Hello everyone,

So I have some questions about various/alternate routes to obtaining a law degree to ultimately work in the international human rights law field.

I hold a U.S. and French citizenship. I recently graduated from a CUNY university with a B.A. in International Studies/Political Science.

Now, the typical route for me would be to take the LSATs to be admitted to a American Law School and obtain a J.D. and probably do a n LL.M. for further specialization.

However, I wanted to know if there was the possibility of me doing a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) so that I can obtain an LL.B. which would qualify me for an LL.M. in either Europe or back in the States.

Has anyone had any experience with the GDL -> LLB -> LLM route?

Or, how credited is the GDL?

Also, would the GDL -> LLB allow me to be admitted to the bar examination in either New York or California? Or would I need a LLM prior to that.

Thank you!

It's not so clear in terms of whether you can take the bar post-foreign LLB:

http://www.nybarexam.org/eligible/eligibility.htm#F
http://admissions.calbar.ca.gov/Education/LegalEducation/ForeignEducation.aspx

Looks like it's on a case-by-case basis and you'll need to submit evidence - the California bar board wants to see how your LLB is equivalent to a JD, for example.

Before you make any decisions, you should contact those boards to see if they can give you more info. It would be a shame to spend all that time and money and not be able to meet your goals.

Keep in mind that even if you pass the bar, it's still an uphill battle for foreign attorneys to find work in the US... Something to keep in mind.