Hello I am new to this site so forgive me for any errors! I am currently completing the LLB law degree here in the UK at the University Of Leeds which is a Russell group (prestigious top 20 university here). I plan on graduating soon with a first class honors and want to complete the LLM degree at Harvard or Stanford Law school. My question is: when I graduate from Harvard Law with an LLM degree and pass the California bar exam (yes I know that it does not require foreign lawyers to take the LLM course to sit the bar but I want to be competitive) what are my chances of being employed in the US (California) ? The whole reason I want to get the LLM is to practice law in California and so far people are complaining that there are not enough jobs around for lawyers in the U.S


Sorry for for such a long question!

Well, I know a fair amount of hiring partners in CA. When it comes to foreign attorneys, they are going to be much more interested in your work experience and work accomplishments versus where you matriculated.

Truth be told, an Ivy-league degree sometimes get your resume tossed directly in the trash by hiring partners (unless they went to an Ivy.) Some of the reasons given include: possible sense of entitlement, knowledge of theory versus practical experience, belief the job applicant is only interest in the firm until they get a better offer.)

if your heart is set on working in CA, I'd suggest going to a school in CA. if the hiring partner went to UCLA/Stanford/USC and you did as well, versus the next applicant who went to Havard, who do you think the partner will initially be more interested in? (All other things being equal.)

the bigger question you should focus on is what do you bring to the table that other US-schooled attorneys don't. That is what will land you a job in CA, not the name of the Uni on your LL.M.

'the bigger question you should focus on is what do you bring to the table that other US-schooled attorneys don't. That is what will land you a job in CA'

Thank you for the excellent answer, as a young law student I do not have years of experience at all but I am currently working pro bono cases with people who cannot afford lawyers and also working in a firm for experience. Does this count as work experience?
Thanks

In order for you to find a job with an LLM, you will need to specialize in specific area of law. Don't do general LLM. Instead, do a specialized LLM in a specific area of law such as Tax or IP. From my experience, LLM in Tax is highly desirable. If you like Tax Law, this is a good option. Other than that, it is very difficult to find a job with only an LLM.

I have LLB degree from a Middle-Eastern University and LLM and JD from a top-20 American law school. I moved to the United States six years ago and I am familiar with the American legal market.

Good luck!

Truth be told, an Ivy-league degree sometimes get your resume tossed directly in the trash by hiring partners (unless they went to an Ivy.)

if your heart is set on working in CA, I'd suggest going to a school in CA. if the hiring partner went to UCLA/Stanford/USC and you did as well, versus the next applicant who went to Havard, who do you think the partner will initially be more interested in? (All other things being equal.)

the bigger question you should focus on is what do you bring to the table that other US-schooled attorneys don't. That is what will land you a job in CA, not the name of the Uni on your LL.M.