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LLM (Master of Law) in USA for Indian Students: Top Universities, Specialization, Scholarship, Requirements

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Mar 06,2024 01:24 PM IST

Are you interested in pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) from abroad? USA remains at the top spot offering the best education in the top-ranked universities of the world. Know the admission requirements, LLM programs, career prospects and a lot more.

LLM in USA.webp

The pursuit of higher education often takes students to various corners of the world, seeking the best opportunities to enhance their career prospects. One such increasingly popular higher education program is the LLM (Master of Laws) degree.

LLM is a prestigious postgraduate law degree which offers a fulfilling career to law aspirants. LLM programs are offered in various foreign countries; however, USA is a popular study abroad destination for international students. The country hosts universities with high QS World Rankings, providing a wide range of specializations in the LLM program. Let’s explore more about studying LLM in USA.

Why pursue LLM in USA?

Why do Indian students consider pursuing an LLM in USA? Here are the reasons to choose USA as an educational destination to study LLM program.

  • The United States hosts globally recognized law schools in the world.
  • American Universities offer various specializations which help students to gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen field of law.
  • USA has a strong legal job market which provides numerous opportunities for international students to gain practical experience and establish a successful legal career.
  • The salaries of lawyers have increased over the past years.

LLM in USA- Course Highlights

Below are the course highlights of the LLM (Master of Law) course in the USA for Indian students:

DegreeLLM - Master of Laws
Course Duration2 years
SpecializationsBusiness law, Criminal Law, Cybersecurity Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, Public International Law, International Tax Law, Technology Law, Competition Law
EligibilityJuris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor’s degree
Entrance ExamsIELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE
Job RolesLegal Advisor, Associate Attorney, Legal Counsel, Legal Associate, Legal Consultant

Popular Universities Offering LLM in USA

Here is a list of some popular institutions in USA which offer LLM programs-

 Arizona State University
• Suffolk University
• Northeastern University - Boston
• George Mason University
• Saint Louis University
• University of Dayton
• Berkeley College - Woodland Park

LLM in USA - Eligibility Criteria

Below is the Eligibility Criteria for studying LLM in USA:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-approved law school in USA or equivalent Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Work experience of 2-3 years
• Proof of English language proficiency

LLM in USA Requirements

Document requirements may vary by university and program however, following are the basic documents required to apply for LLM in USA.

Documents required to study LLM in USA.webp


1.  Academic Transcripts (10th, 12th and bachelor’s)
2. Transcripts should be evaluated by LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS)
3. English Language Proficiency Test Scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
4. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
5. 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR’s)
6. Curriculum Vitae (CV)/ Resume

Admission Process for LLM in USA

Follow the steps given below while applying for an LLM program in USA-

Research and shortlist universitiesResearch and shortlist the universities that best match your program of interest and profile.
Take standardized testsPrepare and attempt standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Some universities may also require entrance exams for the admission process.
Prepare documentsGather and prepare required documents such as academic transcripts, test reports, resume/CV, Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.
Apply to the selected universitySubmit your applications, along with the required documents, before the application deadline.
Prepare for interviewsSome LLM programs may require students to appear for interviews as part of the admissions process.
Accept and enrol in a programOnce you receive an offer for admission, accept it and apply for a US student visa.

Popular Specializations for LLM in USA

Various specializations are offered for LLM degree in USA, which enable students to develop expertise in their selected law field. Some of the popular LLM specializations for Indian students are-

1. Constitutional Law
2. Corporate Law
3. Intellectual Property Law
4. International Law
5. Environmental Law
6. Tax Law
7. Human Rights Law
8. Criminal Law
9. Health Law
10. Labour and Employment Law
11. Immigration Law
12. Energy Law
13. Cybersecurity and Privacy Law
14. Family Law
15. Entertainment and Media Law
16. Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
17. Securities Law
18. Banking and Finance Law
19. Technology Law
20. Administrative Law

Scholarships for Indian students

Pursuing an LLM degree in USA can be an expensive endeavour for students. However, various scholarships are available to Indian students to ease their burden of tuition and living expenses.

ScholarshipDetails
Fulbright ScholarshipTuition fee and travel expenses
Inlaks ScholarshipsTuition fee, living expenses and health allowance
University-specific scholarshipsBased on merit and financial need
Hauser Global Scholars ProgramTuition fee and living expenses
Jagdish Bhagwati FellowshipFull or Partial tuition fee
UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars ProgramPartial tuition fee

Job prospects after LLM in USA

An LLM degree from a renowned American law school can open up multiple job opportunities for Indian students. The job prospects for LLM graduates in USA are promising, but students should note that the legal job market is highly competitive. Therefore, it is essential for Indian students studying an LLM in USA to gain practical experience through internships or other legal positions to enhance their job prospects.

Some of the popular job roles for LLM graduates in USA are-

• Legal Advisor
• Legal Counsel
• Associate Attorney
• Attorney
• Legal Associate
• Legal Consultant
• Judge: Oversee Legal Cases
• Private Banker for customised financial services

US Visa Requirements for International Students

International students need to have a US student visa to pursue education in USA and F-1 visa is the most common student visa for the US. Given below are the general requirements to get a US student visa-

• Acceptance letter from the educational institute
• Academic transcripts
• Form I-20
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV/ Resume
• Proof of Sufficient Funds (bank statements, scholarship letters or sponsor letters)
• Assets valuation
• Receipt of SEVIS Fee
• Interview after submitting the documents

Pursuing an LLM degree in USA can be a valuable experience for Indian students seeking to expand their legal knowledge and expertise. USA hosts the top law schools of the world, which offer a variety of specializations, as well as ample scholarship opportunities and promising job prospects. Are you planning to study in USA? Connect with Canam- leading study abroad consultants, to navigate the application process and embark on your exciting and enriching academic journey.

FAQ

LLM (Master of Law) is a 1- 2 years long full-time degree.
LLM degree from USA is valid in India and equivalent to the LLM degree obtained in India if it is pursued after completing LLB.
USA, UK, Canada and Australia are some of the popular countries to pursue LLM for Indian students.
Lawyers in USA are in high demand. There is a rapid growth in employment opportunities for lawyers.
USA majorly offers two intakes in a year- Spring intake (January) and Fall intake (September).
The most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests in USA are IELTS and TOEFL.

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