Hello! I hold American and Italian citizenship and am licensed to practice law in the US. I've been in Spain for almost 3 years teaching English but I'd like to explore the option of returning to a legal career in Europe. I know my JD does not authorize me to work in Europe (expect in house but my background is litigation which won't appeal to any multinational companies). In case it's relevant somehow, I've litigated breach of contract cases related to homeowners insurance claims and personal injury.

Based on my preliminary research, my Italian citizenship may open some doors to "cheap" LLM programs. I know an LLM alone will not allow me practice in any EU country, but I was wondering if an LLM in cybersecurity or maybe tax or some other subject matter would enable me to get my foot in the door somewhere. Rather than starting over completely with a qualifying law degree in just one EU country.

Overall, I'm less interested in a particular subject area and more focused on finding a route that gives me flexibility to work throughout the EU/Europe (ideally remotely) and good prospects for future employment. I'm open to literally anywhere in the EU that has a "cheap" program in English (I already owe hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt from the US).

Ultimately, is what I'm describing even possible or realistic and if so, what are some routes I should consider or resources to consult?

Thanks!

It’s possible but challenging. An LLM in cybersecurity or tax could help, especially if you're targeting roles in compliance or consulting, which might offer remote opportunities across the EU. Your Italian citizenship is a big plus for easier mobility, but as you said, an LLM won't qualify you to practice law across the EU. Focus on niche fields like cybersecurity with high demand, and research programs in countries with lower tuition (like Germany or the Netherlands). Also, look into legal consulting, in-house counsel roles, or legal tech, which may value your US experience without requiring full requalification.