Can I take the NY bar with an LLM?
Asked by: Buster Deckow | Last update: October 19, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (66 votes)
New York Bar Examination Graduates educated in the civil-law tradition or a non-traditional or mixed legal system may qualify for the New York
Can you be a lawyer with 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.
Can you be a judge with an LLM?
An LLM degree can help you be a good judge
Deep specialisation – studying an LLM degree involves specialising in a certain field of law and this level of deep specialisation can be very helpful in your role as a judge, particularly if you want to work in a specialised court.
Can I practice law in New York with an LLB?
Yes what you're asking for is possible and 100s of UK LLB grads do it every year. Long answer: It's a difficult path and it's not optimal but it's not impossible. Most UK law degrees will make you eligible to sit the NY bar exam.
Who is eligible for the New York Bar exam?
Earn an LLM degree within 24 months of matriculation. Take a minimum of 24 semester hours of credit in courses requiring classroom instruction. A maximum of four credits may be earned in summer courses. Coursework must be completed physically at the campus of the ABA-approved law school in the US.
How I found out I was eligible to sit for the New York Bar Exam | BARBRI Extended U.S. Bar Prep
Which state has the hardest bar exam?
California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.
What is reciprocity with the New York Bar?
Reciprocity is when one jurisdiction recognizes the license of a lawyer from another jurisdiction. If a lawyer is admitted to the bar in a state which has reciprocity with New York, New York would admit the lawyer to the bar based on reciprocity. The lawyer is not required to take the New York bar exam.
Can you take the NY bar with an LLM?
New York Bar Examination
Graduates educated in the civil-law tradition or a non-traditional or mixed legal system may qualify for the New York Bar Exam after receiving a U.S. LL. M. (Master of Laws) degree with certain requirements. See Rule 520.6 [b] [1] [ii] and 520.6 [b] [2].
What is the difference between LLM and 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 is an LLM 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 to use LLM as a judge?
- Define the evaluation scenario. First, decide what exactly you want the LLM judge to evaluate. ...
- Prepare the evaluation dataset. Next, create a small dataset to test your LLM judge. ...
- Label this dataset. ...
- Craft your evaluation prompt. ...
- Evaluate and iterate. ...
- And finally, bring in the domain experts.
Is a masters in legal studies the same as an LLM?
Both M.L.S. and LL. M. programs offer excellent opportunities to further your understanding of law as it relates to your industry and career. However, unless you already hold a Juris Doctor degree or are a law student, a Master of Legal Studies is likely to be your best option.
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.
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 I do a JD after LLM?
You must apply for the JD degree within 3 years of completing your LLM program to be eligible. Please note that students in the online LLM, MITLE, MDR, or MSL programs are not eligible to apply as transfer students.
What is an LLM equivalent to?
LLM (often written as LL. M.) stands for Legum Magister, which is Latin for Master of Laws. An LLM is a one year degree program which you can pursue after receiving a JD (or international equivalent).
Is LLM easier than law school?
Is LLM Harder Than JD? In some ways, an LLM may be harder because of its specialized curriculum and thesis requirements. However, the JD is often believed to be harder because it takes longer to complete and is the first time students are introduced to legal theories and the rigorous demands of law school.
How hard is LLM?
LLM programmes may sometimes seem tough due to their study environment. Strong time management skills are required for LLM completion. The course emphasises legal analysis and problem-solving, which requires sophisticated legal terminology.
Can you pass the bar with an LLM?
Unlike students who graduate with a juris doctor degree, LLM degree holders face more restrictions on where they can sit for the bar. A handful of jurisdictions, such as New York, permit LLM graduates to take the exam and hold a license to practice law.
Can you become a lawyer with a LLM degree?
While it's not necessary to have an LLM to be a practicing lawyer, many professionals pursue one because it can make them more desirable candidates in a specific area or within a large law firm that handles international clients. An LLM may also provide you with the qualifications to become a firm partner.
Which state has the easiest bar exam?
Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.
Can you pass the New York bar without going to law school?
Can I Take the Bar Without Going To Law School In New York? In New York, a person must complete a year of law school and three years of study in a law office under New York Bar Admission Rules Section 520.4. Once all that is completed, an applicant can take the bar exam.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar?
No, Kim Kardashian has not passed not the California General Bar exam but successfully passed the baby bar in 2021. She cleared it in her fourth attempt. Her journey illustrates the many challenges and frustrations that she has gone through in order to achieve this career in the legal field.