I am considering whether I should take JD or LLM in order to get a job in the USA. I have limited budgets so I have to choose between these two ways. For JD, I may not apply for the top schools due to an expense. I really want to take NY bar test. So, which way is the best? My rough plan is getting to any law school in new york. So, if there is any suggestion, please advice me. Currently, I am a freshman in foreigner law school for the undergraduate program.

Thank you for your suggestion in advance.

[Edited by p on May 20, 2018]

I would recommend you to get LLM first for sure. First of all, it is just 1 year (so cheaper) and makes you eligible to sit for the bar exam. After you graduate you can always get JD in the States. This way you will finish the JD in less than 3 years (you can probably do it in 2 years) because you would have already taken some of the classes during LLM. In addition, you can work as a lawyer during this period. Another thing is that if you decide to do JD first, you would have to take LSATs.

I would recommend you to get LLM first for sure. First of all, it is just 1 year (so cheaper) and makes you eligible to sit for the bar exam. After you graduate you can always get JD in the States. This way you will finish the JD in less than 3 years (you can probably do it in 2 years) because you would have already taken some of the classes during LLM. In addition, you can work as a lawyer during this period. Another thing is that if you decide to do JD first, you would have to take LSATs.

Ignorance is bliss would be the best way to start my reply. I wish I knew then what I know now. In my professional experience, go to the absolute best law school you can if going for a LLM. The ranking/pedigree of your school matters so much more than you can imagine now.

Even going to a top school, it has been INCREDIBLY difficult to find work in the US. Thankfully I went to a great school here but even then I am at a huge disadvantage against JDs! Even if I just wanted to work in NY, where I could practice with just my LLM and bar passage, so many employers won't consider me because I don't have a JD.

If I had to do it over again, and if I had almost unlimited money, I would have maybe done a JD instead. My options are greatly limited because of just having an LLM. A 2 year accelerated JD might have been a better option for me. I could have set for the bar in any US state then. If you want to stay and work in the US, the JD is a much better option. If you are likely going back to your home country, then the LLM might be a better option.