Before You Say Yes: Key Things to Consider Before Choosing Your LLM
Thinking about pursuing an LL.M. in the US can feel exciting—but also overwhelming given the myriad options that are available to you. Beyond the glossy brochures and US News & World Report rankings, there are practical questions you should ask yourself that will shape your experience and your future legal career. Below are key considerations that go beyond academics and help you pick the school and LL.M. program.
- Location
It may not be the first thing in your mind when choosing an LL.M. but location matters. It matters a LOT. It matters for obvious reasons- affordability, quality of life, and proximity to major hubs. But it also matters for two very important reasons that every prospective LLM candidate should have in mind: Bar Exam eligibility and alumni network.
- Bar Exam Eligibility
Some states are more open than others when it comes to allowing foreign-trained attorneys to sit for the Bar Exam (note aside to those whose legal education was in common law jurisdictions). If you plan to sit for the Bar Exam or are thinking of practicing law in the US, make sure the schools you’re considering align with the requirements of the state where you want to qualify.
For instance, District of Columbia requires that foreign-trained attorneys take 26 credit hours in subjects tested on the D.C. bar exam. That means that most likely you will have to complete an additional semester in order to meet the requirements- and one additional semester means more $$$.
- Alumni Network
Prospective LLM candidates often times overlook this but it matters more than you think. You should be asking yourself: Do alumni tend to stay in the same city after graduation? Are firms and/or companies employing alumni from my prospective school?
Your alumni network is one of the most important factors for finding employment after your LL.M. It’s also how you’ll build professional connections that could lead to teaching opportunities, speaking invitations, or future partnerships.
If the school you are considering has a very limited or almost non-existent network where you are planning to settle in the US, you may want to consider other options.
- Externship/Internship opportunities
One of the best things about the LLM is the ability to get real work experience in the US. Some schools are better positioned to offer these opportunities for foreign-trained attorneys.
For example, schools in cities in the Northeast provide better opportunities to LLM due to the concentration of multiple large cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, D.C. Similarly, employers are more accustomed to or familiar with foreign trained attorneys. Likewise, cities like New York have also more exposure to work that is a better fit for foreign-trained attorneys.
By contrast, schools in the Midwest may have a more reduced pool of internship opportunities given the absence of large cosmopolitan cities that attract international business or foreign-trained attorneys.
- Financial Aid
The LLM is an investment in you and your professional career. So why not be smart with your investment by putting financial aid front and center when choosing a school. There a few ways you can do this:
- Make sure you check the financial aid section of the schools you are thinking of applying to;
- Once you have applied and received their response, try to leverage generous financial aid offers in order to increase the aid from your school of choice;
- Check for other scholarships that may be available to you (i.e., Fulbright). There are websites that can help you with that like LLM Guide, EducationUSA, etc.
- Post-LLM Experience
Last but not least, you want to make sure you connect with current students and alumni to get candid insights about the school.
For current students, you want to ask questions around: How are you enjoying the LLM? Would you recommend it to prospective students? How engaged is the faculty with LLM students? Are there specific networking events focused on LLM students?
For alumni, you want to get their feedback about the employment opportunities after the LLM, how supportive was the LLM faculty in making sure students find employment, and whether they consider that their investment was worth it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing the right program is less about finding the “perfect” school and more about aligning the program with your personal and professional goals. If you take into account these considerations, you’ll set yourself up for an experience that’s not only academically enriching but also strategically valuable for your career.