I don't know if this LLM thing is a waste of time. I am a foreign lawyer and want to get an LLM at a good law school in the US or the UK but law school transcript is average and a bit above. what are the chances??????

Hi!
I am a current LLM student, and I can tell u, that so far I am enjoying the experience! Well, the job scenario is not all that an LLM hopes for- but I guess, most of us are aware of that...
Well, I dont know why it is u might think it might be a waste of time- it really boils down to a personal choice- if u think that one year of education in an US or UK University, meeting people from diverse cultures as well as learning in a new environment is a year well spent, then the LLM is for u. However, if ur sole aim to improve ur job prospects, then, its something u need to weight things out.
I am not saying that LLMs dont get work after the year, just that its very competitive and the competition is not just among LLMs but LLMs have to also compete with the JDs.....If u are prepared for the hard work, go for it!
I know that its a rather long reply- but i wasnt sure what ur specific question was!
I hope this helps in making ur decision.....
Cheers:)

i guess my question is - is it a waste of time applying because i won't get into a decent school?

If your focus is job rather than life experience focused and it appears that it is you need to ask whether an LLM will add value to your legal career. I guess there are three reasons why it might (i) you go to a better university for your LLM than you're at now (ii) you go to a university which while not maybe one of the most famous is well regarded for your preferred specialisation (iii) you want to do a particular niche sort of specialisation. Beyond that there are lots of reasons to do an LLM, meeting new people, travelling, getting to focus on a subject area, getting more time to decide what to do with your life etc but these are not really so career focused.

admission into a law school depends upon a lot of factors, most important of which are obviously ur grades, bt tis is not to say tht other things dont matter.
for instance if ur an exceptional mooter n have lots of publications thn thez might make up for ur low grades and get u admitted in a god law school. I personally know a few friends studying in top ten US Universities who had average grades while doing their primary degree in law in their home country but since they had great publications, internships etc (had a clear focus of a particular field of law they wanted 2 do in their cv) they were admitted with fin. aid in some rili good law schools.
In addition to all this, a lot depends upon ur recommendations and ur personal statement.
So i agree tht grades is sumthin u cant do nythin about now, bt u can stil work on ur statement, recommendations and ur cv n if thts done thn i think u'l b as good as ny other applicant.
I wud suggest tht u download apliction forms of universities u r interested in applying n c wat all do they ask 4 in their app. forms n thn work on making thez areas ut strengths.

hi there..
i am a prospective student like u and my aggregate well it falls to 63%..well as far as ive gathered ..
wat u need to get an LLM is:
a) a briilant sop---it has to be a masterpiece.. it is the only thing which will get take u places
b) ur letters of recommendation ve to be excellent
c) toefl score has to be above the cut-offs
d) a fairly good cv
e) ability to pay tuition fees
Frankly...academic scores by themselves dont guarantee admission...followin up the above criteria will definately land u up at a decent univ..
hope this info helps relieve u of some anxiety....
esha
cheers!

Hi JayF,
there are so many lawschools in the US that even without a grt transcript you may still get into a good school. If you have the cash, naturally, your spectrum is widened.
Whether an LLM is a waste of time? That totally depends on u. What do you want to do with yourself over the next couple of years. Do you see a career in law? Or maybe you're still considering your options. If you have the cash and the time, take an LLM. You'll love the experience. If law plays no role in your future, hit the other highway with joy!
Best of everything.