I've been admitted to both schools, and now it is time for the difficult decision. I was hoping that you guys could help me out.

I already have master of law degree, and I have recently completed my SJD coursework in Asia, pending my SJD dissertation. My major has been international law throughout my master and SJD degree.

My current professor advised me to apply for LL.M. in the US in order to broaden my perspective before completing my SJD dissertation(International Dispute Settlement System - emphasis on the international arbitration). I have been also given full scholarship from my university for LL.M. studies in the US. And if I wish, the scholarship could be extended for my further studies in the US as well.

Granted, if possible, I would love to stay in the US beyond my LL.M. program. That may leave me two options, to seek yet another SJD degree, or pursue JD degree through transfer system provided by both law schools mentioned above.

Since I will receive an SJD degree in international law later when I return to Asia, maybe I'd like to transfer to JD degree upon completion of my LL.M. Of course, I am well aware of the fact that neither pursuing SJD or transfer to JD are not gauranteed with my LL.M. admission.

Thus, I would like to be very prudent in choosing the right university for myself. Could anyone of you provide me with advice regarding transfer option among these two great law schools?

I've been admitted to both schools, and now it is time for the difficult decision. I was hoping that you guys could help me out.

I already have master of law degree, and I have recently completed my SJD coursework in Asia, pending my SJD dissertation. My major has been international law throughout my master and SJD degree.

My current professor advised me to apply for LL.M. in the US in order to broaden my perspective before completing my SJD dissertation(International Dispute Settlement System - emphasis on the international arbitration). I have been also given full scholarship from my university for LL.M. studies in the US. And if I wish, the scholarship could be extended for my further studies in the US as well.

Granted, if possible, I would love to stay in the US beyond my LL.M. program. That may leave me two options, to seek yet another SJD degree, or pursue JD degree through transfer system provided by both law schools mentioned above.

Since I will receive an SJD degree in international law later when I return to Asia, maybe I'd like to transfer to JD degree upon completion of my LL.M. Of course, I am well aware of the fact that neither pursuing SJD or transfer to JD are not gauranteed with my LL.M. admission.

Thus, I would like to be very prudent in choosing the right university for myself. Could anyone of you provide me with advice regarding transfer option among these two great law schools?

Since you will be already having SJD, and since you intend coming to USA only to broaden your horizon, I do not think you should pursue LL.M in any of the schools; instead you could join a law school in USA : (A) as a Vising Scholar; or (B) Faculty Fellowship Program or (C) an Associate.

You will be allowed to audit classes and will have enough time at your disposal to pursue your interests like Bar Exam etc.

applicant of law - Thank you for your valuable opinion. However, Cornell does provide JD transfer option for its LL.M. students. (It is so stated on their website) But I agree with you regarding tuition fee and living condition that Duke has the edge over Cornell.

nriattorney - Thank you for your thoughtful suggestion. Yet, visiting scholar or faculty fellowship are not greatly valued in my country. My intention for pursuing yet another LL.M. in the US is not solely to broaden my academic perspective, but to add an additional educational background on my resume as well.

Go for Duke then. I am currently getting my LLM there. Academic environment and living conditions are really great here while transfer to JD program is rare but a reality. There is at least one student at the JD program and one at SJD who transferred after completing there LLM degree.

Aside from your concerns, I will recommend Duke for its great international program and attention that international students get. Also better weather, and a new Law School building next year.

Noted that, it is extrememly difficult to transfer to JD program at Duke now. The only one at school (a 3L) is very extraordinary, and as a matter of fact, no one got admitted since her.

I don't know much about Cornell, so I can not speak for them.

Are you interested in academia? I am not sure you need one more JD from the US to enhance your credential. From your words I feel that you intend to go back to Asia after your studies in the US. I dont know whether your Univ will sponsor your JD, if not, this is not a good investment IMHO.

Maybe you should think about to pursue an SJD after your LLM study.It was said that only 2 LLMs successfully transfered to JD program during the last 5 years. I never heard the policy that Cornell's LLM can transfer to JD program. Even they are true,it's must be very difficult to get either of them.