Is a JD Law Degree Preferred Over a LLM in the United States?

[Mrstivensen]

I have heard the job scene in the United States after doing a LLM for foreign applicants isnt too bright as they always prefer someone with a JD over someone with a LLM frm US.
Is this true ?

My concern stems essentially due to the Huge amount of Fees that an international student pays and -the no job scene sounds depressing

Please advise me regarding this ...

[ahmadjoannagck]

It is true that job opportunities for LL.M.s are limited as compared to J.D.s. For some reason, law firms tend to prefer a J.D. over an LL.M. I graduated from a top 5 U.S. law school's LL.M. program, passed the NY Bar and worked as an Associate at a major NY law firm. Finding a law firm job is not impossible, but certainly challenging in this economy. After moving to Boston to join my husband, I discovered that I was ineligible to take the Massachusetts Bar and that Boston law firms prefer to see the J.D. label on the resume.

From a long term perspective, if you are planning to settle down in the U.S., it makes more sense to do a J.D. Usually LL.M.s are international students and based on my experience, the LL.M. program is mainly a money making one for U.S. law schools. A J.D. will open doors which are completely closed to an LL.M. As a J.D., you will be able to apply for judicial clerkships, participate in clinics, be on law reviews (assuming you have excellent grades). Further, after a J.D., you will be able to take the Bar in any U.S. state and hence it will give you tremendous geographic flexibility. With an LL.M., you can take the Bar only in two states- New York and California.

I know the investment in terms of time and money is a lot, especially if you already have an LL.B., but it is worth it.