I agree completely - I mean if you get a job, great, if not, make sure you have some other reason for coming here like immersing yourself in American legal culture, the bump it gives to your CV back home, or wanting to see what it is like to be in YLS, HLS, SLS, CLS, NYU, UVA, Chicago, UPenn, whatever. If your singular motivation is a job, to be honest, then you're better off getting a JD. I don't think the system is fair at all (it's not since there is no real distinction in most schools between JDs and LLMs), but it IS THE SYSTEM so be aware of that when you come to the US. There's nothing wrong with hoping or wishing that employment is available, like wolla said, and if there is a perfect job for you, then great, but it'd be really unfortunate to come here thinking that the LLM is the golden path to employment and then end your LLM being completely heartbroken because you ignored the fact that historically, most LLMs don't get employment in the US. If you ask me, US$70k might be a bit too much to rely on mere hopes and dreams.

I wouldn't characterize the general prospects of LLM's getting jobs as 'mere hopes and dreams". Two years ago it was almost EASY to get a job for an LLM. It comes in cycles. LLM's should certainly not expect to get a job like JD's do, but they can certainly see it as a strong potential for getting a job. This time around the economic crisis is huge so of course getting jobs is difficult.

Fair enough, I stand corrected. I meant (though I agree I could have been more concise in my earlier statement) that in the present economic crisis, it is a "hope and dream", and in any event, should not be the singular motivation of any LLM student (because of the present economic realities).

As stated in the other posts, I am totally in tune with observation made by folks regarding job prospects post LLM time. I totally agree this year's NYC job fair was nothing more than a show up events for big laws, as everyday since Jan this year, look at ABAs and ALMs stats, attorneys and staffs are being reduced everyday, to meet costs and needs of the firms. Firms have deferred their regular intake of new associates by an year, almost by may of next year, that too subject to change in the economic conditions.These firms are insisting their new associates to join public service for a year then check back and these folks are all JDs with top 5 schools, which most of you're intending to join and pursue your LLM.
So, I guess I am not discouraging but trying to portray some realistic picture which I hear everyday from colleagues and friends and even I am considering to defer my acceptances for a while and may be try to go next year. So folks, think and consult as much as you can before you make any decision, if your sole intent is to get a job after pursuing a LLM in US. Good luck !