Find the Best Path at a U.S. Law School as an International Student
Many legal students and professionals across the globe consider studying law in the U.S. as a way to expand their career opportunities. International students pursuing admission to the bar in the U.S have two educational options. Each path provides a very distinct experience and the best option for you depends on your history and your career goals.
Let's compare the J.D. and LL.M degrees, both of which can qualify graduates to take the bar exam in some states. Both options should be explored thoroughly by international students before making this strategic decision about their future.
[Find out how to get into law school as an international applicant.]
Juris Doctor
The Juris Doctor, or J.D., is the more common path for legal students in the U.S. It is typically the only option for international applicants who have not attended law school in another country. Thus, if you have no legal education and you wish to practice law in the U.S., you should apply to a three-year J.D. program.
Some international applicants who intend to practice in the U.S. but already possess a law degree from another country may also be interested in the J.D. program. A J.D. affords students three years of exposure to the U.S. legal system and offers the chance to participate in two summer internships, which is extremely valuable experience that could help them land a job after graduation.
However, for those who are already lawyers in their home countries, a three-year degree can be costly in terms of both time and money. It also requires taking the LSAT, which is a significant investment in preparation. For those who already possess a foundational knowledge of the law but need to learn specifically about American law, an LL.M program may make more sense.
[Get answers to two challenges facing international law school applicants.]
The Master of Laws
A second way to study American law is via a Master of Laws, or LL.M, program. To be eligible for admission to an LL.M program, international applicants must have a law degree from another country.
International students interested in pursuing an LL.M., however, should be aware that they may not be able to take the bar in all areas. There are different rules in different states, so international students who wish to practice in the U.S. should research programs carefully.
It is ideal for practicing lawyers who want to study the American legal system because, as a one-year program, it can save students both time and money. Additionally, applicants are generally not required to take the LSAT. This can shave months off your application process and get you in the classroom sooner.
The LL.M is especially appealing to lawyers who want to be admitted in the U.S. but primarily practice abroad. For example, this degree would suit the needs of an international lawyer who wants to work on U.S. securities transactions.
[Learn if an online LL.M program can benefit your career goals.]
A downside of the LL.M is that students only get one year of exposure to the common law system. This can make passing the bar exam challenging, particularly for students from civil code countries like France or Spain who may have minimal experience with the common law system.
Using this comparison, international applicants to U.S. law programs should carefully weigh their options to determine the most cost-effective and productive method for them. You need to consider both your eligibility for the program and your career aspirations after graduation when making this important decision.
Are you applying to a U.S. law program as an international applicant? Let me know in the comments, email me or contact me via Twitter.
