Hi guys.....first post so be kind to me!
just starting final year law at Cambridge, really keen to do LLM at HLS. I get the impression that many US law schools ask for relevant professional experience post 1st degree before application. My question is ,is there even any point in applying immediately post grad , I hope to be graduating with a First and in top 10% of year if I can maintain the standard I achieved last year. Has anyone else gone straight to HLS LLM from their LLB, BA Law etc. Thankyou

I understand that Stanford, Harvard and Columbia usually accept more mature students (i.e with a few years of professional experience). In contrast I was told that Penn's LLM is generally younger. It may be wrong but that's what I've heard from students who attended several LLMs last year. However, don't worry too much. I am certain that if your first law degree at Cambridge is outstanding and/or if you have unique extra-curricular activities HLS would not turn down your application...

Hey,

I'm in the LL.M. at Harvard straight from my undergrad law degree, which was 4 years. There are a few of us (not a lot, but a few) who are straight out of undergrad. The majority of the class are a few years older with professional experience, but it is not at all impossible to be admitted without that.

That said, most of the recent grads here who did 3 year law degrees seem to have done a masters at home or a year of professional training. Not sure why this is the case, so can't draw any useful inferences, but it's something to keep in mind. I'd say apply, and if it doesn't work out, do a year of something else and apply again with a complete transcript. Good luck!