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Help required, JD in US.

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Tom.Paris

Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Help required, JD in US.
Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:16 PM
Hi everyone.
I'm from Paris, currently studying Law at "La Sorbonne".
I'm doing my 2nd undergraduate year.
I know it's a little early but I'm planning on applying in a JD in the US, but I'm confused about 2-3 things.
First of all, is the J.D a 3rd cycle program ? That would mean (if anyone here knows the french system) that I would have to finish a "Master 1" (4 years) here right ?
Then, I know the requirements (TOEFL, letters of recommandation...) but one point isnt clear : the LSATs. Can I pass them like whenever I wanna or do (should) I have to wait to finish my undergraduate studies ?
Finally, is the admission process the same when you're applying as an international student (if we put aside visas stuff and all) ?
I know I don't have a lot of information, I've just started to do my "digging" on the web but I couldn't find the answers.
Last question of all, which is kinda stupid I guess... is that really hard to be admited in top law schools ? My grades are OK but it seems to me that they are very selective and I have doubts about the level that we do have in France.
Many Thanks.

[Edited by Tom.Paris on 18 Jan 2009]
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Gregor2009

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 561
Help required, JD in US.
Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:51 PM
Hi Tom,

Have a JD but was not done in US. Nonetheless, done some research before applying to LLMs in US so I have tried to assist (please double-check and correct me if I am wrong):

Not familiar with the "cycle" terminology but you can apply for admission after completing your undergraduate program. Not sure if Bachelors are awarded in Paris but once you get this it would be sufficient. No need for a Masters.

LSATS - can be done any time I think. No need to wait till you finish law school. TOEFL etc as well.

Yes, you should look at admission process for international students. I think you can only do the Visas etc after receiving and accepting an offer.

Hopefully the information I have given here is right - please double-check. Perhaps someone else can provide their input as well!


Cheers,
Greg
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Tom.Paris

Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Help required, JD in US.
Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:00 PM
Hi greg.
First of all, thanks a lot for your help.
About the bachelor, I guess it is what we call here in France "Master 1". They changed the whole system 2 or 3 years ago and it's now a big mess.
A bachelor is a 4 year studies diploma right ?
Thank you for the other informations.
Also, I wanted to know if you approximately know the score i'll need to have at the LSATs to attend a school like NYU or Columbia.
Thanks agains.
Tom
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Gregor2009

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 561
Help required, JD in US.
Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:05 PM
Hi Tom,

Thanks - Some bachelors are 3 years while some are 4 years. So I guess since you are in the French system then 4 years it is.

In relation to the score for the LSATs I can't really help you with that perhaps you need to have a look at the website. Did not really research on LSATs because they are not required for LLM applications.

Finally, for the JD, I am not sure if you know that there are some US universities which are offering 2 years (rather than 3 years) for law graduates from foreign countries. I am not sure if the program duration can be reduced to 2 years for law graduates from civil law countries but it would be good for you to consider/check. Northwestern University is one of the more popular ones offering a 2 year track. There are some univesrities which advertise for 3 year JD but can reduce it to 2 years for you (I have come across some of these when surfing through websites) - might be worthwhile to look into this as it may possibly save you some money/time.


Cheers,
Greg
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Tom.Paris

Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Help required, JD in US.
Mon Jan 19, 2009 09:52 PM
Ok, that's what I thought even if we have a 3 years diploma called Licence.
About NWU, i've heard about it but I'm more thinking about doing my J.D in NYC because I have family there, I'm thinking about three universities, maybe four : Pace U, NYU, Columbia and maybe Cornell.
Of course Pace is not as competitive as the other 3 but it seems like it has a good reputation, and maybe will it bo more accessible, even if I have ambitions.
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Gregor2009

Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 561
Help required, JD in US.
Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:22 PM
Sounds good Tom - can't go wrong with NYU, Columbia or Cornell! :)

Personally, I think it would not be worthwhile to invest another 3 years if you are considering Pace!
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Tom.Paris

Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Help required, JD in US.
Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:32 PM
Yes, I have a little doubt though.
A very good friend of my family teaches at Yale in History and I still didn't had a chance to talk with him about my future.
Do you think that kind of relation might be handy (at this point that would mean i'd have to apply Yale) ?
Another thing, what score should I get @TOEFL/LSATs to stand a chance ?
About Pace, thanks for the advice, I guess I'm just going to consider Ivys then.

PS : I heard that extra-curricular activities are really appreciated, since in France we don't have student associations and all, what kind of activity should I be doing ?

Thanks a lot for your answers.

[Edited by Tom.Paris on 19 Jan 2009]
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Russ


Joined: 08 Jan 2005
Posts: 207
Help required, JD in US.
Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:57 PM
I'm more thinking about doing my J.D in NYC because I have family there, I'm thinking about three universities, maybe four : Pace U, NYU, Columbia and maybe Cornell.


Cornell is not really close to NYC. NYC-Ithaca is a 4-5 hour drive.
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Tom.Paris

Joined: 11 Jun 2008
Posts: 11
Help required, JD in US.
Tue Jan 20, 2009 03:57 PM
Yeah, I know but still, it's closer than Illinois.
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