Removed.

[Edited by gza on Dec 23, 2018]

Anyone??

Frankly, I'm not sure why you would want to do this, except to avoid the cost of a three year JD. If you truly want to practice in the USA, you should get a JD first and avoid all these other nontraditional permutations.

Hey, I'm currently studying overseas (final year towards qualification) and am an American. I also did my BA in the US. I plan on returning to the US and studying for an LLM before sitting the NY or Cali bar. While I am not completely sure about the GDL, I believe it is not exactly equivalent to a US first degree in law. An LLB certainly would meet the general requirement for an LLM on the other hand. If you are set on practicing in the US, I think maybe it's good to go for a JD after the GDL in the US, as mentioned by others. If you want to take a shot at applying to the LLM with the GDL feel free to e-mail some schools you are interested in before applying.

Do not be discouraged by others who say to study in the US is a must. A lot of big firms look for international experience and/or qualifications and you may find yourself unique over the typical US grads pumping out every year. You may go for an LLB in London and then the LLM in the US if you are interested in qualifying in both jurisdictions and are uncertain about where you want to end up. In a bad economy, there's no harm in being flexible in where you can work :)

Feel free to msg me if you have any questions!

Hi,

I know your post is a bit old, but as i am in the same case as you and am also about to start the GDL in BPP University. I was wondering if you managed to get into an american LLM program right after achieving the GDL.

If you could share your experience that would be really helpful.
Thank you so much,

I'm planning on doing the same. I'm starting the GDL at BPP in October, and hopefully with be applying for LLM programmes during the academic year. I have been told by the Admissions departments of a number schools in California, that I can apply.

Where are you looking to apply?

Hi,

I know your post is a bit old, but as i am in the same case as you and am also about to start the GDL in BPP University. I was wondering if you managed to get into an american LLM program right after achieving the GDL.

If you could share your experience that would be really helpful.
Thank you so much,

Hi there,

Does anyone know if GDL followed by U.S LLM would qualify you for the CAL bar?

LLM acceptance is possible just after the GDL. What is not certain is whether the waiver to british lawyers from the LLM requirement (for taking the NY bar) applies in certain accelerated GDL programs. In the absence of the waiver a GDL will nonetheless have to take the NY bar mandated courses in the LLM term which can reduce by a third the number of points available for courses.

Hi
First of all thank you for your reply.
Could you please tell me of some names of institutions that accept you within their LLM after you achieved a GDL.
And sorry but what do you mean by "
L. What is not certain is whether the waiver to british lawyers from the LLM requirement (for taking the NY bar) applies in certain accelerated GDL programs."

Thanks a lot for your answer.
Have a great day.
Maya

I'm planning on doing the same. I'm starting the GDL at BPP in October, and hopefully with be applying for LLM programmes during the academic year. I have been told by the Admissions departments of a number schools in California, that I can apply.

Where are you looking to apply?

Hello everyone!

Another American doing the GDL here. If you are not talking about the top LLM programs, many allow not lawyers into the programs in the US. Compliance and tax professionals are among the most likely to be non-lawyers in an LLM program. I don't think that many people at all in the US are familiar with a GDL.

It is my opinion but as others stated above, if your true intention is to work in the US, the best method is to become a solicitor in UK and Wales and then sit the NY bar exam. Without the qualification in the UK, your academic credentials may always hinder you. That is just my 2 cents.

Does anyone know how difficult it is to get a training contract as an American in London? Do any firms specifically look at this favorably?