for a single student come to at least $37,900, for a total of at least $111,500.

Is an LLM a law degree?

An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a graduate qualification in the field of law. The LLM was created for lawyers to expand their knowledge, study a specialized area of law, and gain international qualifications if they have earned a law degree outside the U.S. or Canada.

How long is Harvard LLM?

The LL. M. (Master of Laws) program is a one-year degree program that typically includes 180 students from some 65 countries. The Graduate Program is interested in attracting intellectually curious and thoughtful candidates from a variety of legal systems and backgrounds and with various career plans.