What is the LLM?

In the United States, the master of laws is the degree that follows the JD (or LLB in Canada). In many European nations, the LLM is a requirement for the practice of law and is often taken at the same law school that awards the undergraduate law degree.

Explain why interest in the LLM amongst U.S. students has increased in recent years.

In practice areas such as taxation and environmental law, an LLM degree can provide additional expertise that is considered necessary by some law firms to engage in a specialty practice area. Also, in the academic profession, a person with an LLM degree may be considered better qualified to teach than a person with only the first law degree.

How does the LLM differ from the JD in terms of admission requirements, program length, and cost?

Most U.S. LLM programs are two semesters in length, requiring a minimum of 24 credit hours, compared to the JD degree which normally consists of 90-95 credit hours and six semesters in residence. The annual costs are comparable to those for a JD program. In most instances LLM programs do not require the Law School Admissions Test. Requirements may be more or less stringent, depending on the nature of a particular LLM program and the number of candidates admitted each year.

What are common careers/areas of specialization pursued by LLM students?

An LLM in taxation is effectively a requirement for a tax practice at many U.S. law firms. Some U.S. firms or agencies may consider post JD expertise in other specialty areas, such as environmental law, government procurement law or international trade law, an important factor in hiring and retention. Other U.S. firms are more interested in law school grades in a JD program, foreign language expertise and the like.

How do bar examinations and other certification requirements factor into the completion of an LLM degree?

For the U.S. lawyer who has graduated from an ABA accredited law school, an LLM degree neither adds to nor detracts from admission to the bar. For the foreign lawyer who receives a U.S. LLM degree, practice opportunities are limited except in New York, California and a few other jurisdictions, since only JD graduates are permitted to take the bar in most other U.S. states. (Requirements vary and change from time to time.)

How does the value of a U.S. LLM degree for a foreign lawyer compare?

For some foreign law graduates, a U.S. LLM program provides a level of rigorous, practical instruction that is not easily available in the home country, along with specialized courses that may not be available in the home country's undergraduate law degree program.