Is it a good idea to have an LLM?

Asked by: Camryn Baumbach  |  Last update: March 4, 2025
Score: 5/5 (27 votes)

Generally, foreigners get LL. M.s because it enables them to practice law in California and New York (if they hit the lottery and get hired at all—most do not). The LL. M. is basically a “remedial degree.” People who go to good law schools and get good jobs do not turn around and then go back to school for an LL.

Is an LLM a good idea?

Does An LLM Really Help? Like we mentioned above, there really isn't a huge amount of data to indicate that LLMs are beneficial to lawyers. Sure, some employers would like to see them on a resume. However, a lot of employers, the vast majority in fact, simply don't give the degrees much weight.

Is an LLM worth it after a 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 having an LLM make you a lawyer?

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.

How Large Language Models Work

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Why do you need an LLM?

The LLM was created for lawyers to expand their knowledge, study a specialized area of law, and gain international qualifications if they have earned a law degree outside the U.S. or Canada. If you're looking to advance your legal career or take the next step in your academic journey, an LLM could be for you.

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.

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.

Can you take the bar with just an LLM?

However, a few US states allow graduates of an LLM with no JD degree to sit for the bar exam, provided they fulfill additional conditions pertaining to their previous degrees and the credits gained during the LLM program.

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.

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 an online LLM worth it?

Yes, employers recognise online LLM degrees from accredited and reputable universities. These programmes often provide the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programmes, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for advanced legal careers.

Can I get an LLM without a JD?

Technically, you can pursue an LLM degree without ever earning your JD. That's only possible, however, if you're an international student who studied law outside of the U.S. “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.

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.

Which type of LLM is the best?

Best LLM for Building a company-wide search engine

Like Claude 3, Cohere's Coral LLM is tailored for enterprise users. It provides an API and enables organizations to train custom versions of the model on their proprietary data. It allows for precise responses to specific queries from employees and customers.

Why would someone get an LLM after a JD?

For those who obtain a JD in the United States or an equivalent law degree in another country, a Master of Laws (LLM) provides a path to career advancement and possible specialization in a particular field of law.

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.

Does LSAT matter for LLM?

The applicant's LLM and LLB grades, LLM class standing, and the difficulty of coursework taken in the LLM Program will be considered. The LSAT is not required.

Can you go from LLM to JD?

You must apply for the JD degree within 3 years of completing your LLM program to be eligible. Please note that students in the online LLM, MITLE, MDR, or MSL programs are not eligible to apply as transfer students. We will grant up to 30 credit units from your LLM degree toward the 88-unit minimum for the JD degree.

Is an LLM in the US worth it?

When determining whether an LLM degree is worth pursuing, it is important to recognize that its value extends far beyond academic achievement. Attaining an LLM degree lays the foundation for both immediate entry into the legal profession and long-term career development.

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 point of getting an LLM?

An LLM course will get you to dedicate between one to two years of your life, depending on whether you attend a full- or part-time program, to training and acquiring the specialist in-depth knowledge, skills and experience needed for a long and prosperous career in one area of law.

Is LLM a title?

The Master of Laws degree abbreviates to 'LLM'.

Why use LLM?

LLMs will likely reduce monotonous and repetitive tasks in the same way that robots did for repetitive manufacturing tasks. Possibilities include repetitive clerical tasks, customer service chatbots, and simple automated copywriting.