I have read some articles indicating that smaller LLM programs are better than biger ones in terms of job opportunities. It is mentioned that it's easier to get good contacts and connections (from law professors) in small programs while big programs are impersonal because it is hard to get professor's attention.

What do you think about this?

I also have a question especially concerning "intermational LLM students":
The importance of connection and contacts is emphasized in many articles. However, how do connections gained in LLM program work "in a timely manner" for foreign LLM students? Don't LLM students start looking for jobs in the fall semester, and they can only work in US for one year after graduation?

I would truly appreciate anyone who can answer this question. I think many LLM students invest for job opportunities, like me, too.

Hey,

you say that LLM students can (only) work in the US for one year after graduation in the US... I didn´t even know that they could stay that long. Do you have a source for that information?

:-)

Hi, Matthias:

When I said LLM graduates can only work for one year after complete of their program, I was refering to the visa limitation. After one year of Optional Practical Training (OPT), LLM graduates usually return home unless their employers apply working visa for them.

OPT status is a visa (with working permit) affiliated with a graduate school one got graduate degree from. LLMs should apply for OPT during spring semester.

You can find OPT information on every university's ISSO website. Take Cornell as an example:

http://www.isso.cornell.edu/immigration/f1/opta.html

Thanks a lot, Peggy! :-)

I really was not aware that this possibility existed, I always thought once you have graduated you were immediately kicked out of the country. ;-)
I am going to start my LLM only in 2006 so I´m still researching into everything..., the possibility to stay there for one more year sounds very good, good stuff for the future CV.

Thanks for the link!

:-)