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LLM vs. JD for Foreign Student?

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Gwasha

Joined: 13 Jul 2009
Posts: 1
LLM vs. JD for Foreign Student?
Tue Jul 14, 2009 05:24 PM
Hello,

I have a question regarding a friend of mine who studied law in Russia. He is interested in studying International Law and I am not sure which direction to lead him, since he's already received a law degree I assumed that his best option would be to pursue an LLM in International Law.

But after doing some simple research I am not sure if that is an option for him. All the LLM programs for students who studied law in foreign countries, keep leading me to LLM's that are focused on American Law.

Does any school in the USA (preferably NYC area) offer a LLM in International Law that a foreign law student can apply to? And will he be able to practice afterward?


Or would he just need to take the LSAT and apply to a JD program?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
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Interalia

Joined: 29 Aug 2008
Posts: 129
LLM vs. JD for Foreign Student?
Tue Jul 14, 2009 05:40 PM
Realistically,

if his intention is to practise law in the states, don't bother with the LLM. The LLM has a reputation as a "foreign degree" and is not really considered relevant by the law firms in their hiring decisions.

If he wants to go back to his own country or work for an international organization elsewhere, then there are some good international law LLMs offered by US schools. Try the one offered by NYU or the Fletcher School of diplomacy.

[Edited by Interalia on 14 Jul 2009]
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Hedek


Joined: 18 Mar 2009
Posts: 152
LLM vs. JD for Foreign Student?
Tue Jul 14, 2009 06:00 PM
JD: 3 years + up to $200k
LL.M: 1 year + up to $70k
2 extra years spent on the JD means you also have to take into account an opportunity cost equal to whatever money he'd make in 2 years minus cost of life for two years.

JD: if he wants to immigrate in the US and become an american lawyer and/or if he absolutely wants to live and work in the US for at least the next 10 years.
LL.M: if he's fine not necessarily working in the US after he graduates.

NYC: Columbia, NYU, and Fordham
Outside NYC, Harvard and Georgetown are particularly strong in international law (but in practice any T14 is fine).
At Columbia for example, you can tailor your curriculum so as not to take a single course in American law.
Same at NYU in their International Legal Studies, International Taxation, and Trade Regulation LL.M.

In theory, you can work with just an LL.M if you find an employer willing to sponsor you for all the annoying paperwork (e.g. H1B or whichever visa they'd want to put you on), in practice it's very difficult.

Lastly, I'd strongly advise against the JD if your friend can't score above 160 on the LSAT.
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Interalia

Joined: 29 Aug 2008
Posts: 129
LLM vs. JD for Foreign Student?
Tue Jul 14, 2009 06:10 PM
Northwestern has a 2 year JD for foreign law graduates

I agree with the LSAT score though. For the kind of money that you're investing coupled with the fact that it's harder to be hired as a foreigner regardless of whether you have a JD, getting into a T14 school - while not absolutely necessary - is desirable.

Additionally, I'll just like to add that NYU is really a good choice for international law. I have been taught by Joseph Weiler before and I will absolutely put him as one of the two best professors who has ever taught me. He's that good.

[Edited by Interalia on 14 Jul 2009]
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