I am a Brazilian attorney who has been a partner of a top 10 law firm for the past 5 years and is now seriously considering application for a SJD program (international law at NYU, to be more specific). However, the prospect of leaving the country for 3 years is somewhat unstimulating to me. I have heard of people who obtained a doctoral degree in law by doing the major part of the related work back home, after having lived abroad for mere 6 months to allow completion of the credits (e.g. at the University of Barcelona). Could anyone tell me how it works in the US, and at NYU specifically? I would also consider institutions in Europe, as I am fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese (native), and I am developing my German language skills, if anyone could recommend a top-notch institution at which foreign SJD students could get a degree without having to live abroad for the entire 3-year period (if there is such a possibility, of course). Maybe I should apply for a second LL.M instead. Thanks in advance for the info.