Hi everyone. Thanks for reading my comments. I will be applying to various LLM programs this year. My top two choices are Michigan and Duke. I will also be applying for the accelerated JD at Northwestern. My goal is to eventually enter the law teaching market in the US.( Which I know is extremely competitive) Which route do you think will give me a better chance of finding a teaching position at an American law school ?

A) LLM from Michigan or Duke + SJD from Michigan or Duke

B) JD from Northwestern

Hi everyone!

I am a Pakistani citizen with an LL.B from University of London. I cannot decide between JD and LLM. I am personally leaning towards LLM but I want to be able to do an LLM which at least qualifies me to sit for a particular state's Bar. Can anyone please guide me on that?

Secondly, is a foreign LLM recognized in the U.S for Bar admission purposes?

Thanks!

Hello Everyone,

I work as an Admissions Counselor at Florida Coastal School of Law. I agree that it is difficult deciding between an LLM and a JD degree. My advice when trying to make this decision is to examine your ultimate goal. If you want to be able to practice law anywhere in the US, you may want to obtain your JD from a US law school. On the other hand, if you want to practice law in California or Washington state, our US Law LLM may be a good fit for you. The advantages of an LLM are that it takes less time to obtain the LLM and it usually costs less. Our US Law LLM takes approximately 12 months to complete and costs $14,950. Also, if your ultimate goal is not to practice in the US, but to gain a better understanding of US Law and add a credential to your CV, then you really should consider an LLM.

ncarlucci - Any idea of success metrics regarding people who receive a LLM, pass the bar, and then find employment as a lawyer in the US? This assumes of course they have a way to stay legally such as with OPT or perhaps permanent residency?

Job prospects for JDs are abysmal. Job prospects for LLMs are 1% of 1%. Getting a job with an LLM is like achieving the impossible. LLM's job stats are unreported and indeed are not required to be reported for US News. Therefore, 99% of law schools open up their LLM's to almost anyone. Even, the big names. Employment statistics for the most selective LL.M programs in US are difficult to assess but not so difficult if you dig around. I have seen Brazilians getting a job. One more graduate got a short term position. Most of the others went back home in 2014. So even for the most selective program either the candidate didn't want to stay here or was forced to go back. Now, you could either term that as voluntary or involuntary. Combine that with the general knowledge that even if you were to apply you usually get rejected as an LLM holder. I can only point to the dots. You are welcome to interpret it ... Seen too many folks just plonk down money hoping they are the exception to the rule ...

Hey, are here any german students who applied for an accelerated JD program in the past?