Does anyone have any idea about the job prospects for LLMs from a US program after graduation? I know there are infinite variables to consider (which school, grades, experience, concentration, etc.), but are LLM graduates finding work generally?

If you're thinking US BigLaw, the chances are very small, even if you get your LLM from the top US law schools(e.g. from Harvard Law LLM Class of 2014 less than 10 got US law firm jobs, and not all of these are in the US offices).

I wasn't necessarily thinking BigLaw, but that's good information to know. Do you know what the other LLMs did after graduation? Are employers looking for LLMs specifically? It just seems strange that so many people would go for an LLM if there is no future.

In my own class the vast majority returned to their countries. That is the expectation, even according to the schools (almost all the admissions packets I received say this explicitly, with a friendly reminder to expect a difficult time finding work in the US).

"No future" is a somewhat harsh -- you do leave with a higher degree, and a bit of prestige if you get your LLM from a good school.

In my opinion, LLMs are not able to get a job in the US. Maybe 1~2% of all of US LLMs? However, US law firms will hire you if your home country has something deep economical relationship with them. For instance, LLM students from countries with the huge scale of market such as China or Brazil et cetera will be better in the job market. But it is not a decisive factor for the recruitment.

US law firms have numerous prospective JDs annually. Thus, LLMs have to prove that why you are more competitive than US JD students. LL.M. from YHS or NYU...or top14? The bar license admitted to NY or CA? So what? Those are not enough since JDs are also equipped with bar license and a diploma from top US law schools. Moreover, you have think that only a few number of US law firms has available seats for LLMs, which in turn very exceptional. Very limited!!!

If you really want to work in the US, you have to find out other than law firms and try to gather information as much as you can. It might increase your chance a little bit.


Think about your country's law firms, Will they hire students from other than your country, who only studied a year and who are no completely fluent in your mother language as native students?

Of course, LLM degree is quite beneficial for our careers. But getting a job in the US is a pretty different story.

The LLM is a superior educational degree allowing you to travel around an assortment of legal issues in more deepness .An LLM does not automatically reinforce application for training contracts. Further study is likely to be the most productive where its subject is a specialism that you wish to follow as a solicitor.