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