Hi,

I am from Europe and am having second thoughts about doing an LLM in the US, even though I have applied and have been admitted to several schools. Is anyone else in the same boat?

Since the US dollar has strengthened compared to the Euro and Pound, it is much more costly to finance an LLM. Also, job prospects in the US will probably be much more difficult due to the economic crisis. Thus, it seems difficult to justify doing an LLM right now.

Any thoughts?

most people view it as an investment and that it would come in useful later on when the market picks up. Applications have gone up this year (in general) so most people who are not having much luck in the job market are probably considering a 1 year LLM!

I don't know that I would leave a decent paying job to get an LLM right now. Since there is no guarantee of the economy picking up by the time you would graduate, adding $50K or so in debt might not be the most prudent financial decision.

That said, if you are already unemployed, hate your job and/or have always wanted to get an LLM, then go for it.

I believe the time is excelent for rich academic discussions (exactly because of the crisis). Besides, I believe that the market shall be better at the end of the LLM Program (by may/june 2010). With the LL.M, your job perspectives are better, and you have been admitted already! Go for it!

I also think that this is the best time to study coz anyways theres not much which will happen for the next year which can really change the economy and job aspects...;;
Its evident that the present recession will loom very strongly at least till the mid of 2010 and may be more. But there is also a chance that their will be some light in the tunnel and the market might begin to correct itself by the time, we finish our LLM.
Thats why this is the best time to go in for academic pursuits. I think I will be very interesting to get involved in the intellectual discussion and brainstrorming sessions on the various economic as well as poticial issues.