Embarking on an LL.M. is more than just an academic pursuit — it’s a journey that can shape your career and personal growth in ways you might not expect.
But like any big adventure, there are some things you only learn along the way. To help those considering or just starting their LL.M., we reached out to students and alumni from top programs to hear what they wish they’d known before diving in. Here’s what they had to say.
Cut Costs and go Digital
Cindy Peters, a graduate of University of Houston Law Center, knows firsthand how important it is to manage your budget during your LL.M., especially when it comes to books. “I spent a lot of money on books in the first semester. Look for student groups where you can find used books cheaper,” she says. She also suggests going digital, noting, “electronic books are better as paper books are too big to carry around, and it’s easier to download them all on a tablet and make notes”.
Peters also learned the hard way that starting bar exam prep early is key in the U.S. — especially for international students unfamiliar with the exam’s multiple-choice questions. “I would have started practice from the first couple of weeks instead of waiting until the bar to do so,” she says. Getting a jump on it can help ease the pressure later on.
Her other advice for future LL.M. students? Choose your courses strategically. “If the intention is to pass the bar, pay attention to courses that can give you the most guidance in preparing for it. Civil procedure, property and business organizations will give you a good base,” she says.
And for those with a bit of extra time, Peters recommends considering a dual degree: “It would only mean one or two semesters more, and you will have a specialized master in less time than if you do it apart.”
Plan, Network and Enjoy
For Andrés Lucumí, his time at Boston University School of Law was an eye-opener, especially when it came to the bar admission process. “When I began my LL.M. program, I realized I needed more information about the bar admission process,” he explains. Although he initially felt a step behind, BU Law’s professional development office helped him reorganize his credits and secure his Massachusetts bar admission right alongside his peers.
Looking back, Lucumí wishes he had taken full advantage of all the extracurricular activities available to LL.M. students in Boston. With so many professional events, finding the time to fit everything in was a challenge.
He adds that LL.M. students should take the time to plan, network — and have fun. “Time flies by quickly, and the opportunities and doors that an LL.M. can open are endless,” Lucumí says.
He encourages students to connect with their classmates, attend as many professional events as possible, and enjoy every moment of the journey. “Cherish your time in the LL.M. program because before you know it, it will be time for finals and then it will all be over.”
Opportunities Don’t Wait
Julia Ferreira, currently working through her LL.M. at the University of Chicago Law School, also reflected on how she could have better maximized her experience. “Before starting, I wish I had a better understanding of the opportunities the university offers, such as research trips, student groups and affinity organizations,” she says.
A clearer picture of what courses and professors would be available during her LL.M. year would have been helpful too. “The university’s website usually only lists past schedules and doesn’t provide accurate forecasts for future courses,” Ferreira, points out, which is a common frustration for many incoming students.
While Ferreira feels she made the most of her time, she would have done more thorough research on available courses and professors to avoid a few disappointments. “I would have prioritized other subjects that might have been more beneficial to my career,” she reflects.
Her advice for those about to start their LL.M.? Dive in. “Get involved, participate in student life, engage with organizations, and make an effort to meet people from different nationalities and cultures,” she stresses.
And don’t sit around waiting for things to happen: “The best experiences happen when you put yourself out there! Don’t wait for opportunities and situations to fall into your lap because, by the time you realize that’s not how it works, the LL.M. might already be over.”
As you gear up for your own LL.M. journey, remember these tips from those who’ve been through it. The year flies by, but with thoughtful planning, active engagement and a little bit of fun, it can be one of the most enriching experiences of your legal career.
