Is a LLM or JD worth it?

Asked by: Bill Funk  |  Last update: August 19, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

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 better, LLM or JD?

The purpose of a JD is to prepare someone to practice law, while the mission of an LLM is to provide advanced training. An LLM program focuses on more theoretical concerns than a JD program. An LLM can help attorneys attract clients in fields where the credential is highly valued.

Are LLM degrees useful?

One of the biggest draws of LLM programs is, by far, the sheer number of new law connections they create and potential jobs... Having a second degree on your CV would arm you with a second set of law friends, professors and past alumni to reach out to when hunting for a job, come graduation.

Should I get an LLM after my JD?

Generally, I would advise against doing an LLM right after your law degree. There are a few good reasons why this is conventional wisdom: 1. Having a few years in practice, teaching and/or in public service gives you experience and, more importantly, perspective.

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.

Sam Zell: Get a Law Degree

41 related questions found

Which LLM is most in demand?

Have a look at some of the most popular LLM programs below!
  • 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 an LLM degree salary?

As of Jan 19, 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.

Is LLM cash cow?

The Cost of LLM Programs

However, for many law schools, LLM degrees are a major cash cow. For a majority of students currently enrolled in law school, an LLM is a fourth year of study. That fourth year of study is on top of three years of law school tuition, expenses, cost of living, etc.…. In other words – Debt.

Can I 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.

Is a juris doctor prestigious?

Clearly the JD is more prestigious. A JD enables you to practice law, and also confers the title of Doctor. An MD confers the title of Doctor, but does not enable you to practice law.

How hard is an LLM?

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.

Can you practice law with an LLM?

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 teaching you everything you need to pass the bar exam and be an effective lawyer. An LLM is more theoretical than a J.D.

Why is LLM needed?

It helps large language models (LLMs) perform calculations more efficiently and at scale. Specifically, vLLM is an inference server that speeds up the output of generative AI applications by making better use of the GPU memory.

Is a JD closer to a Masters or Phd?

4. Is a JD a Doctorate? Yes, a JD is considered a professional doctorate degree.

Do you need LSAT for LLM?

LLM applicants are lucky not to have to take this test as it is a challenging exam that requires great preparation. Many students take the LSAT twice or even three times in an attempt to improve their score. Most LLM applicants will have to take the TOEFL test, which tests reading, writing, and comprehension.

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).

Should I do LLM or 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.

How much does an LLM cost in the US?

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.

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.

Is LLM in the US worth it?

Then there are the financial rewards. In the US, government new hires with an LLM earn higher salaries than those without the same qualification. It's not unusual for LLM graduates in the private sector to start on salaries above $70,000, and that can quickly rise to over six figures.

What is Coca Cola's cash cow?

Coke stands as the Cash Cow within Coca-Cola's BCG matrix, serving as the market leader and a substantial revenue generator for the company. Coke is everywhere: on bending machines, fast food, restaurants, supermarkets, and in households. This means it has a high market share.

Is an LLM from Harvard worth it?

If your goal is to secure a job at a law firm, particularly in New York or London, a Harvard LLM can help. However, I've also seen classmates struggle to find law firm jobs in the U.S. I don't know their exact strategies or reasons for rejection, but I assume they did everything they could and got really unlucky.

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.

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 much do Harvard LLM graduates make?

Average salary is ₹50.0lakhs.

Employees who graduate from Harvard Law School earn an average of ₹50.0lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹50.0lakhs to ₹50.0lakhs based on 1 profiles.