Which Law School?

With so many law schools around the world, how do you find the right LL.M. program for you?

With thousands of law schools all over the world, it might be hard to figure out where to do your LL.M.

The value of a postgraduate law degree depends to a great extent on the reputation of the university awarding it. An LL.M. from a prestigious law school can enhance career opportunities, while an LL.M. from a less prestigious institution might only waste your time and money.

But how to wade through the incredibly long list of LL.M. programs published by the American Bar Association? One way to determine the quality of a school's LL.M. program is to examine its overall ranking. These law school rankings take into account LSAT scores of matriculating students, job placement success, reputation and more. But since law school rankings often only rank a school’s JD programs, they may not accurately reflect the quality of its LL.M. program; a strong JD program doesn't necessarily indicate a good post-graduate law program.

For students who are interested in studying outside the United States, LLM Guide's Popularity Rankings provides a list of the most popular programs in regions all over the world. Students can familiarize themselves with various LL.M. programs by perusing these lists.

But in many cases, instead of only applying to the highest-ranked or most popular programs, students are better off applying to law schools that offer a specialized LL.M. in a particular field of interest. One of the main reasons that students decide to pursue LL.M.s is to gain expertise in a particular legal field, such as bankruptcy or taxation. You can use LLM GUIDE’s Advanced Search feature to filter programs by different legal fields and focus areas.

Prospective students should also consider secondary factors besides school ranking, popularity or specializations, such as schools' affiliations with other institutions, as well as faculty members and alumni networks, all of which may provide useful contacts and job prospects upon completion of the degree. Students should also take into account the location of their university. For example, students who want to embark on a career in New York should consider the networking opportunities inherent in pursuing an LL.M. in New York.

Students planning to study in the US should make sure that the university they want to apply to is approved by the ABA. This is particularly important for students who intend to earn their degree through distance learning. Please note that the ABA's approval of a law school extends only to the first professional degree in law (JD) offered.


Image: Harvard Law School Library in Langdell Hall at night by Chensiyuan / Creative Commons (cropped and rotated)

LLM FAQs

What is an LL.M.?
What is an LL.M.?

Basic information about the Legum Magister or LL.M., degree

Funding Your LL.M.
Funding Your LL.M.

An LL.M. can be an expensive investment. But from grants to scholarships and loans, funding resources are available

How Do I Prepare For An LL.M.?
How Do I Prepare For An LL.M.?

Accepted to an LL.M.? Make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running

Is an LL.M. Right for Me?
Is an LL.M. Right for Me?

Thinking about applying for an LL.M.? Read on to see if an LL.M. might be the right step for your career

Law School Glossary
Law School Glossary

From ABA to TOEFL, a short list of frequently used acronyms and terms relevant to LL.M.s.

LL.M. Basics: Types of Law Degrees
LL.M. Basics: Types of Law Degrees

J.D. or LL.B.? How about an LL.M. or J.M.? A breakdown of the different law degrees on offer in the US and abroad.

LL.M. Essential Facts
LL.M. Essential Facts

The Master of Laws Degree—LL.M.—can be a great résumé builder for many legal professionals. Here are some quick facts about the degree

Short FAQs
Short FAQs

A series of short Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LL.M. programs and LLM GUIDE

What are the TOEFL and IELTS?
What are the TOEFL and IELTS?

If you’re an international student applying from an LL.M. in an English-speaking country, chances are you’ll have to take one of these English-language tests. Here’s some essential information on the TOEFL and IELTS

What Do I Need to Apply for an LL.M. Program?
What Do I Need to Apply for an LL.M. Program?

A list of the typical requirements you’ll need to meet and materials you’ll need to submit when applying for an LL.M.

What is an LL.M. Concentration?
What is an LL.M. Concentration?

Should you get an LL.M. with a concentration? And if so, what should you choose?

What Kind of LL.M. Program is Right for Me?
What Kind of LL.M. Program is Right for Me?

From a full-time LL.M. to online and blended programs, you can choose the right LL.M. for your needs

Where Should I Do My LL.M.?
Where Should I Do My LL.M.?

Should you stay close to home or go abroad?

Why Should I do an LL.M.?
Why Should I do an LL.M.?

Outside of the legal world, the LL.M. is not a well-known degree. But there are plenty of reasons why lawyers or legal students might decide to do an LL.M.