The international LLM job search is a very individualized search, and OCS career counselors work with each student to create a career development strategy tailored to his or her career goals.
Where Our Graduates Work
Most graduates work in private practice at law firms around the world, including many of the leading law firms globally.
Each year, approximately 15 - 25% of Foreign-Trained LLM students report obtaining positions in the US; both short-term and long-term and in the private and public sector. This figure changes with market conditions globally and the opportunities available to each student may depend on the individual student’s background and personal career goals.
The vast majority of US jobs are in New York, with a small number of students reporting employment in Washington, DC, California, or other markets. Only some states allow Foreign-Trained LLM students to sit for the bar examination, which can affect opportunities for legal employment outside of New York. For more information on bar admission requirements, view the American Bar Association’s “Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.”
Some students also secure opportunities to join legal employers in a third global jurisdiction, such as London, Brussels, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
How They Get Their Jobs
There is no single path for the Foreign-Trained LLM job search, and the LLM search is a year-round endeavor that requires creativity and a dedicated time commitment.
Foreign-Trained LLM students are eligible to participate in the annual International Student Interview Program (ISIP). More than 160 employers review resumes from students for hiring in more than 50 countries including the United States. (ISIP interviews are set by employer preference; as such, students will find that some backgrounds are more in demand than others and will want to engage in career activities outside of ISIP as well.
In addition to formal recruiting programs like ISIP and published job opportunities on CSM, a majority of students report that networking and professional connections are an important factor in securing their post-LLM job. All students should take advantage of career programming made available through OCS and other NYU activities as well as individual networking and job search efforts.
Most students secure positions in the spring semester, when the employers are better aware of their hiring needs, and after the student has completed one semester of academic work at NYU Law. However, some students may find that employers in their home jurisdiction are eager to recruit LLM candidates and may be contacted as early as September.
Support for International Students
At NYU Law, the Office of Global Services (OGS) coordinates services for international students, scholars, and their dependents. OGS staff provides direct support with United States immigration and tax matters.