What are the job opportunities after LLM in USA for Indian students?

The job opportunities after LLM in USA for Indian students include the position of legal advisor, legal counsel, associate attorney, attorney, legal associate, and legal consultant.

What is the annual average salary for international students in USA after completing LLM course?

The average yearly salary after completing LLM in USA is approximately $96,200.

Can one pursue LLM in USA after pursuing LLB in India?

Many universities in USA accept a three-year law degree to enrol a student for LLM. However, a few ask only for a JD degree, so check with the universities to clarify.

Which is the best university to pursue LLM in USA?

New York University is the best to pursue LLM in USA.

Can the visa be extended for international students after pursuing LLM from USA?

Yes, international candidates can get their visa extended for 18 months after the LLM course to do their desired job.

LLM in USA 2024: Top Universities, Courses, Eligibility, Scholarships & Scope of LLM in USA for Indian Students

In the USA, as of 2021, there are 37,979 pending court cases, including criminal appeals, civil appeals, bankruptcy appeals, administrative agency appeals, and other miscellaneous appeals. Besides, in India, as of May 2022, 4.7 crore court cases are unresolved across different levels of the judiciary. These stats explain the need for judges, government officials, diplomats, policy advisors, lawyers, law professors, etc. So if you have decided to pursue Master of law or LLM in USA, kudos!

But is USA a worthy country to pursue an LLM degree? Which are the top LLM universities in USA? What are the LLM in USA requirements? What are the LLM scholarships for Indian students in USA?

Let’s get information on these and other intriguing questions about LLM in USA for Indian students through this all-encompassing article.

Table of Contents

● Why Study LLM in USA?

● 12 Best LLM Universities in USA

● LLM in USA Course Curriculum

● Eligibility for LLM in USA

● Application Process for LLM in USA

● Documents to Pursue LLM in USA

● US Visa Guidelines for International LLM Students

● Cost of Studying LLM in USA

● Scholarships for LLM in USA

Why Study LLM in USA?

USA is a culturally diverse country with a booming economy and home to a technological hubspot called “Silicon Valley.” Reports state from 2011 to 2021, there has been an 8.4% increase in the number of lawyers in the country.

Additionally, USA offers more than 200 law schools. So if you are an international student with a graduate degree in law, with at least an 83-86% score, you can apply for LLM in USA.

But why should an international student do LLM from USA only?

Let’s check the major reasons:

USA offers highly ranked universities, academic reputation, research facilities, updated/flexible curriculum, campus life, Socratic teaching method, support for international students, job opportunities, and an exceptional learning experience.
Throughout the academic year, the LLM students get opportunities to work on pro bono cases due to high requirements at legal clinics.
Over 20 years, lawyer salaries in the US have increased by 63%, more than the inflation increase.
International students can practice law without any discrimination by law firms.
The entry-level salaries for international students (after LLM) vary from $58,000 to $70,000.

Now you must know why LLM in USA for Indian students is a lucrative option. And why a student can pursue LLM in USA after LLB in India. Next, let’s explore the best LLM colleges in USA.

12 Best LLM Universities in USA

As per the QS world university ranking 2024, the following are the top 10 US universities that offer a course in LLM or Masters in Law USA with LLM duration in USA, and legal studies ranking. Let’s explore these masters in law USA universities.

University Name	Law and Legal Studies QS Ranking	Course Name/Duration
Harvard Law School	1	Master of Law, 1 Year
Yale Law School	4	Master of Law, 1 Year
Stanford University Law School	5	Master of Law, 1 Year
NYU School of Law	6	Masters of Law. 1 Year
Columbia Law School	8	LLM Program, 1 Year
UC Berkeley School of Law	9	LLM Traditional Track, 9 Months
University of Chicago Law School	10	Master of Legal Studies, 1 Year
Georgetown University Law School	21	LLM, 1.5 to 2 Years
UCLA School of Law	25	Master of Legal Studies, 9 Months
University of Michigan Law School	35	Master of Advanced Corporation law, 12 Weeks
USC Gould School of Law	151-200	Masters of Law, 1 Year
Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, Arizona State University	201-250	Justice Studies MS, 1.5 to 2 years

With this information, let’s check out masters in law USA course curriculum.

LLM in USA Course Curriculum

In the LLM colleges in USA, students are required to complete at least 24 units in their curriculum. Approximately 18 units make an academic course; however, one can complete the rest by attending seminars or submitting projects, depending on the university requirements. Following is the LLM course in USA curriculum.

Fundamentals of US law
Legal research and writing
Criminal justice
Constitutional law, regulations, and public policy
Legal history and legal theory
Social justice and human rights
Litigation and dispute resolution

Next, are a few best LLM in USA programs specialisations.

LLM Programs for Criminal Law
LLM Programs for Alternative Dispute Resolution
LLM Programs for Banking/Finance/Securities Law
LLM Programs for Business Law
LLM Programs for Competition Law
LLM Programs for Cybersecurity Law
LLM Programs for Energy Law
LLM Programs for Environmental Law
LLM Programs for Health/Medical Law
LLM Programs for Human Rights Law
LLM Programs for Intellectual Property (IP) Law
LLM Programs for International Tax Law
LLM Programs for Maritime/Admiralty Law
LLM Programs for Media Law / Entertainment Law
LLM Programs for Public International Law
LLM Programs for Real Estate Law
LLM Programs for Sports Law
LLM Programs in Technology Law
LLM Programs for European Business Law
LLM Programs for European/EU Law

LLM in USA for Indian students depends on factors like eligibility criteria, US student visa, document requirements for applying, etc. Let’s check the masters in law USA admission guidelines in detail.

Eligibility for LLM in USA

Following are the eligibility requirements for international students to pursue masters in law USA.

A bachelor's degree (Juris Docter, LLB, or equivalent) from an ABA-approved US law school or a foreign law school.
Minimum 3 GPA on a 4 scale or 83% in the bachelor's degree. This requirement may vary for every law school/university.
Minimum 2 years of work experience (vary for each university/law school.)
Proof of English proficiency through an IELTS or TOEFL

Application Process for LLM in USA

Taking admission to LLM in USA after LLB in India or any other law course is as follows.

Select a suitable law school per your interest, specialised program, budget, and priority universities’ deadlines.
Fill out the application forms before deadlines. You can check the dates from the official university websites.
Send the application in advance to the intake you have chosen.
Send the crucial documents to the university either through an email or a post (as asked.)

Suggested: Spring Intake in USA 2024

Documents to Pursue LLM in USA

Following are the basic document requirements of each university/college to pursue LLM in USA by Indian students.

Academic transcripts of 10th, 12th, and bachelors.
Evaluation of foreign transcripts by the LSAC’s LLM Credential Assembly Service.
2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs.)
Essay/Statement of Purpose (SOP) based on the questions asked by a university.
TOEFL scorecard with 100 scores and IELTS scorecard with a minimum 7 band.

US Visa Guidelines for International LLM Students

Next are the most crucial documents required to study LLM in USA for Indian students. These have to be submitted as part of the visa application to get an F-1 visa USA and pursue education.

Law school/university acceptance letter.
A signed I-20 form as proof that you are legally enrolled in a university in the USA.
Your birth, provisional, character, and migration certificate.
GRE scorecard and proof of English Proficiency.
2 LORs and an SOP.
Last six months' financial statements, balance certificate, sponsorship letter, and a relationship certificate with the sponsor.
Assets valuation.
Student Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) certificate.

Suggested: How to Get F-1 Visa for USA?

Along with this information, let’s check the LLM in USA cost of living for international/Indian students.

Cost of Studying LLM in USA

Cost of studying LLM in USA can further include the living expenses and university tuition fees. Let’s lay bare them one by one!

Cost of Living with LLM in USA

The total LLM USA cost for Indian students includes various expenses like exam fees, housing costs, travelling expenses, visa application costs, and others. Let’s go through each with a monthly average estimate or one-time fees.

Expense Name	Estimated/Average Monthly Cost (USD)
Application Fee	$71 to $ 95
GRE	$201.60
IELTS	$186.24
TOEFL	$179.87
F-1 Student Visa	$152.60
Flight Fare (one-way; India to USA)	$667.61
SEVIS Fee	$333.80
Accommodation	$9,147.29 - $13,733.60 monthly
Books and Supplies	$2,280.49 monthly
Meals	$2,850.61 monthly
Transporation	$1,266.94 - $2,850.61 monthly
Personal Expenses	$4282 monthly
Health Insurance	$1456.98 monthly

It is paramount to know that the on-campus accommodation costs are lesser than off-campus provisions in US universities. But the colleges/universities offer only a few seats for the students. Therefore, check the availability in advance.

Annual Fees of LLM Universities in USA

Further, let's explore the annual university fee/ LLM cost in USA.

University Name	Annual Fee Structure
Harvard Law School	$79,902
Yale Law School	$90,396
Stanford University Law School	$63,214
NYU School of Law	$67,133
Columbia Law School	$71,052
UC Berkeley School of Law	$94,315
University of Chicago Law School	$26,549
Georgetown University Law School	$21,745
UCLA School of Law	$26,044
University of Michigan Law School	$33,503
USC Gould School of Law	$68,777
Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law, Arizona State University	$24,779

In the 2020-2021 academic year, the average LLM in USA fees for international students and LLM in USA for Indian students fees varied from $47,300 to $69,600 annually.

USA being among the most expensive countries to study abroad provides various scholarships to students to cover their financial needs. Let’s explore.

Scholarships for LLM in USA

Due to high tuition fees, international students, often apply for scholarships for LLM in USA. The scholarships offered by various universities with their LLM in USA for Indian students fees waiver amounts are accumulated as follows:

University Name	Scholarship	Amount Covered
Harvard University	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Covers complete tuition fees, living expenses, and travel allowance
Stanford University	Fullbright Scholarship	Covers tuition fees and travel allowance
New York University	Hauser Global Scholars Program	$23,705.79
University of California, Berkeley	Fullbright Scholarship	$19,004.06 to $38,008.11
Columbia University	Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship	Complete or Partial tuition fee
Georgetown University	Merit-Based Scholarships	Varies
University of California, Los Angeles	UCLA Law Distinguished Scholars Program	Partial tuition fee

Suggested: Scholarships for Indians in USA!

Now you know the various aspects and requirements of LLM in USA for Indian students. However, the process can still be intimidating for a few candidates.

But worry not! If you want personalised guidance and specially curated services, choose Yocket Premium. Our well-trained and qualified counsellors assist 13+ countries and have a success rate of 100% conversions of visa applications. They will surely make your study abroad journey a success!