LLM GUIDE - Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs Worldwide

LLM Discussion Board

LL.M. Discussion Board > USA > Transfer LLM to JD? RSS Feed

Transfer LLM to JD?

Author Message
aalba

Joined: 07 May 2008
Posts: 10
Transfer LLM to JD?
Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:54 PM
Would it be possible to transfer from a LLM program to JD? Is it affordable? I am an american citizen moving back to the US, specifically NYC. I hold a law degree in Dominican Republic. Language spanish, civil law system (mostly influenced by french law). Should i find job in NYC? Since a JD it's an option, do i have any chance transfering into this program after i get admitted in a LLM? I graduated in 2008.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
zakatala

Joined: 18 Nov 2007
Posts: 17
Transfer LLM to JD?
Mon Aug 10, 2009 07:16 AM
This is very interesting question. If anybody has any information about this could you please share?
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
Jackross

Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Posts: 82
Transfer LLM to JD?
Thu Aug 13, 2009 05:18 PM
A handful of schools (e.g. UCLA) advertise on their websites that they let you transfer after your LLM. See www.law.ucla.edu/home/index.asp?page=2270. The LSAT exam is not required for this route, but the transfer is very competitive and depends on your grades during your LLM year and strong recommendations from that school's professors.

Others like Northwestern (www.law.northwestern.edu/graduate/jd2.html) and Kansas (www.law.ku.edu/academics/icl/jointdegree/) offer 2-year JD's designed specifically for foreign lawyers who have completed a law degree overseas. They are given 1 year's credit for their foreign law degree and complete the JD in two rather than three years. However, these programs require the LSAT exam.

Apart from these officially advertised programs, I have heard that other law schools do informally allow transfers from the LLM to the JD program for students with oustanding records during their LLM year. I would advise contacting the law school admissions office for advice on a particular school.

[Edited by Jackross on 13 Aug 2009]

Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote
Hedek


Joined: 18 Mar 2009
Posts: 152
Transfer LLM to JD?
Thu Aug 13, 2009 05:27 PM
At the few schools where it is permitted, a very high GPA (typically >3.8) during your LL.M year is required, which is no small feat.

Even if transfer is granted, you'd still have to spend 3 years in law school to get your JD. And you will not be awarded an LL.M degree even though you've completed all its requirements.

Is the LSAT really not an option? In the end, the question comes down to what's more doable for you: a 3.8 LL.M GPA or 168+ LSAT?
Also, if you're a URM (underrepresented minority: mexican, african american, or native american) the LSAT score you need is even lower and in most cases much easier to get than a 3.8 LL.M GPA.
You should also take into account financial aids, a very high LSAT score grants scholarships (up to $70k/yr). A very high LL.M GPA will only get you into L2.
Show ProfileProfile P.M. Quote

Reply to this post

Related Programs