I am an American Political Science graduate from a good upper middle tiered American college. I would like to know whether it would be wise to do my LLM in England (many institutions accept international students with non-law degrees) and then pursue my J.D. in the United States. Though this track is certainly possible, I am having trouble weighing the advantages and disadvantages of it. I am late in applying for US law school and would not have a chance to begin untill Fall 09. However, with the UK LLM, I can begin immediately. Also, If I have a LLM, do my chances increase getting into top law schools in the US? Also funding is an issue.

Hi,

I think you might be better off looking at a 1-year Graduate Diploma in Law program offered by some UK universities - this allows for legal practice admission in UK. Also, double-check to see if any decent US Law School (e.g. Northwestern etc) would allow you to be admitted into their 2-year JD program on the basis of the GDL.

I am not sure what is the standing of the GDL is in relation to the 2-year JD Program though so don't get your hopes up. However, I would assume that your LLM choices is limited as well because most would require a LLB/JD for admission.

Regards
Greg

Thank you for your post.

I am applying to LSE, SOAS, Essex, Lancaster and Sussex for a Human Rights LLM. All of these schools accept non-law degrees including my political science degree which features a heavy law focus. My prospects for admittance are very good at all but LSE and SOAS so getting in is not a huge concern.

Would I however, be able to do a GDL without a formal first law degree? What are the advantages of doing that? Could I do it as a joint degree?

Also, since I am US national, I am wondering why do you recommend law practice in the UK? Could this be something I have altogether overlooked and should consider?

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Hi there,

I do not have the specifics of the GDL but I know that it is a program that leads to legal practice in UK. This is basically a 1-year intensive program for graduates from ANY FIELD to gain admission into the UK legal profession. Upon completion of this program, you will only need to complete minimal additional requirements in order to practise law in the UK.

I am aware that you have no intentions to practise in UK but you mentioned that cost of reading for both the LLM (UK) and JD (US) might be an issue for you. Accordingly, I thought a GDL MIGHT allow you to access 2-year JD programs in the US upon completion. As you are aware, there are several US Universities who offer 2-year JD programs for foreign law graduates. However, I am unsure if you will be classified as a 'foreign law graduate' if you hold a 1-year GDL (rather than 3 year LLB/JD from UK and/or any other country) so you would have to double-check with the relevant universities. For example, as JD graduate from Australia, I would be able to apply for Northwestern's 2-year JD program (rather than 3) on the basis of my foreign law degree - this saves me a year of studies and tuition. I am not sure if the same analogy can be applied if you complete a GDL in UK.

If possible, this option might help you save a year of JD studies and tuition in the US but you will have to double-check with those Law Schools offering a 2-year JD program if it is feasible. Alternatively, if time and cost is not an issue, then i think your LLM route is excellent!

Regards
Greg