Hello,

I'm taking the BCL at Oxford at the moment and seriously considering applying for a second LLM at Harvard and Yale, in which I'd take slightly different subjects.

Do you think it's worthwhile pursuing two LLMs, with an intention to practice afterwards? I suppose I'm looking for a more hands-on approach to law teaching (with workshops, clinics etc) In the US, compared to Oxford's cut-and-dry technique.

Comments?

Hi BCLer, it seems they don't like it, see for example:

Harvard Law School is rarely able to accept into its LL.M. Program anyone who already holds or is pursuing an LL.M. or equivalent degree from another law school in the United States.

Note, obviously 'in the United States', but I think this suggests their view is that 2 LLMs are not necessarily useful. I don't see why you would need another degree, tbh, if you're interested in the Bar then the BCL will look great on your CV, and if you're interested in going to the City you're almost overqualified! Do you intend to practice in the UK?

I did the BCL a few years ago and I knew of a couple of people who were going to do the Harvard LL.M the following year. I was quite surprised that they had also obtained funding for an additional masters. I have no idea what it says on the Harvard site though- may be it is true as a general rule. There are definitely a number of people who hold an Oxbridge masters and also an Ivy league one. I'd love to go to american myself.

Harvard are definitely open to people who already have LLMs from outside of the US. I know of people who had cambridge LLMs who went on to Harvard so its clearly not an issue.

What it suggests on websites is not always true. I disliked the areas that I choose on the BCL and ended up studying an additional masters. I did not bother reapplying to Cambridge because it said that they were not keen on people with an LL,M from elsewhere. When I arrived for a research degree in a different area at Cambridge, I noticed plenty of people who already had an LL.M studying the Cambridge LL.M.