Hello!

I have just completed my undergrad in LLB Law at the LSE (UK) and am now looking at LLMs in the US. I was wondering how important work experience is?

Columbia seems to place a lot of emphasis on mature students with experience. But what about Harvard/Yale/NYU/etc? Harvard's website requires work experience from US local students but does not mention it for international students - I'm not sure whether they will still favour those with experience? I've had various summer internships at law firms and shadowing barristers and judges, but no proper job that lasted a substantial period of time (i.e. more than 3 months). Does this lower my chances of getting in?

I would also be extremely grateful if someone could PM me the application questions for Harvard and Yale - the websites haven't been updated for the 2011-2012 applications and I would really like to take a look to brace myself!

Thank you everyone!

hi i know people who did llms at harvard with no work experience. yale is a harder nut to crack.

Yes, Harvard accepts a fair number of fresh graduates. Yale is a hard nut to crack in any event!

Also re: application essays, Harvard is a two part essay (if I recall 1500 words total), first half describing an issue in detail, second have why you want to go there. Yale's essays are short and don't have any sort of issue type questions. Yale's questions were pretty unhelpful for separating strong applicants from weak, imho.

I wanted to know more about the application to HLS LL.M programme for class beginning in September 2011 - 2012 too. Is there any email adress of the adminstration office of HLS to contact them and ask?

I wouldn't bother them. The app will be on the website soon, which is exactly what they'll tell you.