http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074 en Foreign lawyer in the US? You don't need LLM. - LLM GUIDE Discussion Board Thu, 12 May 2005 21:11:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5074 To all foreign lawyers in the US (including myself): I hope we all agree on one thing that LLM will never replace JD degree. If you intend to practice law in the US with LLM you have to understand that you are "handicapped" (class B if it sounds better) from educational point of view. If all you want from LLM is to be able to sit for NY bar exam, i think i have good news how to save admission headaches and $25,000 tuition + another $10,000 for living expenses. Here is what you can do: Stage One: Get admitted to your home Bar. Stage Two: Take and pass California bax exam as attorney admitted in foreign jurisdiction. Stage Three: no no no, just two. Congratulations. You saved $35,000, one year of your life, admission headaches AND you can call your self US attorney now. Questions? Thu, 12 May 2005 22:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5075 Hi there, u want to say that i am able (not only me) to become US attorney without US education? Might be, but one year as LLM in USA (ivy-leaque) will give me more that education: 1) Lets agree that my language skills will much more increase 2) Without LLM in US univ.(ivy-leaque) i will "handicapped" (class B) :) 3) LLM in USA give opportunity to learn american law (laws) in real circumstances 4) And not save one year but spend it in brilliant great community of US ivy-leaque univ. It might be that anybody will not agree with me but I think in such a way........ By the way, i have graduate univ. in my home country but i think i need LLM in USA to feel myself professional than foreign attorney.......Regards Thu, 12 May 2005 22:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5076 Hi there, u want to say that i am able (not only me) to become US attorney without US education? Might be, but one year as LLM in USA (ivy-leaque) will give me more that education: 1) Lets agree that my language skills will much more increase 2) Without LLM in US univ.(ivy-leaque) i will "handicapped" (class B) :) 3) LLM in USA give opportunity to learn american law (laws) in real circumstances 4) And not save one year but spend it in brilliant great community of US ivy-leaque univ. It might be that anybody will not agree with me but I think in such a way........ By the way, i have graduate univ. in my home country but i think i need LLM in USA to feel myself professional than foreign attorney.......Regards I totally agree with you with regard to spending one great year of your life in one of the US law school. My idea is likely to seem more attractive to those who consider LLM as trampline to admission to NY or any other Bar and who do not have extra $35,000 and/or do not want to sacrifice one year for of their life to academic studies of law. As for language skill, i am not sure that LLM is a right place to improve English language skills. Thu, 12 May 2005 23:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5082 Yes, i agree with u, but i think that i can have a big chanse to find job with higher salary with degree from ivy-leaque? isnt it? By the way, do u really think that mya language skills will not increase after one year in USA.? Because i am planning to admit US ivy-leaque next year...... If i am not mistaken, LLM students must have a lot of practice ( i mean English) Thu, 12 May 2005 23:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5084 Yes, i agree with u, but i think that i can have a big chanse to find job with higher salary with degree from ivy-leaque? isnt it? By the way, do u really think that mya language skills will not increase after one year in USA.? Because i am planning to admit US ivy-leaque next year...... If i am not mistaken, LLM students must have a lot of practice ( i mean English) All I am saying is that LLM is not the place to implove your English skills. You are supposed to apply them. I am quite convinced that if you take Bar preparation course from very reputable company or will hire private tutor your language skills (writing not oral) will amaze you. LLM will not teach you legal skills as much as Bar review course will. Fri, 13 May 2005 05:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5092 Hi smartguy, You seem to know a lot. Can you please advice me as to the following questions: --What are the job oppurtunities for a foreign lawyer in the US(with or without LLM)? --What sort of salaries can they expect after clearing the Bar? --How easy it is to get a job? Can you rate it on a scale of 10? --Are there any particular practice areas in which foreign lawyers have a better chance of getting a job? Conversely, are there any areas which are a strict no-no for foreign lawyers? --Can foreign lawyers expect to make it big in the field of litigation? --Is there any sort of bias against foreign lawyers especially against asians? Your advice is highly appreciated. Thanks. Cheers! Fri, 13 May 2005 06:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5095 To all foreign lawyers in the US (including myself): I hope we all agree on one thing that LLM will never replace JD degree. If you intend to practice law in the US with LLM you have to understand that you are "handicapped" (class B if it sounds better) from educational point of view. If all you want from LLM is to be able to sit for NY bar exam, i think i have good news how to save admission headaches and $25,000 tuition + another $10,000 for living expenses. Here is what you can do: Stage One: Get admitted to your home Bar. Stage Two: Take and pass California bax exam as attorney admitted in foreign jurisdiction. Stage Three: no no no, just two. Congratulations. You saved $35,000, one year of your life, admission headaches AND you can call your self US attorney now. Questions? You're right about the way of taking the BAr and starting practicing. However, let's put it this way, nobody needs you here. Most of the foreign lawyers whom I know started their own practice after passing the bar exam, because they couldn't find a job in American companies. I've done some research in LexisNexis. About ten lawyers from my country got jobs at well known American law firms after obtaining their Master degrees. Two of them completed J.D. programs after having passed the bar exams in different jurisdictions. I suppose that LL.M will increase my employability in the US. J.D. would be certainly better, but I'm not ready to be in a school until I'm 37. The California bar association allows me to take the bar exam now, although I'm admitted to practice in a civil law country. However, a preliminary job search has left me with a standard answer: "You have a very impressive resume, but we don't know what to do with you". Fri, 13 May 2005 06:33:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5096 Hi smartguy, You seem to know a lot. Can you please advice me as to the following questions: --What are the job oppurtunities for a foreign lawyer in the US(with or without LLM)? --What sort of salaries can they expect after clearing the Bar? --How easy it is to get a job? Can you rate it on a scale of 10? --Are there any particular practice areas in which foreign lawyers have a better chance of getting a job? Conversely, are there any areas which are a strict no-no for foreign lawyers? --Can foreign lawyers expect to make it big in the field of litigation? --Is there any sort of bias against foreign lawyers especially against asians? Your advice is highly appreciated. Thanks. Cheers! Intuition whispers to my ear you have never been to the us before. am i right? let's start with simple facts. once you get admitted you're not foreign attorney anymore. if you are looking for self employed carrering i doubt your client will ever inquire which school have you graduated from. if you're looking for employment in top notch law firms... well you have to be damn good... at least better than your other American candidates. as for money i think with no substantial experience you can start with $2,500-3,000/month. Litigation is not the field where you can make big money, i would say Intellectual Property is the most money attractive field now. Believe me you will not be able to handle 8 hours deposition in English. You don't have to. Think about your strong side. English is obviously not the one. No offense, Neither it is mine. I think if you can pass US bar exam and find great job in your home country you can make much more than here. Don't get me wrong, it's not about competition. There 300,000 members in California Bar. If you're able to find your niche here i welcome you to do so. If you think your strong side in your home law - pass the Bar here and go for it. Fri, 13 May 2005 06:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5097 I heard about Cal bar exam some time ago, however the bar organization requires some proof that a foreign lawyer is admitted to practice in his home country. In Russia, for example, you can practise law as soon as you finish the law faculty i.e. there is no need for a special license unless you want to be an attorney in criminal cases. So, how can I prove that I am admitted to Russian practise? Do I need to submit only my diploma? Fri, 13 May 2005 07:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5099 I heard about Cal bar exam some time ago, however the bar organization requires some proof that a foreign lawyer is admitted to practice in his home country. In Russia, for example, you can practise law as soon as you finish the law faculty i.e. there is no need for a special license unless you want to be an attorney in criminal cases. So, how can I prove that I am admitted to Russian practise? Do I need to submit only my diploma? Legaldocs, I am Russian law graduate and I am fully aware of what is going on in Russia. It is unfortunate to me that Russia does not recognize EXCLUSIVITY of legal profession. Anyone can represent in Russian court. It is shame and hopefully one day Russians will change the law and prohibit practice of law by laymen. As for now, let me stress out again, you have to be admitted to any Bar, which means you have to be the member of Russian Bar. If you graduate from Russian Law school and have 2 years of experience in legal field you can take Russian Bar exam and pass it. Believe me it is 10 times easier than Bar exam in the States. Fri, 13 May 2005 08:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5101 Hi smartguy, Thanks a lot for your prompt and detailed reply. But do let me know what gives you the impression that English is not my strong side? Thanks. Fri, 13 May 2005 12:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5110 Smartguy, Cal bar is good only if you have a degree from the country of common law system. Its written at their page that recognition process for such person is much easier; besides the education in state of continental law system is only counted towards the general education. Therefore, in my opinion, LLM/JD is necessary for sitting for any US bar exam. However, if you want to practise in Russia, I dont thnik that one should bother with the US bar exam. Fri, 13 May 2005 16:00:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5117 Smartguy, Cal bar is good only if you have a degree from the country of common law system. Its written at their page that recognition process for such person is much easier; besides the education in state of continental law system is only counted towards the general education. Therefore, in my opinion, LLM/JD is necessary for sitting for any US bar exam. However, if you want to practise in Russia, I dont thnik that one should bother with the US bar exam. Legal docs, I suggest you review the info that you posted. I repeat again: CA Bar admits foreign attorney with no matted what legal background you 're coming from. Foreign attorney means a person ADMITTED to th Bar. The fact that you're LAW graduate does not automatically makes you an attorney. Is it more clear now? Just FYI, I spoke with US attorney who worked 8 years in Moscow in one of the reputable American law offices. He confirmed that US Bar will certainly put you in better position for him as compared to other Russian law graduates. He passed this exam, he know it's not easy, he knows it is a hallmark of good lawyer, he knows that whoever passed it posses necessary lawyering skills. Fri, 13 May 2005 16:04:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5119 Hi smartguy, Thanks a lot for your prompt and detailed reply. But do let me know what gives you the impression that English is not my strong side? Thanks. No offence, buddy. All i say is that no matter how strong your English is, litigation requires a big stake of oral language skills, understanding of different accents, slang, nuances.If you think you have 100% language understanding, i appologize and... i rest my case :-) Fri, 13 May 2005 16:14:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5120 Smasrtguy, would you mind telling us what are you doing in the US? What is your position now (student or lawyer) and why did you move to the US? Thanks Fri, 13 May 2005 16:55:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5122 Hi smartguy, Please don't embarrass me by apologizing. I really didn't mean it to sound the way it eventually turned out to. I was just curious whether it was something I wrote that lead you to the conclusion about english skills. Ofcourse, now I understand what you meant. I am the one who should be apologizing and I truly am sorry. Thanks a ton for all your advice. Cheers! Fri, 13 May 2005 17:31:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5124 Privet to all Russian lawyers:-) I'm also from Russia. If you have an advocate status in Russia and can provide the Cal Bar with the proof of the status and they will aloow you to sit for the bar without any problem. I suppose it's because the first Russian attorney who took and passed the Cal Bar was a Moscow advocate. If you don't have the status, the Bar will consider your background and decide on it. A friend of mine who was a general practitioner in Moscow was allowed to take the Bar for years ago. Last year, another one, also an atoorney from Moscow, who was an in-house councel there, had to go back to Russia, obtained the advocate status and was allowed to sit for the Cal Bar upon her return. Fri, 13 May 2005 17:58:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5126 Smasrtguy, would you mind telling us what are you doing in the US? What is your position now (student or lawyer) and why did you move to the US? Thanks Here is goes. I graduated from Yaroslavl State University (Yaroslavl, Russia), Law Faculty in 1996. Upon my graduation i intended to practice law in my home city but because of the conflict with the President of local Bar association i realized i will never be practicing attorney. Thank you, Mr. Zenin. I immigrated to Israel the same year and after 3 long years i passed Israeli Bar exam from the first try. I practiced law for 5 years with my partner and i was quite happy with the way things are until i realized i am turning at the same level of spiral. I wanted to grow further up, my partner was happy with the same level of practice and clientele we were able to reach. One year ago I moved to California and i did not regret for a minute. I like America, i like the way people do business here and i truly believe we (Russians) have to learn a lot from them. Sometimes our national and ethnic pride overcome our minds. I believe one day Russia will be a great country to live in. Hopefully it will happen soon enough for me to enjoy while i am alive :-) Fri, 13 May 2005 18:05:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5127 Smasrtguy, would you mind telling us what are you doing in the US? What is your position now (student or lawyer) and why did you move to the US? Thanks Maria, I am sorry for the lyrical introduction to my lify. As for your question: I am currently employed as legal assistant and i am studying for upcoming CA Bar exam in late July. Last August I passed Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam which is part of admission requirements in most States. It was quite easy. Fri, 13 May 2005 18:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5130 Smartguy, thanks for your post. I was just wondering what had led you to the US while you're saying foreign attorneys can't be competitive without a JD. P.S. Off-topic:My full support to your statements about the fact that the Russians have to learn a lot but this is still (or wil be) a great country. Fri, 13 May 2005 18:57:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5137 Smartguy, thanks for your post. I was just wondering what had led you to the US while you're saying foreign attorneys can't be competitive without a JD. P.S. Off-topic:My full support to your statements about the fact that the Russians have to learn a lot but this is still (or wil be) a great country. Masha, ICan I call you this way? :-) The thing is that i will not compete with US attorneys. I will try to find my own niche in the market and i will compete with my self. Am i smart guy or what? :-) Fri, 13 May 2005 19:00:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5138 Masha is perfect :)) I do not have other choice than calling you "smart guy". If it's not a "gostaina", what is the niche you are talking about (I promise not to steal your idea :)) Fri, 13 May 2005 19:10:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5141 Masha is perfect :)) I do not have other choice than calling you "smart guy". If it's not a "gostaina", what is the niche you are talking about (I promise not to steal your idea :)) Smartguy is fine to me :-)) Tolik is equally ok. The niche is not clear now. I need to focus on bar exam. That's all i care for now. As we say in Hebrew: let's get to the bridge first.... Fri, 13 May 2005 19:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5143 Wasn't I missing Russians on this forum!!! And here they are, speaking about the uselessness of LL.M education on the site with a name "LL.M-Guide". I am sure that you will find a lot of alter egos here. Molodtsa, Tolik!!! Tak ih vseh!!! Fri, 13 May 2005 19:51:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5144 Matreshka, nu nado j nam vydelitsia iz obschei massy.... Kak vse- neinteresno. Pravda, Tolik? :)) Fri, 13 May 2005 20:02:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5145 Hey hey girls! Don't forget about non-Russian message board members. I understand that we are all coming coming from the biggest country in the world and I am making a suicide act by promoting non-LLM rout to bar admission :-))) but let's respect our non-Russian speaking collegues and get back to professional discussion in English. Damnl.. i sound like forum administrator now :-) Sat, 14 May 2005 18:11:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5173 Hi Smartguy: For a foreign lawyer without a LLM in US, he can't take the NY Bar Exam, but can take the California's, is that right? How can i get information from the California Bar Exam, any recommendatory website? Thanks! Sat, 14 May 2005 18:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5175 http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10115 and http://www.calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/sf_legal-edu-outside-us.pdf As a lawyer you will not have difficulties finding the relevant regulations :-) Actually, if you do find them, please post them on this board, as I haven't... Sat, 14 May 2005 18:23:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5177 Actually I plan take the bar in New York, so I wasn't looking too thoroughly... Sat, 14 May 2005 19:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5185 http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/77sf.pdf CA Bar allows ALL foreign attorneys to take its Bar exam. NY allows to take its Bar exam only to those law graduate whose legal tranining durationally and substantially equals to JD and the country of legal education is based on principles of common law (e.g. if you hold 3 years law degree from UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Israel) If your law degree only satisfies one of these two requirements (e.g. at least 3 years long) then welcome to LLM, my friend. Sat, 14 May 2005 19:58:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5187 Thanks, smartguy! Tue, 17 May 2005 02:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5337 this is very interesing info, smartguy. i wonder how many of us are admitted in any jurisdiction? Tue, 17 May 2005 19:02:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5378 this is very interesing info, smartguy. i wonder how many of us are admitted in any jurisdiction? Russian, That i don't know. All i know specifically about Russia that many of my classmates are practicing law without being admitted to Russian Bar. Although it doesn't seem to be a problem to take Russian Bar exam. It should be a "piece of cake" for you if you think about taking Bar exam in America :-) Sat, 21 May 2005 10:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5618 Still cant believe what http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/77sf.pdf is saying, although it does not specifically mention the common / roman law issue. That completely changes everything. So, the way to go would be to break the first obstacle in CA. and move on to other US jurisdictions as we' d see fit? Hell of a tactic, Id say. Another question, there was an attorney from Louisiana that posted here sometime ago, but I just cant find his insertion. Would Smartguy know what the bar requirements at the blue napoleon code state (Louisiana) would be? I know LA. operates through codes of procedure - civil/roman based. Nice going smartguy, I must admit it, you have overcome yourself! "É o relatório" Sat, 21 May 2005 23:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5628 I can answer this for smartguy. I'm also a Russian attorney who considered a Louisiana LL.M some time ago. The director of an LL.M program told me that I can be admitted to practice law in Louisiana provided I'm a US permanent resident who obtained LL.M in LA. As to your disbelief in California's opportunity, it's easy to prove smartguy's correctness. Check lawyers profiles in Lexis and you'll find lawyers from civil law jurisdictions admitted to practice law in CA. For instance, Olga Karasik, a Russian attorney passed Cal bar in 1994, but obtained her LL.M in 1996. Mon, 23 May 2005 19:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5686 Please be advised, if you have a 3 year LLB from an English (common law) jurisdiciton ie. Canada, UK, Australia, NewZealand, you will qualify to sit the NY Bar WITHOUT the need for a US LLM. Thu, 26 May 2005 21:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5788 All you smart guys... Don't forget the hardest part is emigrating/getting a job. Taking the bar is easy in comparison... Sun, 29 May 2005 08:22:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5847 Hi, this is amazing information. I am an Indian, with an LLB from India. Wish to know if this find from smart guy can REALLY allow me to take the NY Bar or the CA Bar. Thanks Thu, 02 Jun 2005 22:14:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5957 Hi, this is amazing information. I am an Indian, with an LLB from India. Wish to know if this find from smart guy can REALLY allow me to take the NY Bar or the CA Bar. Thanks NY - may be, you'd have to submit your law diploma to NY Board of Law Examiners for evaluation. CA - for sure BUT only if you're admitted to practice law in India. Fri, 03 Jun 2005 21:01:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5983 Hello everybody, Congratulations and thank you to smart guy. His first posting is correct and very helpful. In my personal job search experience in California passing the bar exam is not helpful for finding a lawyer job in good law firm. If they like you they will hire you anyway even without bar admission and ask you to pass the bar next time. The reason for that is procedure, procedure and again procedure. The big law firms follow strictly very formal procedure by hiring lawyers. No exceptions. They come in September in the law schools and interview only the top 20 % of the second year JD students. LL.M's are not in this group and are not interviewed. Then they offered them summer associate job for two months in the summer before the third year in the law school followed in most of the cases by job offer for the time after graduation and taking the bar exam. So the bad news for the LL.M's is that LL.M and passing the bar do not guarantee any lawyer job in US. It will be smarter first to spot the job and then to pass the bar exam. You don't need LL.M. However if you have extra funds and one year, LL.M will be great experience, fun, studying and great new friends from all over the world. Sat, 04 Jun 2005 00:52:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#5984 Golden words, Kem. My smart and simple advice to international lawyers: don't waiste $30,000! Come here, pass the Bar and start your own practice. Be your own boss, grow and succeed and you'll have friends all over the world... for free :-) Mon, 13 Jun 2005 07:25:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6183 Hi, "smartguy", you are really "smart". I only have one question: for foreign lawyers without exposure to the US legal system, how to prepare the CA bar exam? Please share with us some of your ideas in the bar review. Tons of thanks. Mon, 13 Jun 2005 17:05:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6189 You don't need any exposure to US law. I assume you are all here as smart as me. My advise is simple: purchase BarBri study materials and study 8 hours/day with it for 2-3 months and you'll pass this exam.Trust me: you don't have to have any practical legal experience in the US to pass this exam. Thu, 16 Jun 2005 03:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6238 I really hope so as I have heard about a lot of comments as to the difficulty of the bar exam, in particular the required practical experience. If all we need is just Barbri, life could be much more easier. Thanks a lot , man. Thu, 23 Jun 2005 14:53:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6380 This discussion board was so much informative and fun too at the same time. Thanks all and thanks SmartGuy for being the 'de facto' host. Fri, 24 Jun 2005 17:41:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6406 Thank you smart guy for all the information in here. So, first, the CA Bar, after that MA Bar.. because I'm living in MA. Keep in touch. KG Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:28:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6413 If I attain an LLB from the University of London through the 2 year full time external program, can I still be admitted to CA without an LLM? Thanks. Fri, 24 Jun 2005 21:32:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6414 Hi everyone, I have a question: what if I have LLB (3 years) but I got it on-line (distance learning) - can I sit for BAR in any states? Thanks a lot.... Sat, 25 Jun 2005 00:58:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6416 my answer to both of you ladies: remember CA admits foreign ATTORNEYS (no matter what foreign jurisdiction you're admitted in), NY admits foreign legal graduates with 3 years equivalent law degree from common law countries. Even if your law degree is from UK, I wouldn't be so sure about online (correspondence) studies and I incline to say no rather than yes just because it wouln't be substantially equivalent to 3 years JD degree program in any of the US ABA accredited law schools. You'd have to submit your diploma for evaluation to NY Board of Law Examiners. see more here: http://www.nybarexam.org/ I hope this helps. Sat, 25 Jun 2005 08:55:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6420 SmartGuy, Thanks! One more question. I am from India and India is a commonwealth country and the legal ed is based on British Common Law system. It is also a 3 year LLB course. Can I sit for NY bar with the Indian LLB degree? Mon, 27 Jun 2005 20:34:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6449 I would think you can as all Israeli law graduates are allowed to take NY exam and Israel is even not purely common law country.. All you have to do is to send your legal credentials to NY Board of Law examiners for evaluation. They are the authority to determine whether to allow you to sit for NY bar exam or to study LLM. Good luck! SmartGuy, Thanks! One more question. I am from India and India is a commonwealth country and the legal ed is based on British Common Law system. It is also a 3 year LLB course. Can I sit for NY bar with the Indian LLB degree? Tue, 28 Jun 2005 06:46:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6456 Thanks SmartGuy. U r very helpful, as always! Tue, 28 Jun 2005 18:29:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6467 Smart guy, I'm living at MA. Taking the Cal Bar would asure my MA Bar? I mean, having the Cal Bar would be like a requirement to take other state Bar exams.. like MA Bar? Thanks a lot!! a lot a lot!! KG Tue, 28 Jun 2005 23:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6470 Smart guy, I'm living at MA. Taking the Cal Bar would asure my MA Bar? I mean, having the Cal Bar would be like a requirement to take other state Bar exams.. like MA Bar? Thanks a lot!! a lot a lot!! KG I don't think CA bar will help you a lot with MA bar except the following: 1) With CA license you'd be able to practice federal law (immigration, bankruptcy, TM, patents, SS etc) outside of CA throughout the US. 2) You may want to check if MA has reciprocity with CA meaning whether MA admits CA attorneys without bar exam which i seriously doubt. 3) Most of the states require its bar applicants to take MBE as part of their bar exam so there is a slight chance that MA will recognize your MBE score taken in CA for MA bar exam purpose and you will not have to take it twice. Thu, 30 Jun 2005 17:19:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6506 Hi guys, Does anybody know if it is possible to be sat for BAR (in any state) after LLM distance studying? Thanks a lot for any suggestions... Thu, 30 Jun 2005 19:42:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6510 Dear Smartguy and Others, I seek some advice. I am an Indian National with 30 years of practice in India. I wish to practice law in US. As per what I read in this Newgroup, one doesn't need to do LLM in order to take the Bar exam. And I believe this applies only the states of NY and CA. 1. Would a non US resident be allowed to take this bar exam? 2. After one clears the exam, what are the possiblities of getting hired by a Lawyer who can provide an H1B visa, to stay and practice in US? 3. Could you refer me to websites of CA and NY Bar association? Thanks a bunch, Singh Fri, 01 Jul 2005 20:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6517 I think that the state bar registration will require a social security number as per new rules. I don't know when that's going to take effect, but I know that the State Bar of California requires a social security number for registration which becomes your registration number. Not sure of other states' requirements but I'm only speaking for myself. Tue, 05 Jul 2005 21:43:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6560 I think that the state bar registration will require a social security number as per new rules. I don't know when that's going to take effect, but I know that the State Bar of California requires a social security number for registration which becomes your registration number. Not sure of other states' requirements but I'm only speaking for myself. SSNumber has nothing to do with immigration. SS will allocate SS number to foreigner if he can prove he is required to provide one. See SS website for details. Wed, 06 Jul 2005 18:28:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6577 I don't think CA bar will help you a lot with MA bar except the following: 1) With CA license you'd be able to practice federal law (immigration, bankruptcy, TM, patents, SS etc) outside of CA throughout the US. Smartguy, can I ask you to give me reference as to where can I find more info about eligibility to practice federal law? Thank you Wed, 06 Jul 2005 20:59:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6579 Smartguy, can I ask you to give me reference as to where can I find more info about eligibility to practice federal law? Thank you see this overview of "federal bankruptcy law practice exception": http://www.phillipsnizer.com/pdf/Article-ChaitmanBusBnkrptcy10-02.pdf #search='attorney%20allowed%20to%20practice%20federal%20law' I will look further for more info. Wed, 06 Jul 2005 21:06:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6580 ... Wed, 06 Jul 2005 21:09:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6582 here is a quote from the CA business and professions code. I bet you have the same provision in MA: ), a person engaging in the business or acting in the capacity of an immigration consultant who is not an active member of the State Bar of California, but is an attorney licensed in another state or territory of the United States and is admitted to practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals or the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, shall include in any advertisement for services as an immigration consultant a clear and conspicuous statement that the consultant is not an attorney licensed to practice law in California but is an attorney licensed in another state or territory of the United States and is authorized by federal law to represent persons before the Board of Immigration Appeals or the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service. Mon, 11 Jul 2005 04:21:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6649 I am a British self-employed immigration consultant in Canada. I want to strengthen my practice by becoming a lawyer: I am looking at either the JD program by Concord in California or the LL.B at the Univ of London. Either way, I want to be admitted to the California Bar after my legal education. The problem is: with an LL.B from London, will the CalBar require more education from me before I sit the exam? Does that mean I will probably need a LLM? If so, is it possible to do an LLM in one year full time or two years max part-time? What to do? What to do? Thanks, Brit-Am Wed, 13 Jul 2005 01:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6699 Hi, i am lokking for some student loan here in Texas. i want to take admission in SMU, Dallas Texas. i am on H4 and my husband is on H1. is this possible? mind he is not a citizen of USA. would appreciate a reply. thakns Wed, 13 Jul 2005 05:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6703 I just got a message from CalBar...even with an LLB from a UK university, if I do not article in the UK and become a fully-fledged member of the Law Society, I WILL HAVE TO DO an LLM or further legal study in order to sit the California Bar: From: "Esperida, Norma" >To: "Garreth XXXXXXXXX" >Subject: RE: Committee of Bar Examiners Question >Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:00:42 -0700 > >Dear Mr. XXXXXXXXX, > >No; a 3-year LL.B undergraduate degree from England is not considered an equivalent of a Juris Doctorate degree earned in the United States. Usually, it will only enable an applicant to satisy the pre-legal education requirement, and establish eligibility to take the FYLSX. Under this scenario, an applicant will still be required to complete an additional 3 years of law upon passing the FYLSX. Completion of an LLM degree at any American accredited law school will only enable an applicant to satisfy the FYLSX requirement and receive credit for an additonal one year of law study; hence, he/she will still be required to complete 2 more years of law study thereafter to qualify for ther GBX. > > >Norma Florentino Esperida >Section Chief >Eligibility >Office of Admissions >State Bar of California >(213) 765-1510 Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:52:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6758 Hi! Iam an indian law student. I am planning to sign my articles in a leading law firm of India so as to be eligible to sit for the UK Sol. exams.I would like to know whether this UK Sol. qualification would help me in securing admission in a good LLM university. Also what would be my job prospects after LLM? Further,i would also like to know as to which LLM is better with respect to the costs and also carreer wise.. Thanks. Fri, 15 Jul 2005 09:59:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6759 Also, from the discussion board i have got to know that u do not require to do LLM if u want to sit for the California bar exam.However, what would be my carreer prospects if i do qualify as an US attorney without doing my masters in law in any good international law firm? Basically, is the qualification as an US attorney good enough without an US LLM to get a good job anywhere in the world? Also,what standing does a US LLM degree hold in carreer oppurtunities? Thanks. Mon, 18 Jul 2005 18:03:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6813 I know it sounds like we are shopping for easiest jurisdiction to get in but I guess we can rename this discussion board to "Foreign lawyers in the US? You don't need BAR EXAM!!!" MA went far beyond both CA and NY. Check out Section 6.2: http://mass.gov/bbe/barapprulesaug2002.pdf I am moving to Boston :-) Mon, 18 Jul 2005 19:57:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#6818 hi smartguy, I have already troubled u many a times. Really sorry to disturb u, but since u seem to have a better view about the position of jobs for foriegn LLM students in USA.. I request you to answer these, once again: 1. If JD students can get a job without passing their BAR Exam, why is it difficult for LLm studnets to get a job (eitehr be it legal associate, para-legal, reasearch -assistant)????? 2. Also I dont get one thing: I presume that not all JD or LLM students pass tehir Bar Exam, but still they end up getting some jobs in law-firms???? and most of these students prepare for tehir BAr Exam while they are working in Law-firms....So I would liek to know as to what kind of legal jobs do tehy get into and their salary and stuff???? 3. Is it difficult to get into mediocre-law firm or small-law firm ....coz atleast I am not expecting big-gains out of my LLM degree...but a legal-aassociate job in a small-firm would also do?? 4. Also what are the important areas of laws that the firms would look for??? so these r my major queries...if anybody has answers to this..plz do post it.......i am sure it would be helpul to many otehr students...(well the reason behind asking these questions is that most of teh foriegn studnets take some loan to complete their LLm's in USA and so inorder to repay this laon, we have to find a job finally.) Sat, 09 Sep 2006 10:36:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21043 Yes, i agree with u, but i think that i can have a big chanse to find job with higher salary with degree from ivy-leaque? isnt it? By the way, do u really think that mya language skills will not increase after one year in USA.? Because i am planning to admit US ivy-leaque next year...... If i am not mistaken, LLM students must have a lot of practice ( i mean English) Sun, 10 Sep 2006 06:55:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21060 Although dated, this is a great thread started by Smartguy. He is absolutely correct. If you are a lawyer in your home country, common law or civil law, it doesn't matter, you can take the California bar exam and become a California lawyer without any further legal education. You do not need a JD or LLM to take the California bar if you are a lawyer in your home country. You do not need to be a US citizen or permanent resident to take the California bar. However, if you go this route, it will be almost impossible to get a job with a large law firm. If you want to start your own practice, work for a mid sized or small law firm, or work for the government this may be an option for you. Tue, 12 Sep 2006 08:42:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21094 Hi richarddvf, You're right. This is a great thread satrted by smart guy. I've known that you don't need to be a permanent resident or a US citizen to take the CA Bar. But after being admitted after passing the Bar, would you know if a lawyer would still need a working visa if he intends to practice on his own and not work for a firm? I plan to take the bar July next year so I'm trying to see employment options after passing... Wed, 13 Sep 2006 06:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21117 I am not an immigration lawyer, but I am fairly certain that you would need some type of work authorization to open your own law parctice in California. You might want to ask an immigration attorney about getting a work visa once you pass the bar. Wed, 01 Nov 2006 03:44:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21787 To all foreign lawyers in the US (including myself): I hope we all agree on one thing that LLM will never replace JD degree. If you intend to practice law in the US with LLM you have to understand that you are "handicapped" (class B if it sounds better) from educational point of view. If all you want from LLM is to be able to sit for NY bar exam, i think i have good news how to save admission headaches and $25,000 tuition + another $10,000 for living expenses. Here is what you can do: Stage One: Get admitted to your home Bar. Stage Two: Take and pass California bax exam as attorney admitted in foreign jurisdiction. Stage Three: no no no, just two. Congratulations. You saved $35,000, one year of your life, admission headaches AND you can call your self US attorney now. Questions? Hi there, I do have 1 question for you: Can you give me more studying tips and/or materials? Really appreciate those, Regards, Lisha [Law graduate from Civil Law System] Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:49:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21953 Hi SmartGuy! I am a lawyer from Brazil moving to NY. I am enrolling myself in International Law Courses at one of those LLM offered by NY Universities. Please give me some advise, what is the best field to work in NY for a foreigner-lawyer like me? Which field do I have more chance? Thanks for your help!!!! Thu, 09 Nov 2006 09:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21957 Hi SmartGuy! I am a lawyer from Brazil moving to NY. I am enrolling myself in International Law Courses at one of those LLM offered by NY Universities. Please give me some advise, what is the best field to work in NY for a foreigner-lawyer like me? Which field do I have more chance? Thanks for your help!!!! Hey worldisavillage, I guess smartguy has left the building :-) Sun, 12 Nov 2006 05:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#21992 I beg to differ. Large law firms know that anyone with a 3 year law degree from a common law country can sit the NY or CAL bar. The only advantage I can see in that is if you decide to work for yourself (and there is a legal way to do that under US immigration law) or you speak fluent Spanish and can go work for a small firm in desperate need of a law licensed Spanish speaker. In fact, there is a large demand for Spanish speaking attorneys by small firms in California in the fields of criminal, domestic, and immigration law. So if you speak good Spanish and are eligible to sit the CAL bar, I'd do it without the LLM, at least if you want to work in the US in those practice areas. However, as far as biglaw is concerned, either in the US or back in your home country, just passing the NY or CAL bar will not give you an advantage over other candidates, unless you have something truly unique to offer, like sought after language skills (Spanish, Russian, Mandarin etc). So, if you have a good academic background and a few years of relevant work experience back home, then the LLM should suffice e.g., a UK solicitor with a 2.1 LLB from a good UK uni followed by 2 or 3 yrs experience in say corporate finance at a London-based City, MC, or US firm should have little difficulty securing a position in NY after completeing an LLM from a top 20 US law school and passing the NY bar. However, these types are usually able to secure a transfer to NY from London and stay with their firm anyway. Anyone else i.e., most of us - average to good academics from undergrad law schools in Europe/Asia etc, and little post qualification experience - need the JD, at least to get into biglaw or any medium to large firm in any US city. Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:38:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#22733 Interesting comments. Im actually going at this the reverse - doing a weekend BVC right now and already have 6 years experience in MC and Corporate Finance in Canary Wharf. By UK LLB (which I did part time) was a 2.1 - do you see people with the background you describe moving to NY often? Also, any idea what the pay is at 'big law' in NY - I am around 100K base (pounds) right now but more on the banking side looking to shift over to the legal side. Thanks Tue, 19 Dec 2006 05:23:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#22872 hi, i just joined this blog and find it really informative. i am currently enrolled in the uiv. of london external programme and was wondering if i would qualify to sit the CA bar. i know i looked up the website and it seemed that all u needed was a law degree not neccessarily that u be admitted to the bar in your home country. i am a little confused. Tue, 26 Dec 2006 04:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#23053 hi, i just joined this blog and find it really informative. i am currently enrolled in the uiv. of london external programme and was wondering if i would qualify to sit the CA bar. i know i looked up the website and it seemed that all u needed was a law degree not neccessarily that u be admitted to the bar in your home country. i am a little confused. I am considering enrollment in uiv. of london external programme myself. May I ask you, did you enroll in LLM or LLB? If it's LLM, what was your undergrad education? Tue, 26 Dec 2006 05:57:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#23056 I am a California lawyer. It is not that difficult. If you are a lawyer in your home country you are eligible to take the California bar exam, period. Your education qualifications do not matter. Common law, civil law, it doesn't matter. A 3 year LL.B from the UK will be sufficient so long as you are a licensed lawyer in the UK. If you are not a lawyer in your home country you need to have the educational equivalent of 2 years of undergraduate and 4 years of common law legal education. An US LL.M would count as 1 year of the 4 years of common law legal education required. Here is the information link if you are not a licensed attorney in your home country. http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/sf_legal-edu-outside-us.pdf Here is the information link if you are a licensed attorney. http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/77sf.pdf Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:23:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#33990 I am a foreign lawyer with LLM from India.. and applied to the cal bar in June.. to see if i am qualified.. the procedure is simple.. just register online as an attorney and send your home country bar council admission certificate which has details of registration no etc.. ( it took only 10 days for the process and i know that i can take the bar exam as Smart guy said.. Smart Guy: i have few questions for you.. I am aware that i need to do the MBE and General bar exam to do this.. But i dont know how to go about this.. ( Could i take the bar GB Exam & MBE together ) what is your take home on this.. what is the syllabus like.. which books to follow.. i am getting really confused trying to get these information.. could you pls help.. ?? Cheers Tue, 31 Jul 2007 05:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#33995 Hi, congratulations on getting through the first step i.e registration. i plan to take the bar in Feb next year. frinds of mine suggested to buy the Barbri study material. this is good. one of my frnds has ordered for Celebrations bar exam preparation guide. i am waiting to hear from her about how good the materials are. you can log on to barbri.com to learn more about this. priya Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:18:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34019 Hi Priya.. that is cool.. we can be buddies in preparing for the exam if you dont mind.. you can mail me @ rohinik26@gmail.com Fri, 17 Aug 2007 12:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34562 Hi Smartguy Need your comments here. I've a 3-years JD in Hong Kong [quite similar to LLB in UK or Australia] but NOT a qualified lawyer in my home town and i want to practice law in CA. Can you please comfirm if the steps i'm taking make smart sense to you to become a CA lawyer? 1.make credential evaluations to CA Bar association-approved service [i'm using www.wes.org] to see how long di i need to take legal eduation in the US 2 make application to CA bar exam association re this education requirement; 3. get confirmation from CA bar association to see if i need one or more years of legal study, if yes, go ahead for LLM in US [can't save US$35,000] 4. try my best to get best results in this 9-month course; 5. try my best to get a job in one-year practical training; and simultaneoously take Bar exam; What do you think? Many thanks for all of you here! maurice Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:17:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34813 Hi, congratulations on getting through the first step i.e registration. i plan to take the bar in Feb next year. frinds of mine suggested to buy the Barbri study material. this is good. one of my frnds has ordered for Celebrations bar exam preparation guide. i am waiting to hear from her about how good the materials are. you can log on to barbri.com to learn more about this. priya Hey, Can u guide me as to how to do away with the requirement of the social security number while registering to do the bar exam in California?? Actually, i have done my LLB from Delhi univ. and am at the movement working with a law firm in toronto as a legal assistant. Sukhjinder Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:48:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34825 Social security requirement is exempted for foreign lawyers. You can check detail from the California Bar exam website. You can also write the New York Bar Exam with a LL.B. from India, which is much cheaper to write, if your goal is to be a US certified attorney. Tue, 28 Aug 2007 01:02:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34843 Social security requirement is exempted for foreign lawyers. You can check detail from the California Bar exam website. You can also write the New York Bar Exam with a LL.B. from India, which is much cheaper to write, if your goal is to be a US certified attorney. Hi, I understand that i can appear for both new york and california bar exams with out the social security number. But i was talking to one of the articling students in my firm, He told me that the new york bar exam is difficult as it has essay type questions and the california bar exam is easy as it is all objective type. Can anyone give in inputs?? I understand that some students may find essay type questions difficult to attempt than the objective type and some may find it otherwise. Sukhjinder Tue, 28 Aug 2007 02:15:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34847 There are essays for California bar exam too. In fact the pass percentage is much less for California bar. How easy is it to get a job with a Indian law degree in Canada ??? Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:39:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34852 There are essays for California bar exam too. In fact the pass percentage is much less for California bar. How easy is it to get a job with a Indian law degree in Canada ??? Hi there r actually no jobs for indian lawyers. Indian lawyers, infact non-canadian lawyers r not required here (except american, im not sure). If u get a job, thats only on the basis of ur experience and u will work as an assistant only. and to become an assistant, u dont have to have a law graduate. Its much more difficult to get enrolled into canadian bar as compared to any bar in U.S. Sukhjinder Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:27:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#34960 allright i'm confused.....i'm going to finish my LLB...and plan to do my LLM in the U.S...so should i do a J.D? or an LLM?....which is better and why...never heard of a JD before...forgive my ignorance :D.....hehe....thanks. Wed, 05 Sep 2007 19:00:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35042 Do a J.D. program, chances of getting a job in the U.S. is greater, than doing a LL.M. However it may cost you more than $1,00,000 in tuition and fees alone. Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:47:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35073 As a foreign lawyer from a CIVIL LAW system... to become an attorney in California... all you have to do is write the Bar exam?? Is this correct? Or do you also have to write the First Year Law Student Exam? I am a bit confused by their site. Sat, 08 Sep 2007 06:47:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35095 If you are an attorney in your home country it DOES NOT matter if you come from a common law or civil law system. To get licensed in California, a foreign attorney must register with the bar, pass the character and fitness, pass the MPRE and pass the bar exam. You do not need to take the first year examination. You do not need an LL.M or J.D. Residence status does not matter. It is that simple. http://calbar.ca.gov/calbar/pdfs/admissions/77sf.pdf Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:23:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35322 Hi Smartguy, I am a lawyer from Bombay University in India.Recently I did my LLM from Singapore but still I am not eligible for Bar in Singapore.I am planning to move to Houston in US.Can u tell me, do i have to do my LLM or (again) JD to be eligible in taking Houston Bar exam?Is anybody having idea about UK with India Law degree and Singapore LLM?As far as Job opportunities and salary is concerned, which one is better?Any rough idea about salary in both the countries. Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:12:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35333 There is no Houston Bar exam, it is the Texas Bar exam. You can take the New York and the California bar. J.D. is the king in USA. Even if you have a Ph.D/S.J.D from outside USA, you may not get a job. Doing LL.M. is OK for foreign attorneys who want to go back to their countries.Getting a job is almost impossible for foreign lawyers in the US. But I am wondering what is the use of a US LL.M., in thier home countries ???? How is the job market for lawyers in Singapore ??? Mon, 17 Sep 2007 19:07:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35336 Hi I am a french law student intending to make an LLM next year in the US (California ideally) in order to take the bar exam there and get hired also there. I am surprised you're saying that foreign lawyers have few chance to get a job in the US. What would u recommend a law student who wants to settle dow in ths US to do then ? thanks Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:57:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35355 I suggest you get a JD in two years at a good school. Getting an LLM is not the way to go if you want to stay in the U.S. more than a year after you are done with school. It is really hard to find a job, as you have less education in american law than your fellow job applicants. Some people get good jobs with an LLM. Maybe because of a certain expertise, top 10 school or language skills, but I would not recommend an LLM unless you want to return to your home country. I speak from experience. If you wish to settle down and do legal work, get your JD, if not you might be disappointed. Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:24:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35360 Hi, I am planning to settle down in US with my family and no intention to go back to my country.So by doing LLM, my chance of getting Job is less in US.Is JD only for 2 years unlike other countries?Is there any other option if I do not want to do JD. Job market for lawyers in Singapore is pretty good.Infact the supply is much less than the demand for lawyers.But there is no place for foreign lawyers who has done LLM in Singapore. They might end up doing some paralegal job. Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:58:00 +0200 http://www.llm-guide.com/board/5074/last#35367 Your chances of landing a good, permanent jobb with an LLM are small (though not non-existent) That is just how it is. Plus you will have to get a job to sponsor your visa. That will cost them some money. That makes you less worth too. Get a JD and hope someone wants to sponsor you when you are done.