Hi

Im trying to decide whether I should pursue a specialist LL.M in either intellectual property or dispute resolution (I currently work in litigation and intellectual property) or a general studies (or American legal studies) LL.M

To give you all a bit of background: I am an American. I have an undergraduate (4 year) degree in History from Columbia University in New York City. I then moved to England and trained as a solicitor. This involves gaining a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and a Legal Practice Certificate (LPC) (a total of two years) and working for two-years in a law firm in the City of London (a training contract). I understand (from speaking with the NY bar association) that I will need to do an LL.M to be eligible to sit the NY bar.

My primary objective is to be commercially attractive after the LL.M; do you think the general or a specialist LL.M is more effective for this purpose. Also, how difficult do you think it will be to get a good NY law job after undertaking either a general US legal studies LL.M or a specialist LL.M?

Thanks very much

Hi Mia Mia,

I think you should persue a specialised LLM which would be relevant to the field you intend to practise in upon getting admitted into the New York Bar.

As far as I am aware, most firms in US prefer to hire JD graduates. Having a LLM in the area you intend to practise in would make you a more attractive job candidate.

I can't really comment on the job prospects in US but i am guessing it would depend on how well a UK GDL + LPC degree is viewed by your prospective employer in the US. I would assume most would prefer a candidate with a foreign LLB or JD.

Last but not least, perhaps you could consider doing a 2-year JD with Northwestern etc. if finance isn't a big issue and you are set on working in US for a long-term?

Regards
Greg