hi~

i am trying to decide whether to do my LLM here in the states or go to one of the top schools in london. does anyone know what the value of a foreign LLM is in relation to one from an american school? is there any difference?

I can answer part of that -- the value of a US LLM. I am currently getting an LLM/MA at NYU (part time), and have found out that except for TAX, the LLM is not very respected by U.S. law firms. Not sure why. I think because most firms feel that americans who go for non-tax LLMs do it a "resume" thing -- that is, to go to a better school. This is bolstered by the fact that LLM classes are the same as JD classes -- no harder, no more detail. Also, few ivy league JDs get LLMs.

Thus, getting an LLM in the US is not going to really give you that much per se. NOW, if you are like me, and went to a smaller school which did not offer a lot of classes in your specialty, then you may wish to do it, but as for job prospects based on the LLM, think hard before you spend $40,000.

Now, as for the value of a foreign LLM ??? Anyone . . .

Triplett,

Would you say the same applies to a non-American doing an LLM at Harvard? Your comments alarmed me a bit! After extensive consideration, I have decided to choose Harvard over Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. But I am a Southeast Asian national with a UK undergraduate law degree (LLB).

An LLM from a top US school like Harvard counts for a lot in the US and the UK. Being a LLM graduate working in a NY firm, I can tell you that a good LLM is a significant asset in the US. I believe that the English firms will also kill to get their hands on a harvard graduate ( don't forget many of their big clients are American)

I agree with Blondie -- let me qualify my statement. My previous comments were directed at AMERICANS. My understanding of the question -- regarding "foreigm LLMs" assumed the writer is an american with an JD from an american school. THE LLM is really intended for foreigners and and LLM from Harvard may really help.

Keep in mind also, that for AMERICANS the LLM has different purposes. THere are people like me, who practiced law for a few years and decided to specialize in one specific area. Others use it as a springboard to teach. THIS IS ACTUALLY IMPORTANT, in that some programs are directed more at practical education vs. academic. One reason I chose NYU is that the LLM is geared towards practical experience whereas Standard/Harvard/Yale are more academic.

Hi,

This question is directed to trippelet are you saying that if i get an LLM degree from an American law school considering i'm a foreign trained Lawyer(Nigeria) it would be difficult for me to gain employment in a law firm in the States?

My tuition isn't cheap! In my currency its a 160.00 Naira to 1.00 dollar, 40,000.00 dollars is a lot of money to invest in an education that would have no value in the country where i'm getting the education from.

Please, anybody let me know your thoughts on this.

i got into oxford bcl and harvard llm. forget about london llm. its crap and sheer waste of money -- you speak to the leading barristers and academics in uk and they will back me up (i have interned in leading chambers and spoke to oxford academics before). as for US, strive for harv, yale and columbia llm. value of a US llm -- that depends, if its from yale and harv, it might make some material difference when you apply to US firms.