LLM In USA?

Question

Hi, I am about to study law in the UK and I was wondering if I wanted to work in the USA and got my LLM there if i would need to pass the bar in the UK first or is it possible to just get my LLB and then go and to the LLM in America and do the usa bar?

Answer 1

The LL.M. in the United States is not enough to meet the requirements to take the Bar Exam in the U.S. that is why not many universities offer the LL.M.

What you would need is a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from the United States, this is typically a three year law program available at post-graduate level. If you got your LL.B. and/or LL.M. in the U.K. you would have to study for an additional 12-24 months in the U.S. to obtain your J.D. and many State Bar Associations require that you study in the U.S. for at least 12 months before you are eligible to take the bar.

The choice is yours, study for your LL.B. and LL.M in the U.K. and then apply to a law school in the U.S. to complete the J.D. program (an additional 12-24 months) or take the whole three year J.D. program in the U.S.

Either way, you will have to study in the U.S. to meet the requirements and just remember, that taking the bar exam and passing it does not permit YOU to legally practice law in the U.S, you will still need a company to sponsor you for an H1B visa to permit you to work.