Hi,

Does anyone know if it is possible to receive credits towards a JD degree with a UK LLB degree from, for example, Cambridge? It seems that even though a LLB allows you to take the bar exam in some states, most firms still look for a JD degree. But 3 years seems rather long...

Thank you

There are a few offering two year JD's. Northwestern and Stetson come to mind. You must also take the LSAT - a royal pain in the butt.

It's true, if you want to work as a lawyer in the states, you really need to have a JD.

Hi JDI,

Thanks so much for the information!

At Penn State you can transfer from an LL.M. to a J.D. w/o having to take the LSAT. University of Kansas also has a 2 yr. J.D. program.

Good luck!

Harvard and Columbia allow students to do a 2 yr JD if they have an LLB from a common law country when applying. The only state that will recognise a foreign LLB on its own as enough to sit the Bar exam is New York. California accepts foreign law degrees but only if the person has a professional qualification in their home jurisdiction as well (and I think 2 years practice). As was pointed out, some schools also allow you to transfer to the JD after the LLM year, but ONLY in exceptional circumstances (as in very very exceptional circumstances). You must have A's all the way and be near top of the LLM class. Chicago and Columbia are two that come to mind that have this procedure, but again, only in exceptional cases. Otherwise you are stuck doing the LSAT. Also, I dont think you can apply for a JD after you do an LLM in any American Law School (you can apply to do an LLM after a JD) so you'll have to decide what it is you really want before applying. Its the same situation with LLMs in the US and UK. Once you have done an LLM at a UK institution you cannot apply to another LLM in the UK (at least not Cambridge anyway). Similarly if you have an LLM from a US Law School you cannot apply for an LLM in another US Law School.

I transferred from the LLM program to the JD w/out having to do the LSAT, but still had to do 90 credits (3 years), so an extra 2 yrs on top of the 1 yr LLM.

When you consider that US students have a 4 yr undergraduate degree and then have to do 3 yrs to get a JD, then I don't think its burdensome for them to expect you to do a full 3 yr JD on top of your 3 yr 'undergraduate' LLB. You will still have qualified in 6 yrs rather than 7.

It's true that you really do need a JD (in most cases) to get a job in the US.

However, my impression is that most foreign law students think that once they get a JD the US market will be easy to penetrate. Remember that the majority of US JD grads don't end up getting jobs in big firms ie in top 100 or even top 200 firms. You will be competing with every other JD grad - of which year there are many - far too many than positions available (even when looking at smaller firms!) - and these people all have US citizenship and don't require visa or work permit sponsorship.

Louisiana will also recognize a foreign LLB as enough to sit for the Bar Exam. It is not automatic; one must make application and submit transcripts and recommendation. In my experience though most applicants from reputable foreign law schools are approved. Though this practice has its roots in Louisiana's Civil Law background, applicants from common law countries are also routinely accepted. Also, at least some U.S. law schools will allow you to apply for another LLM, if it is in a different subject area than the first one.

Stetson University College of Law offers a two-year J.D. for foreign lawyers. You can be granted up to 29 credits toward a Stetson JD degree and complete the J.D. program in two years vs. the typical three years.

I am an indian LLB, I am applying for the LLM program in the States for fall 2012. I wanted to know whether after having completed the LLM in states, can I apply for a JD program in their law schools? or is LLM in States a bar to pursuing a JD in States. ??? so incase I dont get a job in States after an LLM, I can shift to JD and then start the fresh hunt for jobs out there. ??? thanks and GOD bless.