Hi,

I am keen to apply to Columbia for an LLM for the 2019-2020 year. However, i will be applying straight out of my LLB from the UK and have no substantial work experience. the website states that :

"Strong preference is given to applicants who have had at least one year of full-time work experience after earning their first law degree. Only in exceptional circumstances are applications from candidates who are in their final year of their first law degree accepted. Applicants who have not yet graduated must demonstrate in their personal statements that admission to the Program would enable them to realize an immediate and specific career objective that would not otherwise be attainable."

Wondering if anyone has got an offer from Columbia without work experience ?
Further, if this was the case how they were to able to do so, especially how they "demonstrated in their personal statements that admission to the Program would enable them to realize an immediate and specific career objective that would not otherwise be attainable."

I think it happens but it isn't that common, since the program is so competitive and they put such an emphasis on the importance of work experience.

This is an older thread but a couple people here say they got in without any work experience:

https://llm-guide.com/board/usa/work-experience-for-columbia-142303

++ what chicken soup said

Both Harvard and Columbia officially state that PQE is a must but that said I know for a fact there are exceptions (5% of each class)

Where does Harvard state that PQE is a MUST?


quote]++ what chicken soup said

Both Harvard and Columbia officially state that PQE is a must but that said I know for a fact there are exceptions (5% of each class)