Does having an LLM make you a lawyer?
Asked by: Esther Hammes | Last update: January 16, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (28 votes)
An LLM will provide you with advanced training in law, but it doesn't qualify you as a licensed lawyer. A JD prepares you for legal practice by
Is an LLM equivalent to 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.
Can you practice with just an LLM?
Both the LLM and the Juris Doctor (J.D.) are degrees in legal studies that aspiring lawyers pursue to practice law. While a J.D. is the required degree U.S. lawyers must have to practice, an LLM is an advanced and optional degree in legal studies that J.D.
Can you take the bar with just an LLM?
No. An LLM is typically (at least at my school) designed for people who were licensed attorneys in another country and want to practice law in the US It's a truncated degree designed to get those lawyers up to speed on the US law so they can take the US bar exam. In most states, you need a JD to sit for the bar.
Does an LLM help you get a job?
Expand Your Career Possibilities
A major factor that makes an LLM degree worth it is the competitive edge in the job market. The LLM can help you get your foot in the door at a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency.
Should I get an LLM (Masters of Law)
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 an LLM degree salary?
As of Jan 21, 2025, the average annual pay for the Llm jobs category in California is $147,989 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $71.15 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,845/week or $12,332/month.
Can LLM be a lawyer?
1-Year LLM and 2-Year LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in New York, California, Washington D.C., or Washington. Online LLM graduates may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.
What is the easiest bar exam in the USA?
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.
Do you need an LSAT for an LLM?
Most LLM programs require you to have already obtained a Juris Doctor or international equivalent in order to enroll. Do you need to submit LSAT scores to enroll in an LLM program? LLM programs vary, but most do not require you to submit LSAT scores.
Is a JD higher than a Masters?
Another interesting fact is that while J.D. certification “ranks” higher than a master's degree in law in the U.S., a lawyer will actually pursue the latter after obtaining their J.D. degree. The Master of Laws (L.L.M) is primarily used to specialize in a certain area, such as criminal law or corporate law.
How long does an LLM degree take?
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.
Can you take an LLM without a law degree?
“You have to have what we call a first law degree. In the U.S., your basic first law degree is the JD, so you do need it to get your LLM. But in other countries, it's often a bachelor's degree in law.
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.
Is LLM a terminal degree?
An LL. M. is known as a terminal degree, which means that it is the highest level or most advanced degree in the study of law.
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.
What is the hardest state to become a lawyer?
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.
How many times can you fail the bar exam in the USA?
Most states allow 2-4 attempts of the bar exam, but about 35 states, including California, New York, and Florida, don't have any limits on the number of times you can take the bar.
Which state does not require bar exam?
Forty-one jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which is composed entirely of NCBE-created components. In every U.S. jurisdiction except Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, all those seeking admission to the bar must pass a bar examination.
Can you sit for the bar with an LLM?
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
What is the point of getting an LLM?
For U.S. and Canadian JD graduates, an LLM can deepen their knowledge in a particular area of law, making them more valuable to their organization. If you're planning to apply to multiple LLM programs, signing up for LSAC's LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS) can save you time and work in doing so.