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Should one pursue an LLM at a university in the USA or UK?

If you are a law graduate considering LLM, choosing between studying in the USA or the UK can take time and effort. Both offer unique advantages and are home to prestigious colleges. However, the best option may differ depending on personal interests, financial constraints, and career aspirations. For ease of comparison, here are a few critical considerations for you.

Should one pursue an LLM at a university in the USA or UK?
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Course Structure and Focus

USA: LLM programs in the USA are mainly flexible, so students can tailor their courses according to their interests. Even though the programme is one year, some universities offer extended two-year programs. US LLMs are particularly strong in corporate law, intellectual property (IP), technology law, and international law.

Moreover, many programs allow international students to sit for the bar exam in some states, like New York, allowing them to practice law in the US. 


UK: In the UK, LLM programs are also one year long and more academically demanding and tend to be more precise in specialties like international trade law, European law, and public international law. UK programs focus more on theoretical knowledge than professional practice. Even though UK programs provide an excellent academically trained individual, they generally lack practice preparation compared to US programs.


Bar Exam Eligibility

USA: Among the most essential benefits of pursuing an LLM in the USA is eligibility for the Bar exam in states like New York and California. Upon passing the Bar, students are licensed to practice law in the US.


UK: In the UK, LLM programs are not a path to Bar qualification; students looking at practicing law in England and Wales will require additional qualifications, for example, the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC).


Cost of Education

USA: Studying in the US is a costly affair. Tuition fees for an LLM can go up to as much as $50,000 to $70,000, and costs for a living can be $15,000 to $25,000 per year, considering the locality. Several colleges provide scholarships and financial aid; however, on average, the cost is higher than that of the UK.


UK: The LLM programs in the UK are relatively less expensive. Tuition fees range between £10,000 to £25,000 per year, and living costs are about £12,000 to £15,000 per annum. Shorter programs in the UK also reduce one's living expenses throughout the course and hence turn out to be much cheaper for most.


ROI

US: The highest incentives to do an LLM in the US include high pay. Starting salaries in the US for lawyers range from $120,000 to $150,000, especially in large firms or corporate legal departments. However, the job market can be very competitive and challenging, especially for international students, because of visa restrictions in many cases. Post-LLM, securing a job in the US calls for much networking, academic performance, and work experience.


UK: In comparison, lawyers in the UK start with salaries ranging between £25,000 and £50,000. However, the UK legal market is more significant, especially for those interested in international trade law, human rights law, or Commonwealth legal systems. Second, UK graduates can more easily get legal work throughout other Commonwealth countries since their legal system is similar to the common law tradition in the UK.


Opportunities after Studying

USA: The OPT allows international students to work for 12 months in any legal area upon completing an LLM. To remain longer, you can apply for the H-1B visa, but competition is sometimes stiff.


UK: The Graduate Immigration Route in the UK allows the students to stay for up to 2 years after completing LLM to work or look for employment. This can be helpful for international students as they will have sufficient time to search for legal jobs within the European Union or the UK. Moreover, the UK has more straightforward routes to practice law in Commonwealth countries, making it desirable for students interested in international law or working with multinational firms.


Conclusion: 

Some significant factors to reflect upon when you have to decide whether the USA or the UK is suitable for your LLM pursuit include:

Career Goals: Do you want to practice law in the US, UK, or abroad? The US will be a more suitable destination if you are likely to take the Bar and practice law within the country. At the same time, the UK would be the perfect choice for anyone interested in international law or working in Commonwealth countries.

Budget: Are you prepared to invest more financially for a US LLM or prefer a more affordable, shorter program in the UK?

Opportunities for the Bar Exam: Do you plan to sit for the American bar exam? A US LLM opens the door to legal practice by granting eligibility in places like New York. More academic rigor is the objective of a UK LLM, making it perfect for jobs in Commonwealth nations or international law.

Considering these factors, you will make a choice that supports your professional ambitions, budget, and interests. Whichever path you choose, an LLM from a superbrand university in the US or UK will enable you to pursue fantastic opportunities in law schools worldwide.

We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success.

Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.



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