I have been accepted into Georgetown for an International law LLM. I graduated from a US law school and I am wondering what is the most marketable way to focus this degree. I would like to find a job at a large law firm (not NY or DC). Would it be best to focus on International Comparative, Trade, Finance, Public? Is this even a marketable degree?

Hi Spenser,

I am also a US JD graduate and will be starting the LL.M. program in international law at Georgetown this fall. I am not sure whether it is better to take a variety of classes or specialize in one area of international law. I am curious to find out about placement of Georgetown LL.M. graduates with large international law firms in DC and NY.

The advice I have received from prospective employers and professors is to specialize. Because the vast majority of hiring is done from the 2d and 3d year JD students, you will need to demonstrate a specialized knowledge in a given area to increase your attractiveness to the department into which you will be hired.

Thanks, Ryan. That makes sense. Are you also starting the LL.M. program at Georgetown this fall?

Ryan. Has the advice been to specialize in anything specific? International trade, international finance, etc.? I am hoping to get on with a lawrge law firm in the Pacific Northwest.

Hi Ryan,

How do you like living and working in NY? How is the job market in NY?

Thanks,
Al

Oh sh*t. I just typed out a freakin' essay response and it didn't post. I have put off work for too long, so I apologize for not providing more info.

I declined Georgetown and will instead go to LSE and get my LLM in international business law. Very difficult decision; my desire to live abroad trumped my desire to be assured a job. Would have done the Georgetown individualized study LLM and gotten a certificate in WTO law. I have talked to five trade law partners at different firms and they all felt G'town had one of, if not the best program in "private" international law - trade, finance, etc. Take advantage of the internship opportunities if you can. They are the best anywhere, and foregoing them made my decision not to attend an excruciating one.

Most sought after specializations are tax and IP; Georgetown is very good in both. If finance and international trade are your interests, as they are mine, be sure to pursue the certificate in WTO studies. It will be a great assest on your CV. Remember, because 90-95% of big firm hiring comes from 2L and 3L summer associates, LLM grads compete with former clerks and lateral hires for the remaining 5-10%. Very cutthroat competition, and your ability to fill a specific need, along with timing and connections, will likely determine your success.

Al, although I am admitted in NY, I am not practising there. I am in the final year of a two-year clerkship at the U.S. District Court in Des Moines. I found the NY job search very difficult, partly due to timing - I did the majority of my searching in the late fall, when most firms have already made next year's offers and don't yet know next year's departures/needs - and partly due to my Iowa J.D., a school not well represented in NYC offices. I do hear that things are picking up, however. I hope to be in NYC someday, but first would like to live abroad for a few years, preferably in London.
Best of luck to you all.

Thanks, Ryan. Good luck to you! Enjoy living and studying in London next year. LSE is a great school.