Hi,

I am finishing my LLB in the Hebrew University in Jerusalem with good academic achevments.
I am planning on doing an MBA in Israel, than start my internship (already accepted) in a top Israeli law firm and after that I plan to apply for a LLM in a top US school. my intentions are to get atleast 1 year of job experience in an american law firm.
"why?!" you may ask - I cant start my internship before 2 years after graduation due to personal reasons. I will be in the US for my wifes postdoc after one year has passed since finishing my internship.
one more important detail - I will be about 34 years old (?!) when applying for the US LLM.
I have to state that my LLB was, and my MBA will be achieved while I am still in my airforce service (which has given me lots of management experience)
so, my questions are:
a. how much is my age a setback in admitance to a LLM program?
b. what are the chances of being hired by a good law firm in the US bearing in mind my short legal experience and my age?
c. could someone clarify for me the differances between the: JD,LLM and LLB?

thanks a lot

Hi,

Age is not an issue in the US. In fact, firms in America are impressed with life experience and maturity. The only issue is the fact you do not have a JD, which is the American version of the LLB. A JD is a graduate degree because you need a degree prior to taking it (unlike the LLB). However, if you can impress a firm in an interview I don't think you'll be held back without it. Try to get a good LLM and do well. Then muscle your way into an interview. I believe it all comes down to your drive, If you want it badly enough you'll get the job, especially if you have a good personality. Personality is something that seems to be overlooked on this board - it's 90% of the battle, in law and in life.

hi coco

thanks for the reply

I agree with you on the importance of personality, I am happy to hear you think it is important for recruitment too.

Shalom haver

Ma shlomha? Ani tsarfatit ve ani medaber qsat ivrit!

Well, That's not fair to speak hebrew, so I will speak english. I just want to tell you that I absolutly agree with the last post. If you really want it, you can get a job in the US. Furthermore, Hebrew U. of Jerusalem is a very good university, and that will be take into account in your file.

Hi
I am from Tel-Aviv and will attend NYU this coming fall so ask me about the chances to get a job next year.. I will then be able to tell you from experience.
What I now know is that as a foreigner it is not easy but if you have an LLM in a field of specialization (I will be doing an LLM in Taxation) it might be easier to get a job then if you were doing just a general LLM. I know many Israeli people who have found jobs in the U.S. after graduation of an LLM from a good university.
Good luck!! and if you need any help you can contact me.

Hi, do you know if it is possible to transfer from a general LLM to the tax LLM once admitted?

I have no idea but I am guessing that even if you can it may not be easy as the application form did not allow you to apply for two specializations and also it asked you to address your future goals etc. which have to do with the LLM you chose to apply to. But you should call the admission office and ask. Why relay on "thought"?! I am sure they can instruct you as to what you should do. Good luck and hopefully we will meet this coming Fall, either on the orientation week or at class..