Why would you do an LLM?
Asked by: Lucio Ankunding | Last update: July 25, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (15 votes)
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.
What do you use an LLM for?
Large Language Models (LLMs) are powerful AI models trained on vast amounts of text data. LLMs can generate human-like text and have diverse applications in various industries. The combination of LLMs and Predictive AI can enhance decision-making and improve business performance.
Why is LLM needed?
An LL. M. program allows individuals to deepen their understanding and knowledge in a specific area, making them experts in their chosen field. This specialization can open doors to exciting career opportunities and set individuals apart in a competitive job market.
Why would someone get an LLM after a JD?
LLM degrees help lawyers to study a specific area of law in more depth than is typically offered in JD (juris doctorate) degree programs. Although available in over a dozen areas of specialization, the two most common and most useful LLM degree are in taxation or in comparative law.
Do lawyers need an LLM?
While it's not necessary to have an LLM to be a practicing lawyer, many professionals pursue one because it can make them more desirable candidates in a specific area or within a large law firm that handles international clients. An LLM may also provide you with the qualifications to become a firm partner.
How Large Language Models Work
Who should get an LLM?
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.
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.
Is it better to have JD or LLM?
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 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.
Can I get an LLM without a JD?
People who don't have a JD but would like to get an LLM can apply for the program in most law schools, as long as they have an undergraduate degree in Law.
What are the benefits of getting an LLM?
An LLM program can update your knowledge in major areas of the law like intellectual property, corporate compliance and international trade. LLM students enrich their experience with up-to-date training for the real world. Areas of study can include: Bar Examination Prep.
What does an LLM give you?
An LLM can give you a much wider depth of legal knowledge, which could help you stand out to employers. “The main benefit of an academic LLM is to enable yourself to study a specific area of law in more depth so as to acquire specialist legal knowledge,” say Vicky and Joanna.
Is a master of laws worth it?
An MLS degree unlocks advanced roles with higher salaries. An MLS degree enhances your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for your dream jobs far into the future. In general, professionals with a Master's degree earn roughly 16% more than those with a Bachelor's degree, according to the BLS.
What do you need an LLM for?
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.
Why do we need 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.
Does an LLM help you get a job?
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. An LLM is usually not a requirement for a particular position. An LLM program may offer an opportunity to take more rigorous courses.
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.
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.
How much is LLM?
LLM tuition fees and the cost of living can vary significantly based on factors such as the law school's location, program duration, and personal spending habits. As of my last update in September 2021, the approximate tuition fees for LLM programs in top US law schools range from $40,000 to $80,000 per year.
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).
Do I 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.
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 is it called a cash cow?
The term cash cow is a metaphor for a dairy cow used on farms to produce milk, offering a steady stream of income with little maintenance. Cash cows are products or services that have achieved market leader status, provide positive cash flows and a return on assets (ROA) that exceeds the market growth rate.
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.
Is Coca Cola a 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.