How long is the LLM program in the US?
Asked by: Dr. Therese Feest | Last update: August 15, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (70 votes)
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
"LLM Programmes in the US" with Professor George Edwards
Is it better to do LLM in UK or US?
The United States of America is one of the best choices for LLM as it is home to prestigious institutions in the world for law. LLM in the USA is highly preferable as it helps in improving communication skills, making strategies, and making you patient enough to tackle changing legal problems.
Can I become a lawyer with USA LLM?
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
What is the cost of LLM in USA?
On average, the LLM fees in the USA range between 66,924 USD and 75,572 USD yearly. The cost of living can go up to 30,000 USD per month. You must also consider the pre-arrival expenses, which include the application fee, visa fee, SEVIS fee, etc.
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.
How long is Oxford LLM?
Oxford University offers an LLM programme and it is one of the top law schools in the world. The duration of the programme at the university is 10 months-1 year and its first-year fees vary between INR 26 L and INR 50 L.
What is higher than an LLM?
A Doctor of Juridical Science degree is considered the highest level of a law degree and is designed for professionals who are looking to gain an advanced legal education after earning their JD and LLM.
Can you do LLM without JD?
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.
What is the highest academic degree?
A doctoral degree (Ph. D.) is the highest level of degree, often requiring several years of research and study beyond a master's degree. The length of time and course hours needed vary depending on the focus of the study.
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.
What is the hardest law degree to get?
The hardest law school to get into is Yale Law School, with an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Followed by: Stanford Law School: 7% acceptance rate. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School: 3.8% acceptance rate.
Can you be a lawyer with just 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.
How many years is LLM in USA?
LLM in USA is a postgraduate degree program designed for individuals who have already earned a law degree and seek further legal education. LLM in USA duration is approximately 2 years and it is available in 200+ colleges in USA. Some US universities also offer it as a distance-learning program.
Can I get a job in USA after 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 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.