US LLM for Scottish Lawyer

jonesyboy1...

3 6

Posted Jun 13, 2011 16:38

Hi Guys

Looking for a bit of feedback here. I am a Scottish Lawyer who has practiced back in the UK for four years. I recently sat the NY Bar Exam in February and fortunately I passed.

I think you guys know where I'm going with this one, basically I am hoping to make the move to NYC, however realise my job prospects wont be the best for a variety of reasons eg number of US lawyers out of a job, preference for home grown talent, etc.

From speaking with a few lawyers I know who are working in the city, a few of them have mentioned the possibility of me doing an LLM. The reasoning that at least potential employers have knowledge of the US educational system.

I have looked into doing an LLM at Fordham, mainly due to the possibility of a Spring start. Also being in NYC, it would give me a year of networking, trying to obtain summer internship, etc.

I just want to know peoples thoughts on job prospects after this or do people think this is just a waste of money??

Thanks in advance!

Ross

Law degree (LLB) from The University of Glasgow
Diploma in Legal Practice (Dip. LP) from The Glasgow Graduate School of Law
6 years experience in Law Firm in Glasgow, 2 years as a trainee, 4 as qualified lawyer
Passed NY Bar at first attempt Feb 2011.

I was just wondering what people though

quote

OK_Compute...

73 145

Posted Jun 13, 2011 18:38

As an American lawyer, I can confirm that the job market is terrible.

I'd pass on Fordham for now---wait until Fall and I suspect you'll gain admission at a better school or a place with funding. Remember: if they're more flexible in their admissions policies, there's a reason. $$$

Best wishes to you!

quote

jonesyboy1...

3 6

Posted Jun 13, 2011 21:50

As an American lawyer, I can confirm that the job market is terrible.

I'd pass on Fordham for now---wait until Fall and I suspect you'll gain admission at a better school or a place with funding. Remember: if they're more flexible in their admissions policies, there's a reason. $$$

Best wishes to you!

Thanks for your input. I'm just not sure if I can wait another year before starting an LLM on the chance that I might get into NYU or Cornell.

To be honest I'm not sure sure I'd get into these schools. My grades aren't spectacular, most due to the fact that I started law school when I was 16 and basically was a full time athlete at the same time.

I have looked into Fordham and realise this is not one of the top schools but the fact of their spring start and the chance to network in NYC for a year are major pluses.

Also what weight would be put into the fact that I have been in a law firm for 6 years and still only 27?? Do you think this would balance out my less than stellar grades?

Any other input would be appreciated.

RJ

<blockquote>As an American lawyer, I can confirm that the job market is terrible.

I'd pass on Fordham for now---wait until Fall and I suspect you'll gain admission at a better school or a place with funding. Remember: if they're more flexible in their admissions policies, there's a reason. $$$

Best wishes to you!</blockquote>

Thanks for your input. I'm just not sure if I can wait another year before starting an LLM on the chance that I might get into NYU or Cornell.

To be honest I'm not sure sure I'd get into these schools. My grades aren't spectacular, most due to the fact that I started law school when I was 16 and basically was a full time athlete at the same time.

I have looked into Fordham and realise this is not one of the top schools but the fact of their spring start and the chance to network in NYC for a year are major pluses.

Also what weight would be put into the fact that I have been in a law firm for 6 years and still only 27?? Do you think this would balance out my less than stellar grades?

Any other input would be appreciated.

RJ

quote

OK_Compute...

73 145

Posted Jun 13, 2011 22:57

I think your experience will help, especially at a place like Fordham which isn't (or shouldn't) be too theoretical of a place.

quote

jonesyboy1...

3 6

Posted Jun 13, 2011 23:55

I think your experience will help, especially at a place like Fordham which isn't (or shouldn't) be too theoretical of a place.

I will have to have a long hard think on what I want to do. The last thing I want to do is spend $$$$$ when there is no realistic chance of a position at a good firm in Manhattan.

I shall also start looking at funding options.

So much stuff to think about!?! The education system here in Scotland is so simple in comparison....I suppose that may have something to do with having only 5 million population of the whole country!ha

RJ

<blockquote>I think your experience will help, especially at a place like Fordham which isn't (or shouldn't) be too theoretical of a place.</blockquote>

I will have to have a long hard think on what I want to do. The last thing I want to do is spend $$$$$ when there is no realistic chance of a position at a good firm in Manhattan.

I shall also start looking at funding options.

So much stuff to think about!?! The education system here in Scotland is so simple in comparison....I suppose that may have something to do with having only 5 million population of the whole country!ha

RJ

quote

OK_Compute...

73 145

Posted Jun 14, 2011 04:44

There are many, many things I love about my country, but our educational system leaves many things to be desired. Certainly our universities provide a great education, but the cost is often ridiculous. Even just fifty years ago it wasn't so. But I digress. Just please be careful about cost given the market conditions for lawyers here. Fortunately the dollar is not strong, so your pound should go a long way.
And remember: the USA is not NYC, just like the UK is not London. If you don't have your heart set on NYC, there are many very nice places here that you may never have heard of!

quote

jonesyboy1...

3 6

Posted Jun 14, 2011 10:56

There are many, many things I love about my country, but our educational system leaves many things to be desired. Certainly our universities provide a great education, but the cost is often ridiculous. Even just fifty years ago it wasn't so. But I digress. Just please be careful about cost given the market conditions for lawyers here. Fortunately the dollar is not strong, so your pound should go a long way.
And remember: the USA is not NYC, just like the UK is not London. If you don't have your heart set on NYC, there are many very nice places here that you may never have heard of!

Unfortunately I do have my heart set on NYC....I have many friends in the city, so much so I've visited 7 times!haha

Yes the pound is relatively strong against the dollar, however still between tuition, rent and living costs it still adds up. I honestly don't know how you guys do it in the USA. England and Wales have just started charging students up to a maximum of £9,000 a year (roughly $15,000) and there is an outcry!lol Fortunately the Scottish Government still believe in free education so I did not pay a penny for my Law Degree. I did however have to pay £5,000 for my post graduate Legal Practice Course!! Now that doesnt seem all that bad.

I am actually qualified to practice in NY already but feel that to be considered seriously by any prospective employer I will definitely need an LLM or just get extremely lucky!

RJ

<blockquote>There are many, many things I love about my country, but our educational system leaves many things to be desired. Certainly our universities provide a great education, but the cost is often ridiculous. Even just fifty years ago it wasn't so. But I digress. Just please be careful about cost given the market conditions for lawyers here. Fortunately the dollar is not strong, so your pound should go a long way.
And remember: the USA is not NYC, just like the UK is not London. If you don't have your heart set on NYC, there are many very nice places here that you may never have heard of!

</blockquote>

Unfortunately I do have my heart set on NYC....I have many friends in the city, so much so I've visited 7 times!haha

Yes the pound is relatively strong against the dollar, however still between tuition, rent and living costs it still adds up. I honestly don't know how you guys do it in the USA. England and Wales have just started charging students up to a maximum of £9,000 a year (roughly $15,000) and there is an outcry!lol Fortunately the Scottish Government still believe in free education so I did not pay a penny for my Law Degree. I did however have to pay £5,000 for my post graduate Legal Practice Course!! Now that doesnt seem all that bad.

I am actually qualified to practice in NY already but feel that to be considered seriously by any prospective employer I will definitely need an LLM or just get extremely lucky!

RJ

quote

2xHarvard

12 3

Posted Oct 23, 2011 02:39

How does the Scottish government afford higher education? Do you think taxes are higher or do they scrimp on other things that Americans get for "free" from the government?

quote