I am a third-year law student in the US and plan to move to London with my British husband after taking the New York Bar Exam this summer.
I am finding that there are virtually no job opportunities available for a first-year US qualified associate in London.
Wondering if an LLM from a UK University could lead to greater job prospects? Any advice? Thanks!
Will LLM Lead to Law Job in UK?
Posted Feb 01, 2006 05:59
I am finding that there are virtually no job opportunities available for a first-year US qualified associate in London.
Wondering if an LLM from a UK University could lead to greater job prospects? Any advice? Thanks!
Posted Feb 01, 2006 16:21
Hi!
I've found that having an LLM does nothing for your prospects of getting a job. In fact most law firms don't care too much about an LLM....if you have it well and good..but it won't make you more marketable(if you know what I mean...) Most law firms don't take internationals coz of the work permit issues...the top ones will...if you impress them. To practice here you'll need to do your LPC....But to answer your question-An LLM will not lead to a law job in the UK.
I've found that having an LLM does nothing for your prospects of getting a job. In fact most law firms don't care too much about an LLM....if you have it well and good..but it won't make you more marketable(if you know what I mean...) Most law firms don't take internationals coz of the work permit issues...the top ones will...if you impress them. To practice here you'll need to do your LPC....But to answer your question-An LLM will not lead to a law job in the UK.
Posted Feb 02, 2006 21:16
That sounds pretty discouraging! I just finished my JD, passed the VA bar and I'm working in DC doing document review (whoever has done them or heard about them will know what I'm talking about). Anyway, I am getting my applications together to apply to LSE, UCL, KCL, QMUL, and Durham. From what I understand, our JD is recognized in the UK and we can get licensed there. But I'm not sure if we'll get jobs. I think ideally, a JD will practice for 2-3 years here before going to the UK. I also think the more recognized the LLM school the better the job prospects.
Any other thoughts?
Any other thoughts?
Posted Feb 03, 2006 06:44
I hear document review is awful--sorry for your pain! I'm pretty sure we don't need to take the LPC (legal practice course) in order to qualify in the UK. In order to be a solicitor though, you need to pass a test, the QLTT, which I hear is extremely easy, and need two years of practice experience.
I've talked to a bunch of recruiters in London who all say it is nearly impossible for a US qualified lawyer to get a job practicing law in the UK unless you have 3-5 years of experience in securities/finance type of work. They all tell me to become a paralegal!
Just hoping that my 100 grand education doesn't go to waste on becomming a paralegal in London! Good luck with your applications. . .
I've talked to a bunch of recruiters in London who all say it is nearly impossible for a US qualified lawyer to get a job practicing law in the UK unless you have 3-5 years of experience in securities/finance type of work. They all tell me to become a paralegal!
Just hoping that my 100 grand education doesn't go to waste on becomming a paralegal in London! Good luck with your applications. . .
Posted Feb 03, 2006 16:11
Yes, doc review is pretty awful indeed but it's pretty good money so I'm saving for my LLM. I think it's best to contact the schools that have the LLM programs and talk to their career services. If I get accepted I'll be doing my research before I go. I'm also applying for Tax LLMs here, so I think by April/May I'll figure out where to go.
I think you should do an LLM in the UK because it's not as expensive and will probably open more doors than just your JD. Let me know what you decide on doing!
I think you should do an LLM in the UK because it's not as expensive and will probably open more doors than just your JD. Let me know what you decide on doing!
Posted Feb 03, 2006 16:14
Yes, it's difficult to get a position in a UK firm coming from a US background. I'm not sure how much difference an LLM might make.
You might try an American firm in London.
You might try an American firm in London.
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