Hi there, I'm a lawyer from Europe with first university degree, 2-3 year of work experience in IP related issues in several countries, but without the local bar admission.

Now I got admitted to the LLM in IP and Technology Law at the Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL / Wash U) which seems to be a top tier law school to me.

I've followed the general discussions about job opportunities within the US with just an LLM but I want to ask if you have any experiences with a specialized IP LLM program as the above mentioned form Wash U. How is the reputation within the US? Is there a demand for specialized IP LLM holders?

As I have to reply to the offer I want to make sure that degree isn't a useless degree designed just to decorate foreign lawyers who return to their countries afterwards. I'm really interested in working in the US, but not necessarily in a law firm. Besides I could imagine being an in-house counsel for a big technology company as well as an interesting GO/NGO.

According to your experiences, could I benefit from the LLM IP at Wash U? Will it be worth the money (ROI)?

Furthermore, do you know if this specific LLM (without beeing admitted to the bar in my home country) would give me the opportunity to apply for the NY bar exam? Thanks in advance!

Nobody knows about this program?

Hi! I just opened my llm-guide id.
I actually have a same situation with you, a different is I am taking Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.

If you are talking about the NY Bar, I think there is only a slight different rule if you do not have your BAR in your country.

After I received a notification of my acceptance, they also reminded me about a rule concerning NY Bar.

As far as I'm concerned, if we don't have a local BAR, we should take up to 10 credits that required to apply for NY Bar.

Hope this helps!

Hope to see you anw!

Thanks for your answer.

To be honest, I'm a bit confused at the moment whether I'm eligable to apply for the NY bar exam or not.

I'm not admitted to the local bar and with my first degree (5 years) alone I'm not fulfilling the requirements of my local bar yet. Is there anyway the possibility that this legal education can be considered equivalent (of course including an LL.M. with necessary content afterswards)?

As the synopsis on
http://www.nybarexam.org/foreign/foreignlegaleducation.htm
states that applicants under rule 520.6 (b) (1) "must have fulfilled the educational requirements for admission to the practice of law in a foreign country other than the United States. The applicant must have a qualifying degree, which must be a degree in law."

the 520.6 (b) (1) (http://www.nybarexam.org/Rules/Rules.htm#520.6) itself is stating "The applicant shall show fulfillment of the educational requirements for admission to the practice of law in a country other than the United States by successful completion of a period of law study (...)"

So it's a "Must have" or "shall"? Any "cure" provisions won't apply here...

Just to warn you guys, it is nearly impossible to find employment opportunities in the US after completing an LL.M there. First of all you have to compete with JD students who are trained in US law (arguably the most important factor considering that you want to work in the US) and secondly the employer will have to sponsor you to obtain an employment visa. There is a cap on how many foreign lawyers may work in the US, so entering the "lottery" to obtain a visa can be a very expensive and time consuming affair for a potential employer with little chances of success.They therefore tend to ignore foreign applicants to a large extent. Unless you are at the very top of the game and/or have exceptional skills (whether academic or linguistic) you only have a very, very small chance.

I don't intend to be mean or to discourage you, but I think it may help to receive an honest and realistic outlook. So if you only want to obtain an LL.M to work in the US, you should stronly reconsider dropping $80K.

Frankly, I am not sure why so many people want to work in the US rather than returning to their home jurisdictions or working elsewhere in the world where qualified applicants are sought after?

Given your qualifications you should be able to find work elsewhere easily :)

Hi!
Has anyone done the online LL.M in Washington University?
I would be very grateful if you could share you experience and recommendations.
I am also interested to know wether this online LL.M program qualifies to sit for the NY bar exam for foreign students with a law degree obtained in Europe.
Many thanks for your help!

Hi, I do not have experience at Washington but they have a good section on explaining requirements to sit for the NY bar exam.

As you are foreign-trained you should pay attention to Rule 520.6 of the Court of Appeals (ny bar exam) and to the pre-LL.M. education requirements.
You must submit an evaluation of your foreign credentials up to one year in advance of sitting for the New York bar exam.
To sit the nY bar exam there are certain classes required for the LL.M. degree such as U.S. Business Law, U.S. Constitutional Law, and U.S. Criminal Law. If you speak to admissions at Washington before applying I am sure they will advise you.

Hi, thanks a lot! I will contact the University for more information.