Should International Law Students Choose an LL.M. or 2-Year J.D.?
Published January 17, 2025
The University at Buffalo has long been recognized for its leadership in International Education, with a student body representing over 105 countries. The UB School of Law prides itself in programs designed for foreign-trained attorneys to further their qualifications, but which program is the right fit? As with all things, this comes down to the goals of the applicant.
International lawyers can apply to both our LL.M. and 2-year J.D. programs. Both degrees are available to international students who already hold a degree in law from their own country. Both help you get a firmer grasp of U.S. law. The biggest difference?
The J.D. is more suited for international lawyers who want to practice in the U.S., while the LL.M. is an economical alternative for those who want to practice internationally.
LL.M. or 2-Year J.D.: Which is Right for You?
With credentials that already qualify them for practice in their home country, the thought of pursuing an additional three-year degree can be daunting for internationally trained attorneys. The LL.M. and Advanced Standing JD programs have been designed to consider the needs of foreign-trained attorneys, prioritizing a direct path to outcomes and bar eligibility with a lower cost and more efficient timeline.
International lawyers can apply to both our LL.M. and 2-year J.D. programs. Both degrees are available to international students who already hold a degree in law from their own country and can result in bar eligibility. Both help you get a firmer grasp of U.S. law. The biggest difference?
The J.D. is a robust and competitive program. Students complete the traditional 1L year and have more time to engage with on-campus interviews and clinical and experiential hours in their second year. The JD degree is a more familiar credential for firms hiring in the United States.
The LLM program is a more streamlined program that has students completing all coursework in two semesters.
Advanced Standing 2-Year J.D. for International Law Students
The 2-year J.D. program utilizes the structure of the traditional JD program, but our foreign-trained attorneys receive thirty credits of transfer work from their primary degree in law. This allows the program to be completed in two years, as opposed to three. Students enter into 1L year with the traditional JD cohort and are broken into sections, completing all of the classes together with their section in that year.
In the second year, Advanced Standing students choose elective offerings, as well as pursue their experiential learning hours. A large benefit of this program is the extended time for networking, including more interaction with the on-campus interview program. Following graduation, most Advanced Standing students seek employment and ready themselves for the bar examination.
Master of Laws - LL.M.
The LL.M. program is more flexible in its curriculum. It’s a one-year program (which can be much more affordable for international students) and allows you to choose your own topic of study. Different law schools offer a variety of LL.M. programs that vary by topic depending on the expertise of their faculty. As an example, UB School of Law offers three LL.M. programs to choose from:
- General LL.M. - students choose their path of study
- Cross-Border LL.M. - for lawyers wishing to understand law in a global context, cross-border legal issues, and international concerns
- Criminal Law LL.M. - specifically designed for criminal law and policy
LL.M. candidates will work with their advisor to determine the best course of study for their desired outcomes- be they New York State bar eligibility, or international practice.
For more information on programs for international students, explore our Academic Degrees & Programs to discover which option is the best fit for you.
