llm in usa for international students

LLM (Master of Law) in USA is offered in various specialized fields like taxation, commercial law, social justice, human rights, environmental law, criminology and others. It is a 9 months to 1-year course available as a residential program in most of the universities. Some institutes also offer it as a distance-learning program. International students are required to have a 3-year bachelors degree in law is required to apply for LLM in USA. 

• LLM is offered in more than 200 colleges of the USA.
• Enrollment of students in the Master of Law program in the USA increased from 13,667 in 2016 to 19,819 in 2019.

• Average tuition cost for universities offering Master of Law in USA varies between 12,000 USD and 70,000 USD.
• Law graduates in USA earn an average salary of approximately 96,200 USD per annum. 

Why Study LLM in USA?

Following are some of the reasons that attract the study abroad aspirants towards LLM in USA: 

• With career opportunities like Diplomat or Policy advisor, the law graduates learn to negotiate treaties and maintain international relations.
• On 1^st January 2019, American Bar Association (ABA) shared the report of steady growth in the number of active lawyers i.e. 12.4% (highest since 2010).
• USA legal studies focus on the Socratic method of teaching to improve the argumentative dialogue among the students which is an important skill for lawyers.
• Through the academic year, the students get opportunities to work on pro bono cases due to high requirements in legal clinics of USA.
• The legal profession in the USA warmly welcomes female lawyers. In 2019, there was a hike of 5% (as compared to the last 10 years) in numbers of female lawyers practising in legal clinics.
• Law firms in the USA celebrate diversity. Only 20% of minorities were working as an associate lawyer in 2009 whereas in 2018 the number raised to 24%. 
• International graduates can practice law without any kind of discrimination in these law firms.
• Entry-level salaries in the legal firms range between 58,000 USD and 70,000 USD.

LLM in USA is an abbreviation of Legum Megistar (a Latin word) which means Master of Law. Students are required to complete at least 24 units while studying in the USA. Approximately 18 units consist of academic courses and rest can be completed by attending seminars or submitting a project, depending upon the university. 

Following are some of the common courses taught in LLM in USA: 

• Fundamentals of US Law
• Legal Research & Writing
• Constitutional Law, Regulations and Public Policy
• Criminal Justice
• Legal History and Legal Theory
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution
• Social Justice and Human Rights

Admission Process for LLM in USA 

In the law schools of USA, the students get the opportunity to work as pro bono and get acquainted with the legal issues. A JD, LLB or bachelors degree in law is required for admission in LLM in this country. 

How to Apply: Most of the law schools have their own portal for accepting applications. Students should send their transcripts for evaluation to LSAC’s LLM CAS 3 to 5 weeks before applying so that the agency could complete the evaluation on time and forward it to university. All the other documents must be directly submitted to the university’s address either via post or mail.