hey didn't write a subjec in my last post. so will repeat. am from one of the best law schools in india. in my 3rd yr of the 5yr program. found this site just too exciting. so was hoping to get some advice on just how to build up an incomparable cv and application . have to start early? right. congrats vakil on ur add to yale? any suggestions?

I dont think there is any sure shot method of getting an LLM program. A lot of things help. Ability to pay is one of them. For a number of law schools in the US, LLM's are cash cows. They give you the brand name in exchange for moolah. But dont dismiss them for this reason, they offer good value for money. A number of my seniors have done the same and are working with top international law firms.

However to get into the top 6 law schools requires some more. Good references are invaluable, particularly from teachers who are well known. It was easier for me as my lawschool has already sent a number of students abroad, if you are from one of the newer law school still establishing brand presence it would help to get a reference from your director or a better known faculty member. A good faculty refernce always wins over an impersonal lawyer or judge reference.

Try to show focus on your subject area. I was interested in human rights and consti, so I worked with organisations and lawyers doing the same. One or two good articles in respected publications (not central India Law Quarterly) help. A good professional reference can supplement not so good grades.

Also note work experience helps. A lot of seniors from college have applied after two or three years of working. It also helps you save up some money to meet costs.

Best of luck with applications. I'm really not qualified to be dishing out gyaan....but hope some of this helps

Hi Vakil

I really appreciate all the info given by you. Could you name a few respected publications in India that publish student articles. Are you referring to something like All India Reporter? Can you please name a few others. I have heard that in most of the indian journals it is not easy to get an article published, no matter how good it is, unless you are from a top law school and have one or two great recommendations. To what extent is it true? Finally are there any publications in India that truly consider the worth of the article rather than extraneous considerations like recommendations and law school. I would be grateful to you for your advice.

Thanks a lot. Cheers!

hey thanks for the advice vakil.... am not from a newly established college so am hoping that my faculty references will help. tell me... what r the possibilities of scholarships in the US for a LLM programme. saw that colleges like georgetown n stanford do not offer any... for me i HAVE to get financial aid... by any possible means....

also is it necessary to be interning with the biggest law firms...? people often say interning with smaller firms is better coz u get to do quality work, .... but is it recognized?

hi there, I wish to advise you that interning with a small Law Firm is better than bigger one. Because in a small firm you have the privilege of seeking guidance of the Big Boss who, in some of the cases, is a newly departed member of a big Law Firm. You also have to work on a variety of the cases but in a big firm you shall work in a particular department only, which may be good but after becoming Advocate. You also have the opportunity to ensure your placement in the small firm by impressing your boss. Hope this helps u.OK.

Hi anita,
well I guess I am in the same boat as you. I am in my Final year at a reputed law school in India and decided to gear up early for my LLM.
I plan to apply to the US. I know getting in the Top 10 is really tough but I want to know if the battle ends there or do you have struggle real hard for a job.
I plan to work for a few years before I apply. I certainly don't want to lose out on a job, spend a fortune and just end up with a degree and no job.

VAkil, you seem to know a lot..
any suggestions are welcome,
Thanks all