Hi everybody,

I am interested in doing an LLM in the US in the field of criminal law. The schools that I have been researching are good schools but not top ranked schools. I am currently considering the University of San Diego, the University of Minnesota, Ohio State, Florida State, and the University of New Hampshire for example.

Part of this decision is budgetary - I simply cannot afford an LLM from a top 10 law school, and the other part is that the curriculum at these schools appeals to me in various ways.

However the more I read the more it seems to be important to have the name of a top law school on the LLM diploma. While I can't argue with that idea, I would love to have NYU on my resume, I wonder if this is absolutely necessary.

Anybody have any insights into the value of LLM degrees from lesser known schools?

I would not underestimate the importance of the school's ranking and reputation. At first this was a little hard for me to accept because in my country (Canada) there are very few law schools and they are all quite reputable. Generally, a JD from any Canadian law school will be respected across the country. In the US, there are so many law schools that they are not equally respected. The schools are highly stratified and their rankings matter. Having said that, it's a bit different for LLM students because the LLM degree is not that common in North America. Your LLM will rarely open any doors for you if you plan to stay and work in the US or Canada. If you plan to return to your country, I would consider the school's reputation in your own country where you will be working. But, if you plan to go into academia, ranking and reputation are critically important.