Hey guys,

I'm looking into LLM programs that focus on or have a reputation for bankrupt laws in the US.
Any recommendation?

Hi, Yuki! I understand that there are so many good law school, but I highly recommend Columbia, NYU and Chicago law school. I heard from my friends, who spcialize in Bankruptcy laws, that the classes in these law schools are fantastic. I hope you choose good law school!!

Hi Yuki. I am currently in UChicago, and to agree with the previous post, Bankruptcy is very strong here, particularly because of the inherent economic analysis rationale that underlies its current regulation. As you know, UChicago is the cradle of Law & Econ, and the strength of the faculty here in that area is unparalleled.

St. John's has the most specialized bankruptcy program: http://www.llm-guide.com/university/437/st-johns-university-school-of-law-llm-in-bankruptcy-program - But of course, Chicago overall is in another league.

What about LLM programs out west? UCLA has a Bankruptcy and Commercial law track as part of its LLM program, for instance.

And depending on your goals, you might even look into Stanford: it's a great law school for one, and while it doesn't exactly offer a specialization in Bankruptcy, the Corporate Governance & Practice track has a few relevant courses.

I disagree that any of the above law schools are a better choice if you are seeking a LL.M. and want to specialize in bankruptcy law. First, full disclosure, I have a degree from the St. John's LL.M. in Bankruptcy program (and a big law job). Second, if we were talking about getting a J.D., any of these schools would be a much better choice than St. John's for employability after graduation (and even with a full scholarship I would be hard pressed to recommend getting a J.D. from St. John's over any of these schools). Third, choosing to go to a particular law school based on one professor who teaches one or two classes you will take at most seems like a very poor way to make a decision.

The difference between the LL.M. programs at NYU, Columbia, Chicago,UPenn, HLS and Stanford and the LL.M. program at St. John's is the one at St. John's focuses on bankruptcy law while the others do not. Additionally, the other schools do not necessarily offer a LL.M. that would allow you to take all of the bankruptcy courses as part of an LL.M. program or offer a LL.M. degree that would let employers know that you intended to specialize in bankruptcy law.

That being said, many people are name whores. In my opinion you will get a better education in bankruptcy law at St. John's because all you take is bankruptcy classes and you have to write a thesis on a bankruptcy law topic. St. John's will also make you competitive at big law firms in NYC, Delaware and other large markets.

St. John's LL.M. in Bankruptcy grads do very well in the NYC big firm market and clerk for top bankruptcy judges in the country. St. John's is well received outside of NYC. For example, I know former classmates who both work at large national law firms in California, Texas, Delaware and Georgia.

St. John's LL.M. in Bankruptcy offers 34 bankruptcy classes. Many of these classes are taught by Federal Bankruptcy Judges from the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of Delaware. Other classes are taught by partners at top NYC law firms. This not only provides a practical insight into bankruptcy law, it provides invaluable networking when you enter the job market, which is (at least in my opinion) far more valuable than two or three academics.

Thank you for your detailed information!

Would the LL.M in Bankruptcy law program open to a candidate who graduated from foreign law school and does not have J.D degree from the U.S law school?

I am not 100% sure of the program's current policy, but I know that they have admitted foreign students in the past. You might want to contact them directly.

Thank you! I will closely check the website and will contact the administration office if necessary.