Is LLM equal to Bar at law?
Asked by: Miss Esther Toy DVM | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)
No, an LLM (Master of Laws) is not equal to being "Bar at Law" (qualified to practice law); an LLM is a postgraduate degree for specialization, while becoming "Bar at Law" requires a primary law degree (like a JD in the US or LLB elsewhere) and passing the state-specific bar exam to gain a license to practice law, though some LLM programs can help foreign lawyers meet bar eligibility requirements in certain US states.
What is the difference between LLM and bar at law?
Bar at Law is basically a course that teaches how to practice law and advocacy in courts, whereas, LLM is an academic degree to hone legal research skills and develop legal expertise in a particular area of law. If staying in Pakistan then Bar, but if staying abroad then LLM.
What is an LLM equivalent to?
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 I take the bar with just an LLM?
Unfortunately, for LLMs, there are not a lot of choices! Unlike students who graduate with a juris doctor degree, LLM degree holders face more restrictions on where they can sit for the bar. A handful of jurisdictions, such as New York, permit LLM graduates to take the exam and hold a license to practice law.
Is LLM enough to become a lawyer?
No, an LLM (Master of Laws) doesn't make you a lawyer on its own; it's a postgraduate specialization for those who already have a law degree (like a JD in the U.S.) or for foreign-educated lawyers to gain U.S. qualifications, but you still need to pass the bar exam to practice. The standard path to becoming a lawyer in the U.S. involves a JD degree, followed by bar admission, while an LLM offers deeper expertise in areas like tax or international law, making you more competitive or eligible to take the bar in specific cases.
Requirements For Bar at Law Programme
Is an LLM higher than a JD?
Neither an LLM nor a JD is inherently "higher," but they serve different purposes: a JD (Juris Doctor) is the fundamental, primary degree needed to become a lawyer and practice law in the U.S., while an LLM (Master of Laws) is a secondary, specialized degree for those who already hold a JD (or foreign law degree) and want advanced knowledge in a specific area like tax or environmental law, often for career advancement. Think of the JD as the entry ticket to the legal profession and the LLM as a specialization for existing legal professionals.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
Did Michelle Obama pass the bar?
Yes, Michelle Obama did pass the Illinois bar exam, but she failed it on her first attempt after graduating from Harvard Law School before passing it on her second try, later becoming a licensed attorney in Illinois and having a successful legal career before becoming First Lady. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1989 and went on to work in intellectual property law at a firm where she met her husband, Barack Obama.
Which LLM is most in demand?
Top 10 LLM Specializations in Demand in 2025 – Scope, Salary & Career Opportunities
- LLM in International Law.
- LLM in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
- LLM in Human Rights Law.
- LLM in Environmental Law.
- LLM in Cyber Law / Technology Law.
- LLM in Taxation Law.
- LLM in Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?
No, Kim Kardashian did not pass the California Bar Exam in July 2025, a result she publicly shared in November 2025, vowing to keep studying despite the setback, but she has previously passed the "Baby Bar" exam after multiple attempts and plans to retake the main bar exam. She revealed her failed attempt on her show The Kardashians, showing emotional moments from her preparation and disappointment, and emphasized her determination to pass.
Can you practice law with just LLM?
But an LL. M. degree does not qualify one to practice law in the US. That requires slaying a different beast: the bar exam.
What is the highest degree in law?
Let's Sum it Up! The highest degree in law, typically a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) or Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD), therefore, is the pinnacle of legal education.
What states allow LLM to take the bar?
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.
Which is more prestigious, a barrister or a solicitor?
No, barristers and solicitors hold equal professional standing in the UK legal system. While barristers specialize in courtroom advocacy and solicitors in client advisory work, neither is hierarchically superior. Many complex cases require close collaboration between both professionals.
Can you do an LLM before a JD?
If you have not yet completed your LLM, your acceptance will be conditional. You must apply for the JD degree within 3 years of completing your LLM program to be eligible.
What is the average salary for an LLM in the US?
Average Salary After LLM:
Fresh Graduates: $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Experienced Professionals: $100,000 to $150,000 or more per year in high-demand fields like Corporate Law or Intellectual Property.
What is the biggest problem with LLM?
Let's explore some of their main limitations:
- Hallucinations (Making Up Information) One weird thing about LLMs is that when they don't know the answer, they often won't admit it. ...
- Limited Reasoning Skills. ...
- Limited Long-Term Memory. ...
- Limited Knowledge. ...
- Bias. ...
- Prompt Hacking.
What is a good LLM GPA?
What is the typical LLM GPA requirement? There is no universal GPA requirement for LLM programs, but top US programs expect a strong academic record. While 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may serve as a general minimum, competitive applicants often present a GPA above 3.5.
Did Joe Biden ever pass the bar?
Yes, Joe Biden passed the bar exam and was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 after earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1968, despite graduating in the lower portion of his class. He practiced law before entering politics, serving as a lawyer and later becoming the 27th President of the United States, and the first President with a law degree from a non-"T-14" law school in a century, notes Law.com.
How many times did JFK Jr. fail his bar exam?
John F. Kennedy Jr. failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third attempt in July 1990, after first failing in November 1989 and February 1990. He had to pass on his third try to keep his job as a prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorney's office.
What was Barack Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
What is the lowest paid lawyer?
There's no single "minimum" lawyer salary, as it varies wildly from $50,000 in public interest to over $200,000 for first-year associates at Big Law firms, depending heavily on location (big cities pay more), firm size (Big Law pays much more), and specialization (corporate/IP pay more than family law or non-profit work). Entry-level salaries in public service often start around $50k-$70k, while large private firms in major markets can offer $200k+ right out of law school.
Is law going to be replaced by AI?
No, AI won't fully take over law but will fundamentally transform it by automating routine tasks, increasing efficiency, and augmenting lawyers, making tech-savvy lawyers more valuable, while lawyers who don't adapt risk being left behind; AI handles data analysis, contract review, and research, but human judgment, contextual understanding, and complex argumentation remain essential for client counsel and strategic decision-making, shifting the focus to higher-value work and potentially changing billing models.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is generally considered to be Sophia Park, who passed the California bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother Peter's previous record, though she'll be sworn in and licensed in March 2025 after turning 18, as most jurisdictions require lawyers to be 18. She accelerated her education, starting law school at 13 while in junior high and graduating early.