Pros and Cons of Doing an LL.M.? An in-depth Analysis from an LL.M Graduate

 Pros and Cons of Doing an LL.M.? An in-depth Analysis from an LL.M Graduate

First, let me convince you why I am a credible resource to write on this subject in the first place. Like many who look for advice on this issue, I have my LL.B. in a non-English speaking – 3rd world country. Although I went to the best a non-private law school, after graduation I did not feel like I was competitive enough to get the job I wanted. Although I was not completely wrong to think this was I was wrong to believe it was because I lacked a degree from a rich law school that provides a English education and valuable network. So, even I knew that it meant great sacrifices (mostly financially), I did an LL.M. in New York at a private law school that ranks in 100 best law schools in the country. I am writing this so you are well-informed not to make mistakes I did.

Good reasons to do an LL.M.? 

1. Accreditation to take the American Bar Exam: Well, it is widely known that most of the LL.M. students here in America are foreign students who dream to practice/live in America. LL.M. is a short cut to become able to take the American Bar. If the education you get in a year (compared to a 3-year JD education) is enough the PASS the BAR or, after FIND a JOB is another issue. The point is that if you are a foreign student with a LL.B. you cannot simply take the plane and take the bar in America. But if you are a foreign with an LL.M. degree you are eligible to take the Bar.
2. Learning New Areas of Law or Specializing in an Area You Already Know: Let’s take ‘public international law’ as an example. If you have an LL.B. you most likely already took international law, so, assumingly, you know the basics. If you are lucky enough your law school also provided additional – more specialized courses in international law such as law of the sea or international criminal law. But most of the time, your LL.B. education only provided you with shallow education in international law. So you want to learn the in-depths to become able to practice more widely. Then an LL.M. might help you learn more. In the second scenerio, you want to practice international trade law. Again, during your LL.B., you only took a shallow ‘private international law’ course. You rightfully think that you don’t know enough. So you do an LL.M. in international law and take courses in international trade law.
3. Learning or Getting Better at English Law Terminology: Of course, this should not be the only reason but it is a good reason too. It is not like you can easily achieve this by occasionally reading law textbooks at home. I can tell that there is a huge difference between my English level (both professionally and daily) thanks to being have to read pages of law textbooks, the class discussions and of course hours-long law exams.

Not good reasons to do an LL.M.? 

1. Travel and Pick up a New Language: I have done my research on what is advised on this issue. This was one of them in a respectable newpaper. If you are rich you may consider doing an LL.M. and yes, it would be a good opportunity to travel and learn the culture. If you cannot or are not willing to afford $60, ooo to take a vacation then this is really not a good reason to do an LL.M. If you have more reasonable purpose to do an LL.M., traveling and learning a new language would already be a bonus.
2. Extend your Network: Network is important. It is more important than everything related to finding a job I would say. Doing an LL.M. to extend your network is a better reason to spend a year and $60, ooo. However, if you are foreign doing an LL.M. you will take your courses with JDs who are unlikely to be foreign. So, you see this is a good thing and a bad thing. It is a good thing because you have a chance to make friends with future lawyers in America. But keep in mind that they invest a lot of money than LL.M.s do. It is my experience that they are quite anxious about finding a job and paying their debts. This means good GPA, internships etc. What I am trying to say that they already have a lot going on that they might not be ‘friendly’ as you would want them to be. So, if you want to do an LL.M. mostly because you want to expand network, be aware this fact.