Looking to embark on legal career in NYC as a foreigner through an LLM

New / Legal
Gamo26

New Legal

Gamo26
Dec 23, 2021 3 Comments

So here’s the thing - I’m currently finishing my law degree in Spain and working as a legal trainee at Andersen in the IP/IT area. I also cover corporate transactions and some finance.

I plan on pursuing an international LLM degree in corporate law in the US which will allow me to do the 1 year of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and sit the New York Bar Exam.

Are my expectations realistic? Do law firms and employers contemplate hiring LL.M graduates who passed the Bar and have a license to practice law? What salary should a first year associate in NYC expect? Are OPT internships paid well?

Please feel free to add to the topic and ask me questions

#legal

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TOP 3 Comments
  • BNP Paribas / Finance
    @BNP

    Go to company page BNP Paribas Finance

    @BNP
    1. It is possible but very hard to get into BigLaw from an LLM. You’re competing with Americans who are probably native English speakers, did 3y of U.S. Law school and don’t have visa issues. But it’s not impossible. If you do it, try to get relevant work experience in Spain to give you some edge (also helps getting into better schools)

    2. Sometimes your firm in Spain has an agreement with a NY office/firm for a 1-year exchange after an LLM program. Look into that.

    3. To my knowledge, OPTs get paid like first-year associates. Biglaw is all on the same scale. See link. https://www.biglawinvestor.com/biglaw-salary-scale/

    You’re best shot is getting experience, try through local connections, get the most reputable school possible, network, network, network.
    Dec 27, 2021 0
  • Snap
    beagledood

    Go to company page Snap

    beagledood
    Some big firms do hire llm grads at full associate payscales but I still believe it's more the exception and not the norm to find such roles, even from top law schools. Those are the ones that would sponsor visas. So hope to land such a role but expect you likely won't.
    Dec 27, 2021 0
  • Apple
    Uzx19VZ

    Go to company page Apple

    Uzx19VZ
    These would be excellent questions to pose to the LLM programs you’re considering applying to. The vast majority of entry level hiring at large US firms occurs through on-campus recruiting. Any school that’s interested in doing more than collecting egregious tuition from LLM candidates will explain clearly what career services they offer.
    Dec 24, 2021 0