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MLB or ILF LLM?
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LLM applicant 
Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 1 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
I have been admitted to both of these programs and as the deadlines are coming up I think I finally need to make a decision. I'm wondering which one is better especially in terms of getting a law firm job in the long term? Any thoughts?
Tue Apr 29, 2008 07:43 PM |
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Lamine 
Joined: 08 Aug 2007 Posts: 7 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
Appears that several people are facing this dilemma b/c the programs appear to be so much alike.Thu May 01, 2008 03:33 PM It is a close call for me as well, but I tend to lean towards ILF b/c (1) it is in Frankfurt, where there appear to be far more int'l job opportunities (which you would still have access to through the MLB), (2) it is 5000 euros cheaper for what appears to be at least an equivalent program, if not better, (3) the coursework, while more limited than the MLB, allows you to gain substantive knowledge according to the traditional schedule, rather than cramming numerous topics in 3/4 days at a time (this largely depends on your preference and objectives in pursuing the program), (4) an LLM is easily recognized throughout the world, whereas an MLB would always have to be explained. Having said this, Bucerius is the #1 ranked law school in Germany and WHU is the #2 business school. However, this may not matter as much outside of Germany, especially when employers are comparing a recognizable LLM to an unknown MLB (which is an issue for me as an aspiring attorney -- may not be so for business and econ grads). Not claiming that this is a definitive issue for employers, but it is one that crossed my mind in the decision-making process. Hope this helps, at least a little! |
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| oujock79
Joined: 28 May 2006 Posts: 1 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
I am a current student in the Bucerius/WHU Masters program and I was having the same issues when I was applying. I am a US attorney and I wanted to make sure that the MLB degree was beneficial. I visited both institutions and from the time I visited both I knew that Bucerius/WHU program was for me. The program has so many contacts with huge international law firms throughout the world. I went on 6 interviews and I received 6 offers for my internship because of the Bucerius name. There include firms such as White & Case, Linklaters, and KL Gates to name a few. Because there was so much interest I am completing another internship in July. We had students complete their internships in New York, Washington DC, London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and various other locations all at top firms or banks. Mon May 05, 2008 12:20 PM As far as Hamburg to Frankfurt....all of the law firms in Frankfurt also have offices in Hamburg. Hamburg is the 2nd largest city in Germany and is growing bigger everyday. If you visit both locations you will agree that Hamburg has a higher quality of life and cheaper living than Frankfurt. If you are interested in doing your internship in Frankfurt that is very possible. I think there were 10 students there this year. If you are wanting to stay in Germany afterwards I think the Bucerius/WHU names are more significant than the ILF but you can let the ranks make up your minds. Since the program is also coming to a close I have started my interview process and through Bucerius I have a nice interview at one of the largest shipping companies for inside counsel. Plus the firms that I interned with have US locations which I am also speaking to about positions. As for classes, their is a great benefit to having guest lecturers from Deutsche Bank, IBM, Allen & Overy, Lovells, CMS Hasche Sigle and various other banks or law firm partners. You not only learn the basic concepts but you are learning how these concepts play out on a day to day basis. You are forming relationships with these important business contacts who can help with internships or for letters of recommendations. Yes you have to work harder and be prepared for the classes ahead of time, but in return you there is no comparison to the knowledge and actual experience the teachers can provide. Bucerius has just opened up another institute in DC, Israel, and China. Bucerius has many connections with hundreds of LLB/JD institutions throughout the world for their semester exchange programs. Bucerius and WHU receive substantial financial support from banks and law firms and are very well known. I found out about the program from a partner at White & Case Hamburg, the other US student here found out from an attorney in DC so the name is out there. This is just the second year and I would say that it has been a huge success. The most renown German scholar on German Business Forms also is the Dean of the school and taught classes in the MLB program. As for as the 5,000 more, I think you can make that back your first year of working... If you have any other questions or concerns I will be happy to answer them for you. I know it is a hard decision which I also had to make last year, but I am 100% happy with this program and would do it all over again. [Edited 05 May 2008 by oujock79] |
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| Mr. Lawyer Joined: 11 May 2007 Posts: 55 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
It is widely known that Bucerious is a great place for undergrads. When it comes to post-graduation and LL.M their quality and reputation in the German market suffers a important loss.Tue May 06, 2008 07:45 AM It is undisputable, definitive that the ILF is the leading Institute for finance in the continental europe. If you wanna to check it, just have a look at the posts from both schools since the very beginning. There are some interesting internal comments regarding both courses at the LLM.Guide. Ciao |
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btr
 Joined: 03 Feb 2008 Posts: 9 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
LLM Finance represents the golden ratio (at least for me) by numerous aspects such as:Sat May 10, 2008 11:01 AM a) the city (financial center of the continental Europe and closer to most of the nice places to be seen) b) university (has a good reputation both for its law and business schools) I don't know but I can admit that Bucerius/WHU may be slightly better but can this change the whole scene? c) courses are more appropriate (at least for me) with specific banking (commercial, investment, central banks, etc.) issues d) I didn't like the module system at MLB e) internship (Also MLB has it but leading banks have their headquarters in Frankfurt and this makes ILF internship choice better) f) the new House of Finance concept will add an enormous value to ILF I believe. g) the libraries in Frankfurt (National Library, libraries of some banks such as bundesbank, etc.) will be able to serve us the best in Germany h) Frankly, I couldn't find a reason to pay an extra 5 thousand Euros i) Simply I want LLM Finance more than MLB... Sure everyone will make his/her own decisions. These two schools are both really great and those who go to MLB will not be regretful, neither will us! Take care buddies, see you in Frankfurt in October ... |
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| Indlaw
Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
Hi, I have also been offered an admission this year at ILF. THough i am arranging for the fees, i was honestly divided to choose b/w ILF, Germany and other European univ's like UCL, Kings, LSE. Fri May 23, 2008 01:52 PM I must say that i am truly impressed with the course content and structure proposed by ILF. Are you all decided to be there at ILF this year?? Indlaw I have been admitted to both of these programs and as the deadlines are coming up I think I finally need to make a decision. I'm wondering which one is better especially in terms of getting a law firm job in the long term? Any thoughts? |
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york  Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 89 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
I would be curious to know if foreign students will get access to the German/European job market with an LLM from either ILF or MLB. Any first-hand information?
Sun May 25, 2008 07:52 AM |
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| RodrigoHart
Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 1 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
Hi York- Wed May 28, 2008 01:08 PM I did the MLB 2 years ago with the first class... I have a legal background and did my internship for the MLB at a German Shipping Line. After the internship I did my thesis for the same company and was later offered a job in the controlling department. I know of at least 3 classmates who are not from Germany but have been able to land local jobs. Hope this helps- Best, Rodrigo |
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| MW
Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
Hi,Wed May 28, 2008 01:32 PM I am a current student at ILF. At the moment I think about 5 of my non-German classmates either already have a job at or an offer to join a law firm here in Frankfurt. In addition many of the alumni work here in Frankfurt. Let me know if you want further info on the job market in Frankfurt. |
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| york Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 89 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
Thanks RodrigoHart and MW, I was just asking out of curiosity. I read a lot about these two programs in the LLM-Guide board, but I was not really sure whether the German job market is actually accessible for foreign-educated lawyers.
Wed May 28, 2008 07:55 PM |
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| mwingu
Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 1 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
there are couple of opportunities out there...many companies are looking into diversifying their teams...so you have a chance...i was in Rodrigo's class, though I have an accounting background. I had an internship at Deutsche Bank and now i am working with a Hedge Fund called Sovereign Finance down in Düsseldorf....Tue Jun 03, 2008 11:54 AM good luck! |
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| BigHeadB
Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 1 |
MLB or ILF LLM?
However, in terms of German proficiency, do global firms or banks having their presence in Frankfurt (or elsewhere within Germany) normally set a requirement that all internship / traineeship applicants must have attained a certain level of proficiency in German? It seems to me that for those foreigners who are interested in getting a job in Germany, the major difficutly is whether they can understand or talk in German. Would they place a great emphasis on the German proficiency of applicants during the selection process, and if so, are they required to show some kind of language certificates?Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:18 PM Any non-German ILF / MLB students can share their view on this? |
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