Can we practice while doing LLM?
Asked by: Philip Cole | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)
Yes, you can often practice while doing an LLM, but it's challenging and depends heavily on your location (US state, country), visa status, and the LLM's structure (full-time/part-time), with some jurisdictions like New York allowing LLM grads to take the bar, while others might require apprenticeships, making it a balancing act between rigorous study and professional responsibilities.
Can you practice law with an LLM?
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.
Can you practice law with just LLM?
But an LL. M. degree does not qualify one to practice law in the US. That requires slaying a different beast: the bar exam.
Does LLM need training?
LLMs don't learn on their own initially, however. You must train them properly. Understanding LLM training is vital to exploring further realms of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI.
Is LLM very difficult?
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.
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What is the minimum salary after LLM?
Average LLM Salary in India
On average, newcomers to the legal profession can expect a starting salary of around INR 6,00,000 per annum. However, experienced professionals—especially those working in corporate law or with significant litigation experience—may earn between INR 12,00,000 and INR 25,00,000 per annum.
Does LLM make you a lawyer?
No, an LLM (Master of Laws) doesn't make you a lawyer on its own; it's a postgraduate specialization for those who already have a law degree (like a JD in the U.S.) or for foreign-educated lawyers to gain U.S. qualifications, but you still need to pass the bar exam to practice. The standard path to becoming a lawyer in the U.S. involves a JD degree, followed by bar admission, while an LLM offers deeper expertise in areas like tax or international law, making you more competitive or eligible to take the bar in specific cases.
How to train LLM for free?
Online LLM training
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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.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
Which LLM is most in demand?
Top 10 LLM Specializations in Demand in 2025 – Scope, Salary & Career Opportunities
- LLM in International Law.
- LLM in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- LLM in Human Rights Law.
- LLM in Environmental Law.
- LLM in Cyber Law / Technology Law.
- LLM in Taxation Law.
- LLM in Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution.
Can LLMs take the bar?
Eligibility to sit for a particular state bar exam varies from state to state. 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.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?
No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
Is an LLM worth it after law school?
Earning an LLM offers several advantages, including increased earning potential and stronger positioning when transitioning into a specialized practice area. Lawyers seeking to break into a specialized legal field may find it easier to do so with a relevant LLM degree.
Is LLM the same as Masters?
The LLM, as a master's degree, is intended for those who wish to pursue further legal studies after completing their first degree in law, including those who are considering an academic career or intending to practise law.
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Is AI a high paid job?
Yes, AI is a high-paying field with significant earning potential, especially for specialized roles like MLOps Engineers, AI Infrastructure Specialists, Machine Learning Engineers, and Research Scientists, where salaries range from well over $100,000 to several hundred thousand dollars, with total compensation reaching higher figures at top tech firms due to high demand and limited talent. Entry-level positions also offer strong starting salaries, with factors like location (tech hubs), experience, and specific skills (Python, NLP, ML) heavily influencing pay.
How much time will it take to learn LLM?
A Master of Laws (LLM) program normally lasts one year if taken full-time and about two years if taken part-time. Nevertheless, the time is subject to variations based on country, university, and field of specialization.
What is the salary of an LLM in the US?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $182,500 and as low as $85,000, the majority of Llm salaries currently range between $126,000 (25th percentile) to $157,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $174,000 annually across the United States.
Do I need a JD for LLM?
If you're an American or Canadian student, to pursue an LLM, you'll need to already have a JD degree. International students who want to pursue an LLM are required to have earned a first professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or an equivalent credential that permits entry into legal practice.
Is an LLM better than an LLB?
Both are important but serve different purposes; LLB is an entry-level degree for aspiring legal practitioners, while LLM is an advanced degree to specialize in law. The difference between the two is relatively critical for those deciding their next step in legal education.
What is the lowest paid lawyer?
There's no single "minimum" lawyer salary, as it varies wildly from $50,000 in public interest to over $200,000 for first-year associates at Big Law firms, depending heavily on location (big cities pay more), firm size (Big Law pays much more), and specialization (corporate/IP pay more than family law or non-profit work). Entry-level salaries in public service often start around $50k-$70k, while large private firms in major markets can offer $200k+ right out of law school.
What is a good LLM GPA?
What is the typical LLM GPA requirement? There is no universal GPA requirement for LLM programs, but top US programs expect a strong academic record. While 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may serve as a general minimum, competitive applicants often present a GPA above 3.5.
What are the disadvantages of LLM?
LLMs often falter in understanding larger or implicit context within a text. While they perform well with immediate context and long sentences, longer documents with complex narratives can pose challenges. This limitation can lead to errors in translations where understanding the broader context is crucial.