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Choosing to pursue an LLM is the first step. Evaluating and selecting the right LLM program for your needs is a more difficult task. Our goal at LLMinfo.com is to provide you with the information you need to properly evaluate the LLM programs available to you and ultimately help you select the program that fits your needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Area of Study or Concentration

The first issue to consider is your area of study or concentration. As LLM programs become increasingly popular the options students have to choose from are extensive. Students can select from a wide variety of LLM concentrations from Taxation or Environmental Law to Green Energy and Mediation (Alternative Dispute Resolution).

To help you select the appropriate course of study, we encourage you to carefully consider the type of career you want to pursue after completing your LLM Students interested in working for a multinational corporation may find that an LLM in International Law or an LLM in International Environmental Law may fit their needs. Whereas students who wish to work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to further women’s rights in developing nations may wish to pursue on LLM in Gender and the Law. While these are just some a few examples, as you can see, the possibilities are endless.

Once you have determined the LLM concentration you would like to pursue, we encourage you to consider location of the programs available. You may want to ask yourself these questions:

·      Where do I want to study?

Program location can be a difficult factor to consider because choosing to stay in your home country may help limit the out of pocket expenses associated with pursuing an LLM but your options may be limited and the opportunity to study certain aspects of international law and perfect your second or third languages may be hampered by local study.

Pursuing an LLM program abroad may expand your opportunities in terms of the concentrations available to you and the network of international attorneys you may meet but it will also mean taking time off of work and incurring additional expenses to pursue your degree.

We encourage you to consider an online LLM as it combines the best of both options. You are able to continue your work and stay home, while connecting with international lawyers around the globe. Some programs also offer short immersion opportunities that allow students to meet in person and experience the local legal community.

Step 3: Consider the Cost of an LLM

The cost of an LLM program is a consideration that is often closely linked to the location of the LLM program. Some students may find that pursuing an LL.M. locally is more affordable than pursuing an LLM abroad. On the other hand, students studying abroad may find that additional funding sources or opportunities are available to them if they pursue an LLM internationally. As a result we encourage you to look at the total out of pocket cost of the LLM programs you are considering:

·      Tuition and fees

·      Books and supplies

·      Travel expenses

·      Cost of living

As well as the programs available to offset these out of pocket expenditures, including:

·      Tuition forgiveness programs

·      Internships

·      Fellowships

Looking at the whole picture, you will be able to more clearly determine whether or not a program is affordable and what the total out of pocket cost will be for you.

Step 4: Start Applying

Many schools accept applications and make admissions offers on a rolling basis. This means that it is extremely important to submit your completed application as soon as practical after the schools you are interested in begin accepting applications. While every school has its own application requirements, most schools will require the following documents in addition to the school specific application:

·      Personal Statements

·      Letters of Recommendation

Step 5: Paying for the LLM of Your Choice

After you have been accepted into an LLM program and you have accepted the school’s offer of admission, you will want to make sure you have your financial resources lined up to pay for your LLM For many students paying for an LL.M. will involve a combination of financing avenues including:

·      Employer assistance

Many students find that the right LLM creates more opportunities than they originally anticipated. Taking the time to research, select, apply for and pay for the right LLM is time well spent.