So, what is the reason to do a LLM in AMerica?


Guys, I have finished the LL.M Program in America. However I don't find positions even as paralegal do to the Optional Practical Training (OPT), which in the average require only high school education. Also, in my country nobody cares about LL.M..So, it is just about give a huge amount of money to the Universities?

Guys, I have finished the LL.M Program in America. However I don't find positions even as paralegal do to the Optional Practical Training (OPT), which in the average require only high school education. Also, in my country nobody cares about LL.M..So, it is just about give a huge amount of money to the Universities?
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dnunes

Guys, I have finished the LL.M Program in America. However I don't find positions even as paralegal do to the Optional Practical Training (OPT), which in the average require only high school education. Also, in my country nobody cares about LL.M..So, it is just about give a huge amount of money to the Universities?


I believe many things have an impact on finding a job during OPT. People often say that in the end, it all comes down to the network you've built before and during the LLM, both in your country and in the US.
Where are you from?

[quote]Guys, I have finished the LL.M Program in America. However I don't find positions even as paralegal do to the Optional Practical Training (OPT), which in the average require only high school education. Also, in my country nobody cares about LL.M..So, it is just about give a huge amount of money to the Universities?[/quote]

I believe many things have an impact on finding a job during OPT. People often say that in the end, it all comes down to the network you've built before and during the LLM, both in your country and in the US.
Where are you from?
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Arthur D.

I am from Brazil

I am from Brazil
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chicken so...

This is why it's important to be realistic about your goals before starting a program in another country.

Typically, the LL.M. is not a degree that allows for great international mobility. In law, there are too many barriers for this (bar exams, hiring practices, visa regulations, etc.) This is in contrast to a degree like an MBA, which is many cases allows for much greater international mobility.

Most of the people I know who have done LL.M.s in the US do it for other more realistic reasons, like to be exposed to new practice areas, build a network, and quite frankly, get a strong US brand name on their CVs.

I would assume that the majority of international students who do their LL.M.s in the US return to their home country after finishing the degree.

This is why it's important to be realistic about your goals before starting a program in another country.

Typically, the LL.M. is not a degree that allows for great international mobility. In law, there are too many barriers for this (bar exams, hiring practices, visa regulations, etc.) This is in contrast to a degree like an MBA, which is many cases allows for much greater international mobility.

Most of the people I know who have done LL.M.s in the US do it for other more realistic reasons, like to be exposed to new practice areas, build a network, and quite frankly, get a strong US brand name on their CVs.

I would assume that the majority of international students who do their LL.M.s in the US return to their home country after finishing the degree.
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dnunes

I am from Brazil

Arthur, I'm from Brazil too, and my opinion about the weight of an LLM Degree in one's career is quite different. I know many brazilians who had this experience (including my boss) and today highlight its importance to their lives, for several reasons: they got to know a different legal system and started thinking in ways they were not used to, they expanded their network, they got in touch with different cultures, they improved their english skills etc. All the good law firms I know (I have 11 years of practice) value things like this.
If you don't find a position in the US during the OPT, don't be sad. I'm sure your LLM Degree will help you find a good job in Brazil.

[quote]I am from Brazil[/quote]
Arthur, I'm from Brazil too, and my opinion about the weight of an LLM Degree in one's career is quite different. I know many brazilians who had this experience (including my boss) and today highlight its importance to their lives, for several reasons: they got to know a different legal system and started thinking in ways they were not used to, they expanded their network, they got in touch with different cultures, they improved their english skills etc. All the good law firms I know (I have 11 years of practice) value things like this.
If you don't find a position in the US during the OPT, don't be sad. I'm sure your LLM Degree will help you find a good job in Brazil.
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Wavshrdr

As many have said you need to have realistic goals when you decide to go for the LLM. Did you pass any state bar exams? How well ranked was your school? That has a huge impact as well.

I had to be very persistent in finding any work with my LLM. It wasn't easy but I managed to do it. It was very depressing at times when I would apply for a job and then hear nothing back. Finally I was successful and for me it was all worth it. Hopefully your luck will change too. Get some professional help with your resume and cover letter. Every little detail matters.

As many have said you need to have realistic goals when you decide to go for the LLM. Did you pass any state bar exams? How well ranked was your school? That has a huge impact as well.

I had to be very persistent in finding any work with my LLM. It wasn't easy but I managed to do it. It was very depressing at times when I would apply for a job and then hear nothing back. Finally I was successful and for me it was all worth it. Hopefully your luck will change too. Get some professional help with your resume and cover letter. Every little detail matters.
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