Hi,

I am from Germany and have a hard time deciding between the following programs:
- LL.M. IP, Yeshiva University (Cardozo Law School) in New York, with big scholarship
- LL.M. IP, George Washington University (GWU) in Washington
- LL.M. in Entertainment and Media Law and Policy, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), no decision on scholarships yet

All universities seem to offer great, small, specialized programs, LA and NY seem to be more interesting than Washington concerning the cities themselves. UCLA seems to be 4000 cheaper all in all than GWU, and Cardozo 8000 cheaper than UCLA. It may be a problem to find housing at UCLA, maybe you know more. Cardozo is highly regarded school in regards to IP law, but not so highly regarded in terms of general reputation. Until the newest US News & World Report for IP (now 14) Cardozo was recognized as one of the five strongest in the United States. But rankings aren't as important in Germany as they are in the US. I like the spectacular location in the heart of New York City but UCLA offers a great campus, too, besides its reputation. GWU on the other hand offers the oldest program in IP in close proximity to the White House.
Maybe you can help me and share your thoughts?

Thanks a lot!

Heidelbaer

well, in your situation, Cardozo seems to be the best choice; also because of its location in Manhattan.

Hi,
I would like to ask a question about cardozo's dean's merit scholarship for LLM IP.What is the amount of scholarship do they generally offer?Thank you.

The Dean's Merit Scholarship is not generally the same amount of money. So: it depends.

I would say UCLA or Cardozo.
I have the same dilemma, I am deciding between Cardozo and GWU. Cardozo offered me the Dean's Scholarship and I got no scholarship from GWU. I am looking at International Business Law or a general LLM since I am in the beginning of my career. And I am from Europe too.
I would advise you to choose from UCLA or Cardozo in your case. At least to narrow the choice.
What scholarship did you get from Cardozo?
Good Luck, whatever you choose - will be a good choice.

Hi,

I also got the Dean's Merit Scholarship and I am going to go for Cardozo in Greenwich Village. New York and a scholarship make a good mixture, the IP program is great. And GWU seems to be more interesting in Patent Law.

heidelbaer,
I actually know a good deal about both UCLA and Cardozo. I did my LLM at UCLA and My roomate in college did his LLM at Cardozo.

The good news is that as a German you should not have difficulty getting the job that you want back in Germany. In my LLM class all of the Germans (and German speakers - Austrian and Swiss incl.) found jobs at the NYU job fair in New York. All had multiple offers. In most cases my German classmates got actual offers in the initial (20 minute) interview. Clearly there is strong demand for German lawyers with American LLMs. You should note that these people were already qualified in Germany and the offers they took were from top tier American firms at German offices (White and Case, Davis Polk, and the like).

More generally you should know that there are a lot of LLMs scrambling for not so many jobs, so I would stress reputation, reputation, reputation (of the law school).

UCLA is the top ranked school on your list (14), Cardozo is ranked something like 50 overall (even if IP is stronger this may not matter), and GWU is like 17? I really wouldn't worry about cost unless you are especially price sensitive. Frankly, a year in LA, even though it is an expensive city, will still cost you at least $5K less than a year in NY, and possibly $8K less, so UCLA looks cheap for you too.

Good luck in your decision.

I'm a current student at Cardozo, doing my JD in IP. Honestly, it's not about the money. If you are going to work as a lawyer in the United States, you'll make that money back up in a year. Go for the highest ranked school on your list. I'd say UCLA.
However, Cardozo's IP program is amazing. Every major IP firm in the country, or big firm with an IP practice, recruits at the Cardozo fall and spring recruitment fairs. However, I'm sure this is the case at UCLA and GWU too.
Also, don't worry about how 'interesting' the cities are. GWU is located in a great part of DC and UCLA is in a nice part of LA. Greenwich village is nice, but as an LLM student you really won't have time to take advantage of all the NY has to offer. Of the three, I personally like DC the most, even though I live in NY.
You have a tough choice to make. Out of the 3, I'd drop GWU unless they offer you a big scholarship. Cardozo has a well regarded LLM program (top 10) and UCLA is a better overall law school. I'd say if UCLA gives you any sort of aid, you should take it. If not, Cardozo sounds like a good bet. Good luck.
PS: I'd be glad to help with any questions you might have.

Hey heidelbaer,
being a German law graduate, too, I would advice you to take the course which costs the least. So in your case Cardozo because of your scholarship. With one or two good (VB+) State Exams and a LLM from an English speaking country, you will get a good job anyway. Therefore, I would simply try to keep costs to a minimum as it is just more efficient. However, if I had to make a choice without considering the costs, I would go to California.
Do you already have your Second State Exam, i.e. are you fully qualified?