Hi everyone, I am bit confused regarding the JD and LLM degrees in USA and their scopes for jobs. I've heard that even if a foreign student finishes an LLM and clears the State Bar Exams, the job prospects are not good ; a JD on the other hand has better job prospects, is this true?

I've already finished my LLB from India and so I'm wondering whether doing a JD would be repetition or whether just doing an LLM (specilization) would be sufficient for the job market. I've also have a two-year work experience in India in the tax field.

Any views or suggestions would be helpful !

I'd go for the JD. I've got friends who went to NY-based schools for the LLM, passed the bar exam but in the end went back to their home countries 'cause they couldn't find a job. And those who got jobs in US firms were sent to a branch of such firms in their home countries. The impression that I have is that US law firms always see the LLM graduate as a foreigner regardless of the enrolment with the bar. If you're eyeing a job in the US the JD is the best option.

Hey Beicon, thanks for your reply.. I'll definitely bear this in mind while making my decision..

Considering your options, and keeping in mind that the job prospects for all US trained attorneys are not good at all, I think that the 2 or 3 years of the JD may in fact give you a broad spectrum of additional material that would aid you in case you have to return to india. But take into consideration the additional (and pretty heavy) costs of living for more than a year in the States without any income (for 2-3 years, maybe more)