Is LLM a qualifying law degree in USA?
Asked by: Emery Yundt | Last update: July 31, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (45 votes)
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 U.S. It's a truncated degree designed to get those lawyers up to speed on the U.S. law so they can take the U.S. bar exam. In most states, you need a J.D. to sit for the bar.
Can I practice law in the US with a LLM?
To practice law in the U.S., professionals are required to have a J.D. as their base level of education. These programs may also offer practical opportunities to improve these skills, such as in-class exercises supervised by a professor or internships with real cases supervised by a practicing lawyer or attorney.
What is the qualifying law degree in the US?
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 LLM a law degree?
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 accepted in 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.
LL.M. Program for Foreign Lawyers
What is the U.S. 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.
Is LLM worth it in 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.
Are you a lawyer if you have 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.
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.
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 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 an LLB a qualifying law degree in the US?
An LLB degree is the first step to becoming a practicing solicitor or barrister, the titles for lawyers in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Upon completion of the LLB, a graduate can apply for a Master of Laws (LLM), the equivalent of the JD degree in the United States.
What is the difference between LLM and MLS?
An LL. M. degree is designed for those who hold a J.D. degree. An MLS degree is designed for those who don't want to be a lawyer but need legal knowledge in their work.
Can you take the bar exam with an LLM degree?
degree along with certain other criteria will allow attorneys with a non-U.S. law degree to sit for the bar exam. Completion of the LL. M. degree in American Law does not guarantee eligibility to take a bar examination.
How much does a LLM lawyer earn in USA?
As of Jan 17, 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.
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.
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 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).
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 get an LLM without a law degree?
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.
Is a LLM a judge?
“LLM as a judge” refers to the use of LLMs to evaluate or assess various types of content, responses, or performances, including the performance of other AI models. For example, using LLMs as judges for evaluating AI model accuracy, automating grading in education contexts, content moderation, or benchmarking.
Does LLM require LSAT?
The LSAT is not required. Advanced standing may be granted upon review of the student's LLM transcript. LLM-JD transfer students may earn the Juris Doctor degree in five semesters.
Can you practice law with an LLM in us?
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 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.
Which LLM course is best in USA?
- Harvard University Law School. ...
- Columbia University Law School. ...
- University of Chicago Law School. ...
- New York University School of Law. ...
- University of Pennsylvania Penn Carey Law. ...
- University of Virginia School of Law. ...
- University of California Berkeley Law. ...
- Duke University School of Law.