Llm's And Legal Practice: Who Can Practice Law?

The LLM and JD are both degrees in legal studies that aspiring lawyers pursue to practice law. While a JD is a prerequisite for US lawyers to practice law, an LLM is an advanced and optional degree that JD holders can pursue to further their careers by specialising in a specific area of law. In the US, a JD degree is required to take the bar exam, which is necessary to practice law. However, in certain states, individuals with an LLM degree can take the bar exam, particularly if they are foreign-trained lawyers. In other countries, such as England, additional training courses are required to practice law after obtaining an LLM.

Can an LLM Practice Law?

LLM vs. JD

The Juris Doctor (JD) is the most common way to practice law in the United States. It is the initial, postsecondary law degree necessary to sit for the bar examination and practice law in a US jurisdiction. A JD provides foundational knowledge and covers general law concepts.

The Master of Laws (LLM) is a secondary degree for lawyers who have already obtained their JD and passed the bar exam. It is designed to provide advanced training and allows lawyers to specialize in a specific area of law. An LLM can help attorneys attract clients in fields where the credential is highly valued and can open up more job opportunities.

While a JD is typically a three-year, on-campus graduate degree in the US, an LLM can be completed in as little as 12 months through an online program. LLM programs often require a thesis and may offer more rigorous courses. They are usually designed for international students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the US legal system, although they can also be used to overcome the stigma of a poor GPA or having attended a low-ranked law school.

The choice between pursuing a JD or an LLM depends on an individual's career objectives and their current level of legal education. A JD is necessary for those who want to become practicing attorneys in the US, while an LLM can provide career advancement and specialization opportunities for those who already have a law degree.

LLM as a specialised degree

An LLM, or Master of Laws, is a globally recognised postgraduate law degree that enables students to study a specialised area of law. It is an optional, advanced degree in legal studies that can be pursued by Juris Doctor (JD) holders to further their careers by specialising in a specific area of the law, such as technology, immigration, or taxation.

A specialised LLM allows students to focus on a specific area of law that interests them, enabling them to develop deeper knowledge and understanding. For example, a student interested in a career in commercial law could choose a specialised LLM in that area, gaining in-depth knowledge that can be applied to their work in legal practice. This advanced training in law can enhance employability and earning potential, making it a valuable qualification for practicing lawyers.

The LLM is distinct from the JD in several ways. While a JD is a broader program that provides the knowledge to pass the bar exam and practice law, an LLM provides advanced training with a narrower focus on specific aspects of the law. The LLM is typically a one-year program, compared to the three years required for a JD. Additionally, while a JD is a requirement for lawyers practising in the US, an LLM is not necessary but can enhance a lawyer's expertise and employability.

The LLM is a versatile degree that can be pursued through various modes of study, including full-time, part-time, and distance learning. It is available at numerous institutions worldwide, including in the US, UK, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Australia. The entrance requirements may vary, with some programs requiring a first degree in law, while others accept students with non-law degrees.

In summary, the LLM is a specialised postgraduate degree that allows students to focus on their specific areas of interest within the law. It is a valuable qualification for lawyers seeking to advance their careers and enhance their expertise in a particular field of law.

LLM eligibility and requirements

Degree Requirements

Almost all law schools require applicants to hold a professional law degree, such as a JD or LL.B. (an undergraduate bachelor's degree in law common in the United Kingdom). Some European and British schools have more flexible requirements, asking for either a degree in law or another degree with work experience in the legal field. For example, the University of Reading considers students without a law degree if they can demonstrate their capacity for advanced legal study through work experience or a strong academic record. Similarly, King's College London accepts students without a law degree if they hold a similar degree, such as a Graduate Law Diploma, and have three years of work experience.

English Language Proficiency

If you're applying to a law school in an English-speaking country, you must provide proof of English language proficiency. Schools in the United States and the United Kingdom typically require non-native English speakers to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) results. The minimum scores vary across institutions, but students are generally expected to have achieved a high level of proficiency in English. For instance, Berkeley sets its minimum TOEFL score at 100 for the internet test, 600 for the paper-based test, or 7.0 on the IELTS.

Other Requirements

In addition to degree and language requirements, some law schools have additional specific requirements. For example, Maastricht University requires students without a law degree to take an entrance exam. Certain American schools, such as Temple University, have requirements for specific LLM specializations. In this case, applicants for the LL.M. in taxation must have completed a relevant course at law school or have relevant work experience.

Course Requirements

Once enrolled in an LLM program, students must complete specific course requirements. For instance, at NYU School of Law, students must complete at least 24 credits in fall and spring and meet the requirements of their chosen specialization. They are also required to attend classes regularly, complete all course requirements, and take examinations at the scheduled times. Similarly, at George Washington University, students must complete 24 credit hours, including the required curriculum in the specialized programs, attend a minimum of two consecutive semesters, and achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 (2.67 for non-U.S. law school graduates who previously earned an LLM from a U.S. law school).

LLM career outcomes

An LLM, or Master of Law degree, is an advanced and optional legal qualification that allows those with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to further their careers by specialising in a specific area of law. While an LLM does not qualify someone to be a licensed lawyer, it can open doors to a variety of legal and non-legal careers.

Legal Careers

LLM holders can pursue a wide range of legal careers, including working in top law firms, research institutes, public policy think tanks, and universities. They can enter the legal industry as legal associates, contracts specialists, assistant professors, or legal consultants. LLM graduates can also find job opportunities in the government sector, such as public prosecutors, civil judges, and legal associates in various government departments. Additionally, international organisations like the UN may be an option for LLM graduates.

Non-Legal Careers

LLM graduates can also explore non-legal careers where their legal knowledge can be advantageous. For example, with an LLM in Consumer or Competition Law, individuals can pursue a civil service career regulating trading standards or work as an in-house advisor for a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company. An LLM in Medical Law or IT and Communications Law can lead to opportunities at regulatory agencies in the healthcare and technology sectors, while an LLM in Employment Law can be useful for human resources or legal recruitment roles. An LLM in Business Law can be a stepping stone to becoming a company secretary, provided that additional professional qualifications are obtained.

Academic and Research Careers

For those interested in academia and research, an LLM is often a mandatory step towards becoming an assistant professor. LLM graduates can also pursue PhD programmes at world-class universities, further enhancing their career prospects.

Specialisations

The value of an LLM can be highly dependent on the specialisation and the reputation of the school. For example, an LLM in Taxation or Environmental Law from a top-ranked university can significantly improve job prospects and earning potential. Additionally, for those with a foreign law degree who wish to practice in the US, an LLM from a reputable school can be essential for career advancement.

LLM and the bar exam

A Juris Doctor (JD) is a degree that aspiring lawyers in the US are required to have to practice law. An LLM, on the other hand, is an optional, advanced degree in legal studies that JD holders can pursue to further their careers by specialising in a specific area of law. While a JD prepares an individual to practice law, an LLM provides advanced training. A JD is a prerequisite for taking the bar exam in all American states. However, some states allow individuals with an LLM to take the bar exam without a JD.

While a JD is a broad program that covers the foundations of law and provides comprehensive experience with practising law, an LLM has a narrower focus and allows students to specialise in particular aspects of the law. An LLM is more theoretical than a JD, which offers more practical, real-world applications. The bar exam can be challenging, and individuals with an LLM may face unique challenges when preparing for it. LLM students typically experience a different curriculum than JD students, and access to preparatory materials can be difficult. Early research and planning are crucial for LLM candidates intending to take the bar exam.

Foreign-trained lawyers can use LLMs to gain eligibility to take the bar exam in several US states. However, eligibility requirements vary across states and are subject to change. For example, thirty states allow foreign-trained lawyers to take their bar exams, but each state has different stipulations. Factors influencing eligibility include whether the individual attended a foreign law school that meets American Bar Association standards, their legal education system, and their authorisation to practice law in a foreign jurisdiction.

Of the thirty states, five—New York, California, Georgia, Washington, and Wisconsin—allow students to take the bar exam based on completing an LLM at an American school. Additionally, Louisiana allows LLM graduates with the proper visa status to work in the US to be eligible to take the bar exam in the state. To be eligible to take the bar exam in Louisiana, LLM students must earn 14 credit hours in professional law subjects in various categories.

Frequently asked questions