Can you work in the US with an LLM?
Asked by: Jacinto Parker | Last update: October 2, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (28 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.
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.
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.
Is LLM worth it in the 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.
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.
Is a master's degree worth it? | My LLM experience
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.
What is the salary of LLM in USA?
How much does a Llm make? As of Jan 18, 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.
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.
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.
Is an LLM higher than a 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.
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 LLM only for lawyers?
The acronym for “LLM” comes from the Latin phrase Legum Magister, which means “Master of Laws.” In terms of what the degree itself entails, the LLM is a master's program for those who are already lawyers and are looking to further specialize their legal expertise, according to Marlenga.
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.
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.
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 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.
What is the most prestigious LLM in the world?
The Best LLM colleges in the world include some prestigious global institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, University of Cambridge and Columbia University. LLM degree across top 15 colleges in the world typically lasts 1 year.
What is a good GPA for LLM?
GPA Requirements by the program of study: J.D. Students must have a 2.23 by the end of their first year, and a 2.33 every year after the first year. LLM must have a GPA of 2.23. M.T. and MLS must have a 2.5 by the end of their first year, and a 3.0 every year after the first year.
Is an LLM worth it after 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.
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.
What is the highest salary in LLM?
Employees who know Llm earn an average of ₹37.4lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹22.6lakhs per year to ₹218.4lakhs per year based on 42 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹49.0lakhs per year.
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 much does LLM Harvard pay?
Employees who graduate from Harvard Law School earn an average of ₹50.0lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹50.0lakhs per year to ₹50.0lakhs per year based on 1 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹50.0lakhs per year.
How valuable is an LLM?
LLM graduates can work in law enforcement, big tech, social care, finance, media, and education. Others have found fulfilling roles at the transnational organizations working towards making the world a better place for everyone, such as the United Nations or UNICEF.
What is the US equivalent of an LLM?
The Master of Laws (LL. M.) is a post-graduate law degree offering students an opportunity to obtain advanced legal education in specialized areas of law. For students with J.D. degrees from a U.S. law school, the LL. M.