Can I practice law in USA after LLM?

Asked by: Dr. Kade Rodriguez  |  Last update: April 1, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (2 votes)

Completion of the LLM degree in itself does not guarantee eligibility to take a bar examination. In some states, including New York, California, and Louisiana, the completion of an LLM degree along with certain other criteria will allow attorneys with a non-U.S. law degree to sit for the bar exam.

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.

Can you get a job in U.S. 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.

Is LLM worth it in USA?

However, a lot of employers, the vast majority in fact, simply don't give the degrees much weight. The reason has to do with the practice of law vs. the study of law. In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.

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.

Can I practice law in the U.S. with an LL.M?

15 related questions found

Can I practice in USA after LLM?

No. If you want to practice law in the U.S., you need to get a JD from an ABA approved law school and pass the bar exam in the state you want to practice in. A foreign degree won't allow you to practice law in the U.S.

Is LLM accepted in 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 be a lawyer in the US 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.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Have a look at some of the most popular LLM programs below!
  • 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.

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.

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.

Can a foreign lawyer work in the USA?

Can a foreign lawyer give counsel in the United States? A foreign lawyer cannot provide legal services in the United States without being admitted to at least one state's bar. Exceptions may exist in some states for example, where foreign lawyers may apply for a license as a foreign law consultant.

Which LLM course is best in USA?

Top LLMs in American Law
  • 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.

Can an LLM sit for the bar?

Seton Hall's LL. M. in American Law gives students great flexibility to choose courses that align with their professional goals, including, in some cases, the ability to sit for a bar exam. Eligibility to sit for a particular state bar exam varies from state to state.

What is the cost of LLM in USA?

The average tuition cost charged by the top LLM colleges in USA varies from 18,000 to 78,000 USD (15 to 65 lakhs INR). Post completion, graduates can earn an average salary of 120,000 USD (1 crore INR) per annum. Why Study LLM in USA?

How long does LLM last?

The Master of Laws (LL. M.) degree is an advanced, one-year graduate program in which students have the flexibility to enroll in one of several distinct specializations or customize their studies in pursuit of their unique professional goals. Designed for those who already hold a J.D. or equivalent law degree, the LL.

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.

Which branch of LLM is best?

Criminal Law arises as a notably sought-after legal specialization. Within its scope, Criminal Law involves a complete variety of rules, statutes, and regulations that demarcate actions restricted by the legal structure due to their probability to risk and compromise public safety and welfare.

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 can you practice law with an LLM?

An LLM can practice law in each state as long as they pass that state's bar exam. An LLM can practice in the federal courts on a court by court admission, which may require the LLM be a member of the bar of one of the states of the U.S.

Is LSAT required for LLM in USA?

No, the LSAT and GRE are not required.

Which institute is best for LLM?

  • National Law School of India University (NLSIU) ...
  • University of Mumbai - Department of Law. ...
  • Indian Law Institute (ILI) ...
  • National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur. ...
  • Amity University - Amity Law School. ...
  • University of Delhi (DU) - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Symbiosis Law School. ...
  • ILS Law College - Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

Which country has LLM?

Llamas' native range is the Andes Mountains of South America, primarily Peru and Bolivia, but none are found in the wild. They were domesticated from wild guanacos (also classified as Lama glama or as a subspecies Lama glama guanicoe) 4,000 to 6,000 years ago and may be the first known domesticated animal.

Which country is the cheapest for LLM?

Germany. Germany is one of the best study option destinations abroad due to the free educational programs they offer. LLM, a master's degree can be pursued free of charge with a small university fee of INR 8 lakhs for the first year.