Hi everyone. I graduated with an LLB a couple of years ago and will qualify as a lawyer in 2 jurisdictions (NY and Nigeria) this year. Now I am applying for a Master's for the 2021-22 academic year. I applied to Harvard, Columbia, NYU and LSE for their LLM programs and Oxford for the Masters in Law and Finance. Currently, I only have an offer from LSE; the other decisions should come out in the next few weeks. I wanted to ask the following questions in hopes that someone will respond to my post in time for me to make a decision.


I aim to work in the field of International Law, Trade and Development. In 5 years, I see myself working on development projects with international organizations or on multilateral trade agreements between goverments. Though, I also want to work at a management consulting firm for a couple of years immediately after graduating in order to gain the sort of sought-after experience that will expose me to amazing international development projects (and because they are willing to fund MBAs).


Considering all of the information I provided, which Law program would you recommend? I am currently leaning toward Oxford, simply because I would be able to gain quantitative skills from the specialization in Law and Finance. However, if I don't get into Oxford, which university/program do you think would be the best choice for my career? If possible, I would greatly appreciate if you could rank the universities based on the information I provided (just in case I don't get into some of these universities). Thanks!

[Edited by emessoh on Mar 05, 2021]

Thanks for the question! I believe the parameters as applicable in your case would be (i) the skills you intend to gain from the course (+interdisciplinarity of the programme) and (ii) proximity to good opportunities relevant to international law, trade and development. On other parameters, I wouldn't differentiate as all happen to be similarly placed. While I happen to be in the same position and still considering, I am leaning towards MLF as well mainly due to its scope to offer both law and finance pathways which helps me shape my experience with these degrees to suit my interdisciplinary interests. On (ii), US may be a better location (given your experience) though I'm happy to be corrected on this. It would depend on which aspects matter most to you! I would definitely not really "rank" them in entirety as it would mean disregarding many factors which are either subjective in your case or difficult to put into measurable indicia. Hope it helps!  

I will be interested to know what you decide! 

Update, I didn't get into the Oxford or Harvard, which has made my decision a bit easier. I think I'll go with Columbia, as job prospects are very ideal for LLM grads.

dexter_53, thanks so much for your thorough response! Congratulations on your offers, and best of luck!

The 2 parameters you mentioned are spot on. I agree that the US is a better location for trade than the UK.

Is it bad to say that Harvard would be my next choice if I don't get into the MLF program? New York has better opportunities for trade, but I'm not sure Columbia and NYU offer better exposure, opportunities and global brand recognition than Harvard. Honestly I'm very open to criticism for any of these statements, because I'm really not sure which of these schools will put me in the best position as an aspiring International Law, Trade and Development expert.

Thanks for the question! I believe the parameters as applicable in your case would be (i) the skills you intend to gain from the course (+interdisciplinarity of the programme) and (ii) proximity to good opportunities relevant to international law, trade and development. On other parameters, I wouldn't differentiate as all happen to be similarly placed. While I happen to be in the same position and still considering, I am leaning towards MLF as well mainly due to its scope to offer both law and finance pathways which helps me shape my experience with these degrees to suit my interdisciplinary interests. On (ii), US may be a better location (given your experience) though I'm happy to be corrected on this. It would depend on which aspects matter most to you! I would definitely not really "rank" them in entirety as it would mean disregarding many factors which are either subjective in your case or difficult to put into measurable indicia. Hope it helps!  

I will be interested to know what you decide! 

[Edited by emessoh on Mar 20, 2021]