I've been a local prosecutor for over 10 years and would like to get a position within the federal government (e.g. Department of Justice). With a family and working full time, going back to school would be really hard. Not to mention expensive. I graduated from a good school, but probably not likely to get into top tier school for an LLM. Any thoughts?

Hi Robert.

I don't think a LLM would be worth it for someone in your position. What kind of LLM would you get, and from which school? For domestic students, I think getting an LLM only makes sense if you get into a much better school than your JD school, and even then, it should be in a specialized program such as Tax or IP where the extra education really matters.

If you want to get into public service (I don't mean government service like the DOJ), it may help to do a public service LLM at a highly ranked school (and you may be able to get a lot of fellowships too if you're going to do public service work afterwards), then an LLM might be a good idea. But I can't think of any LLMs that are going to give you a boost to get into the DOJ. Your 10 years of prosecutor experience should be a great asset in trying to apply to the DOJ I would think. I just don't think the expense of an LLM justifies any of the benefit you'd get, since you're not trying to break into a field like tax or IP.

I could be totally wrong but that's my gut reaction. Good luck!

I am an american attorney currently working for a large private firm and I am going back to get an LLM next year (Berkeley). Also, I interned in law school at the DOJ, so I generally have an idea of what they want. The LLM will be worth it for me because I went to a third tear law school. For you, it really depends on the law school you attended. Since you are in DC, if you could get into Georgetown, you would have a decent shot at getting a job at DOJ. However, if your law school was ranked in the top twenty, I would say an LLM would not help you. Another possibility is a specialized LLM. Look into Vermont/George Washington's LLM in environmental law, or a tax LLM. I hope that helps.

I really appreciate those of you who responded. Thanks for taking the time. I graduated from a second tier law school, but still very proud of what I accomplished. I truly enjoy government service as a prosecutor and am trying to find a way to take it to the federal level. I've considered other agencies like the CIA, NSA, etc. Wish I was young enough to join the Secret Service or FBI. Oh well.

Robert,

I have identical aspirations and concerns. What steps have you taken? Have you done any research about LLM programs?

I really am interested in your efforts. Please get back to me when you get a chance.

I went to a lowly ranked school. I would be willing to pursue an LLM if it put me in a position to land a federal public service position. Keep me posted. Thanks.

ay5@aol.com

Robert,

I was doing some cursory research and discovered the Georgetown LLM program. The reason Georgetown is appealing, obviously, is its location in DC.

Here is a basic description... Outstanding applicants who wish to pursue a program of study specifically tailored to their individual interests are encouraged to develop a proposal for an individualized Master of Laws degree. Georgetown's faculty and curriculum strengths in such fields as environmental law, CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND GOVERNMENT REGULATION, make it possible for the Law Center to accept a few highly qualified graduate students each year for individualized study.

-AY