LLM in the USA for Indian Students: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees, Jobs, and Salary

Very few career prospects allow you to gain prestige and reputation along with power and wealth. One such field is Law, as good lawyers are in high demand owing to specialised knowledge and skills. The Master in Law, better known by the acronym LLM, is an opportunity to establish your career in this lucrative field and make a difference in society. This postgraduate course in Law and Legislation is considered among the most desirable courses in the USA for international students. It has a duration of 1-2 years, and many reputed US universities and colleges, including the University of Chicago, Harvard Law School, Stanford University, and Yale University offer it.

Why study LLM in the USA?

The United States of America, or the USA, is one of the most preferred study destinations among students from almost all countries. From diverse culture to a booming economy, the US leaves no stone unturned to allure students from various countries. If you have also been planning to pursue LLM in the USA, here we are mentioning some reasons to apply to the course.

• You can study LLM from USA’s most reputed educational institutions

• You will get quality education, research facilities, an updated curriculum, and campus life in the US

• You can get scholarships from top US universities, which will help in reducing the burden of studying Masters in Law in the USA

• You can get lucrative job opportunities without much struggle.

LLM Courses in the USA for International Students

In US Law universities or colleges, students must complete at least 24 units in the curriculum. The LLM courses in the USA curriculum are mentioned herein below:

• Criminal Justice

• Fundamentals of US Law

• Legal Research & Writing

• Social Justice and Human Rights

• Constitutional Law, Regulations, and Public Policy

• Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Legal History and Legal Theory.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in Law in the USA

LLM aspiring students must match certain eligibility criteria to study in the USA. It's advisable to verify the admission requirements and eligibility criteria of your desired university, as they differ between institutions. Here are some commonly required criteria to consider:

• A Bachelor’s degree equivalent to LLB from a well-recognised law school

• On a GPA scale of 4, you must score a minimum of 3. However, this score may vary

• You have to clear an English proficiency test like IELTS

• Some institutions may ask for a minimum work experience of 2 years.

Documents to be submitted by students:

Some of the primary documents that you have to provide to the universities are mentioned herein below:

• Your academic transcripts

• English proficiency test score

• Statement of Purpose

• Two Letters of Recommendations.

International students applying for LLM in the USA will get an F1 visa. You can apply for the visa only after receiving an offer letter from the university you applied to. You would also need to provide certain documents, such as:

• Acceptance letter from the Law school/university

• Your birth, provisional, character, and migration certificate

• A duly signed I-20 form. This works as proof that you have been officially enrolled in a university in the USA

• Proof of English Proficiency test

• GRE scorecard

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

• A Statement of Purpose

• Financial statements for the last six months

• SEVIS fee receipt.

Also read - What documents do I need to apply to the US universities?

Cost of Studying LLM in the USA for Indian Students

The total LLM cost in the USA depends on the university you are applying to. On average, the LLM fees in the USA range between 66,924 USD and 75,572 USD yearly. The cost of living can go up to 30,000 USD per month. You must also consider the pre-arrival expenses, which include the application fee, visa fee, SEVIS fee, etc.

Top Colleges/Universities for Masters in Law (LLM) in the USA

The USA boasts its top educational institutions for LLM. If you are planning to pursue your Masters in Law at a US university, you should go ahead without a second thought. Some of the best LLM colleges in the USA are listed below. You can also find the next student intake.

To know the exact application deadline, please get in touch with our IDP counsellors!

Scholarships for Masters in Law in the USA for International Students

The tuition fees for Masters in Law in US universities can be high. If you also find it on the costlier side, you can choose from the LLM scholarships for Indian students offered by the universities. So, here we mention the scholarships for LLM in the USA for you to take a look at:

• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation (Harvard University)

• Hauser Global Scholars Program (New York University)

• Merit-Based Scholarships (Georgetown University)

• Fullbright Scholarship (Stanford University)

• Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship (Columbia University)

• UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program (University of California, Los Angeles).

Career Opportunities after Pursuing LLM in the USA

You must pass the state's Bar Examination to practice as a lawyer in a state. Students with a foreign law degree can also practice in several jurisdictions like New York and California. However, around 23 states in the US allow students with only ABA-approved law schools to take the Bar examination. The job opportunities after LLM in the USA for Indian students available are:

• Attorney Lawyer

• Associate Attorney

• Law firm partner

• Judge: Oversee Legal Cases

• Private Banker for customised financial services.

The average salary in the field of Law in the USA ranges between 94,000 USD and 4,00,000 USD per annum. The salary varies per the job profiles and your experience in the field.

FAQs

Que. What is the duration of Masters in Law in the USA?

Ans. Masters in Law or LLM in the USA is typically a 1-2 years course.

Que. Can I pursue LLM in the USA after LLB in India?

Ans. Yes, you can pursue LLM in the USA after completing your LLB in India. However, you must match the eligibility criteria of the university you choose.

Que. Is LLM from the USA valid in India?

Ans. Yes, LLM from the USA is valid in India only if you complete your LLB from India first. The LLM course has to be of 2 years duration and not 1 year.

Que. How can Indian students apply for LLM in the USA?

Ans. As an Indian student, you must first find the best university that offers LLM to international students. You can then check out the eligibility requirements. If you match each of them, you can fill out the application and submit it. If your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter from the university. Some universities may ask you to take a test. In that case, you will receive the offer letter only if you clear the test.

Que. Is a GRE score compulsory for studying Masters in Law in the USA?

Ans. No, a GRE score is not compulsory. However, it depends on the university you choose to study in.

Que. Which LLM specialisation is the best in the USA?

Ans. The best LLM specialisation in the USA is Intellectual Property Rights. The other specialisations are Gender Studies, Technology Law, Corporate Law, etc.

Que. Which city in the US is the best to study Masters in Law?

Ans. The best city in the US to study Masters in Law is Cambridge, followed by other cities such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc.