What are LLM requirements?
Asked by: Layne Rodriguez | Last update: October 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (72 votes)
Many LLM CAS–participating schools require that applicants have completed, or be in the process of completing, a first professional degree in law, be licensed to practice law, or have significant experience in legal practice.
What do you need to get an LLM?
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 are the requirements for LLM in Canada?
- Juris Doctor (JD), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or equivalent law degree from an authorized degree-granting institution (Canadian or international).
- Average of B (minimum of 5.0/9.0 GPA) calculated from final two years of law degree 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.
Can you take an LLM without a law degree?
“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. But in other countries, it's often a bachelor's degree in law.
LLM Explained | What is LLM
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.
Can I do LLM in Canada without LLB?
Master of Laws (LLM)
Candidates should have obtained high standing in an undergraduate or first law degree (LLB, JD or equivalent). In exceptional circumstances we will accept candidates whose previous degree(s) are not in law but in cognate fields.
Are LLMs worth it?
In short, an LLM doesn't offer much of anything that you can't just pick up from day-to-day legal practice.
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.
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.
What is the salary of an LLM in Canada?
Salary of LLM Graduates
According to PayScale, the average salary for law graduates in Canada is around CAD 91,000 annually. Lawyers specializing in certain areas, such as tax, intellectual property, or corporate law, can command higher salaries, up to CAD 120,000 annually.
Does an LLM make you a lawyer in Canada?
Note: Completing the Professional LLM in Canadian Common Law does not automatically entitle you to practice law in Canada or to be admitted to the Bar of a Canadian province or territory. Consult the NCA or your provincial/territorial law society for more information.
Is LLM from Canada worth it?
By studying LLM in Canada, you will get to explore a wide range of LLM programs from a great selection of law schools. Studying law in Canada will help you gain enough professional and legal knowledge and skills that will help boost your CV.
What are the requirements for LLM?
Candidates must have completed LLB or five-year integrated LLB from recognised university. They must have also scored 50% in average in their course in order to be eligible to pursue LLM. For candidates belonging to reserved categories, the minimum marks scored in graduation is 45% in aggregate.
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.
Who is a candidate for LLM?
Many LLM CAS–participating schools require that applicants have completed, or be in the process of completing, a first professional degree in law, be licensed to practice law, or have significant experience in legal practice.
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.
How long does an LLM take?
The LLM program takes one academic year to complete, that is, two semesters, Fall and Spring, if attending full-time.
What is a good GPA for LLM?
GPA Requirements by the program of study: J.D. Students must have a 2.23 by the end of their first year, and a 2.33 every year after the first year. LLM must have a GPA of 2.23. M.T. and MLS must have a 2.5 by the end of their first year, and a 3.0 every year after the first year.
Why are LLMs so expensive?
In contrast to the benefits, building LLMs from scratch involves high costs, requiring substantial financial and computational resources for development, training, and maintenance.
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.
Is an LLM an advanced degree?
The Master of Laws (LLM) Program
With a specialization in Corporate Governance & Practice, Environmental Law & Policy, Law, Science & Technology, and International Economic Law, Business & Policy the LLM program offers a course-based curriculum of advanced study.
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.
What is the easiest law degree to get?
The easiest law degree to earn is a Master of Legal Studies degree. For more information about earning a Master of Legal Studies or for help finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.
Can LLM take bar exam in Canada?
Those students or lawyers who hold a law degree from another country must gain a Certificate of Qualification to show that they have the necessary understanding to go on to the Bar Examination in Canada.