National Jurist - November 2008 - (Page 30)
How beneficial is an Find out how the United States is expanding worldwide and how valuable an American LL.M. degree can be to foreign attorneys American LL.M. degree? BY MICHELLE WEYENBERG he endorsement of American legal education is widely touted among legal professionals across the United States and internationally. To n i Fi n e , a s s i s t a n t d e a n f o r International and Non-JD programs at Fordham University School of Law, said the LL.M. degree is becoming even more demanding — mostly in terms of advancement within a firm or company. “An LL.M. is becoming virtually indispensable for foreign students,” Fine said. “It’s a credential that is so valuable back home. It may not be a prerequisite for a top job, but it something that government and other entities look into as an important quality.” At Fordham Law, Fine said they are seeing a trend toward more Asian and Latin American applicants than before, including an increased interest in law doctoral programs. To keep up with the continued trend, the law school is trying to meet those academic needs by adding more courses, including an international and intellectual property drafting course. The bar exam is also an important credential, though the importance varies country by country. It’s an added incentive to have on their business cards, Fine said. Law schools, including Fordham, continue to explore innovative ways for foreign students to pass the bar. Many foreign students would love to have U.S. work experience before they return home, but it is difficult to do with the sometimes lengthy process of getting a work visa. The experts agree that doing research beforehand, which includes talking to foreign LL.M. graduates, alumni, law staff and employers is an important tool for ensuring you’re making the right decision for your international career. T The view from our mountains is infinite. Top-ranked programs at the intersection of politics, law, science, and ethics prepare you for a future of change. Juris Doctor Master of Laws in Environmental Law Master of Laws in American Legal Studies Master of Environmental Law and Policy for the community and the world www.vermontlaw.edu 30 THE NATIONAL JURIST November 2008
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