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Foreign LL.M. Bar Exam Eligibility: State-by-State Guide

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Foreign LL.M. graduates often wonder where they can sit for a U.S. bar exam or obtain admission on motion without retaking the exam. This comprehensive guide explains U.S. bar exam eligibility requirements for foreign LL.M. attorneys, detailing state-by-state LL.M. credit thresholds and “admission on motion” pathways. Whether you earned your LL.M. at an ABA-approved law school or plan to pursue elective credits in core bar subjects, you’ll discover which jurisdictions allow foreign LL.M. graduates to sit for the bar, which states require additional Professional Responsibility or advanced writing credits, and where a combination of LL.M. plus years of foreign practice can waive you into the bar without testing.
Foreign LL.M. Bar Exam Eligibility: State-by-State Guide

By understanding each state’s specific LL.M. curriculum requirements—such as New York’s 24-credit rule (including 12 NY-required courses), California’s 20-unit eligibility standard, or D.C.’s 24 credit hours in U.S. common-law subjects—you can strategically choose an LL.M. program aligned with your long-term career goals. Additionally, this article highlights key “admission on motion” options for those with five or more years of foreign practice, including actionable steps to compile credential evaluations, ethics exam documentation, and proof of good standing. Whether your target is practicing FDA regulatory law in Washington, D.C., corporate litigation in New York, or IP counseling in California, this LL.M. bar eligibility roadmap equips you to navigate U.S. state requirements, optimize your LL.M. course plan, and launch a successful U.S. legal career.

Foreign‐trained attorneys who earn an LL.M. at an ABA-approved law school often face questions about where they can sit for a U.S. bar exam or gain admission on motion. This article provides a clear roadmap to help LL.M. graduates understand which jurisdictions welcome their credentials, what academic or practice requirements apply, and how to plan a career path in the United States.
 
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Why an LL.M. Matters for Foreign Attorneys


An LL.M. (Master of Laws) from an American Bar Association–accredited law school serves two primary purposes for foreign law graduates:

1. Academic Bridge to U.S. Legal Education
An LL.M. provides exposure to core U.S. law subjects—Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Professional Responsibility, etc.—which are tested on most state bar exams. By completing a curriculum that satisfies a given jurisdiction’s credit‐hour requirements, a foreign graduate becomes academically eligible to register for the bar exam in that jurisdiction.

2. Credential for Admission on Motion (Waiver In)
In a few states, a combination of an LL.M. and several years of foreign‐jurisdiction practice can qualify a foreign attorney to request admission on motion—i.e., without sitting for another bar exam. This route usually requires demonstrating that one’s foreign education and practice are “substantially equivalent” to a U.S. J.D. plus U.S. licensed practice.

Because each jurisdiction sets its own rules, the steps necessary to turn an LL.M. into bar eligibility vary. The sections below break down the two main pathways—(1) LL.M. → bar exam and (2) LL.M. + practice → admission on motion—state by state.
 

1. LL.M. → Bar Exam: State‐by‐State Overview


Most U.S. jurisdictions allow a foreign attorney with an LL.M. (or equivalent credit load) to sit for the bar exam, provided the LL.M. curriculum meets specified credit-hour and course-content requirements. Below is a summary of the most common states and their key academic thresholds. Because these rules can change, always confirm via the jurisdiction’s Board of Bar Examiners website.

1.1. California
  • Credit Requirement: Minimum of 20 semester units (credits) at an ABA-approved or California-accredited school.
  • Subject Coverage: Must include courses in the four major bar subjects tested on the California exam (Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, and Real Property).
  • Additional Notes: If a foreign‐trained applicant’s primary degree is from a non-common-law jurisdiction, California typically requires an LL.M. plus a prior evaluation from the Committee of Bar Examiners. Common-law juris doctorates may sometimes qualify for limited exemptions, but most applicants complete the full 20-credit LL.M. track.

1.2. New York
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours of U.S. law study at an ABA-approved school.
    • At least 12 credits must come from “New York‐required” subjects, such as Professional Responsibility, Trusts, Corporations, etc.
  • Subject Coverage: The 12-credit NY-required list includes Wills, Trusts & Estates; Corporations; Conflict of Laws; Professional Responsibility; and several others.
  • Civil-Law Graduates: Often need to complete a full LL.M. (24 credits).
  • Common-Law Graduates: May qualify with fewer U.S. credits if their home-country degree is deemed “substantially equivalent” to a U.S. J.D. (often requiring an evaluation by NY’s Office of Court Administration).
  • Key Benefit: New York recognizes more flexible credit structures for common-law‐system grads. However, an LL.M. tightly focused on the 24 Credited Hours rule is the most common route.

1.3. District of Columbia (D.C.)
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours of U.S. common-law courses (bar subjects) at an ABA-approved law school.
  • Subject Coverage: Must include core bar subjects—Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Professional Responsibility, etc.
  • Exam Component: Once the LL.M. requirement is satisfied, foreign LL.M. holders are eligible for the D.C. bar exam, which follows the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) format.
  • Admission on Motion: D.C. also permits certain LL.M. + five-years‐foreign practice attorneys to seek admission on motion (see Section 2 below).

1.4. Texas
  • Credit Requirement: 24 semester credit hours at an ABA-approved school, including at least two advanced Legal Writing credits.
  • Subject Coverage: The LL.M. must cover required subjects—Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Real Property, Professional Responsibility, and Wills & Estates.
  • Additional Notes: Texas routinely requires all foreign attorneys to seek a preliminary “Foreign Legal Education Evaluation” from the Texas Board of Law Examiners before enrolling in LL.M. coursework.

1.5. Illinois
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours at an ABA-approved law school.
  • Subject Coverage: Core bar subjects similar to Texas (Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Real Property, Professional Responsibility, and Wills & Estates).
  • Evaluation: Applicants should file an application for a “Review of Foreign Degree” early, as Illinois requires confirmation that the LL.M. curriculum will satisfy the 24-hour rule before taking classes.

1.6. Massachusetts
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours (LL.M.) from an ABA-approved law school.
  • Subject Coverage: At least 15 credit hours must be in required bar subjects (Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Professional Responsibility, Wills & Estates).
  • Special Programs: Many foreign attorneys enroll in the Daniel Webster Program (a one-year LL.M. curriculum with built-in compliance).
  • Exam Format: Massachusetts uses its own two-day bar exam rather than the UBE.

1.7. Georgia
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours in U.S. law through an LL.M. program at an ABA-approved school.
  • Ethics: At least nine of the 24 credits must be in Professional Responsibility/Ethics.
  • Additional: Georgia also requires completion of the Georgia Bar Exam preparation course (or equivalent).

1.8. Maryland
  • Credit Requirement: 24 credit hours in U.S. law via an LL.M. at an ABA-approved institution.
  • Subject Coverage: Courses must include required bar topics—Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Property, Professional Responsibility, and Wills & Estates.
  • Evaluation: A preliminary eligibility review is strongly recommended by the Maryland Board of Law Examiners before enrolling.

1.9. Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, Alaska, Alabama, New Hampshire
  • These jurisdictions all require a minimum of 24 credit hours at an ABA-approved school (LL.M.) covering core bar subjects.
  • New Hampshire’s Daniel Webster Honors Program: Many foreign attorneys choose to enroll in this program, which is structured specifically to fulfill New Hampshire’s LL.M. requirement for bar eligibility.
  • Rhode Island: Requires Rhode Island-specific courses (e.g., Rhode Island Civil Procedure) in addition to the standard 24 credits.
LL.M. → Bar Exam Summary
Jurisdiction LL.M. Credit Requirement Required Core Subjects
California 20 semester units Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Real Property
New York 24 credit hours (12 in NY subjects) Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Professional Resp.
D.C. 24 credit hours Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Prof. Responsibility
Texas 24 credit hours (incl. 2 writing) Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Criminal Law, Real Prop., Prof. Resp., Wills
Illinois 24 credit hours Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Criminal Law, Real Prop., Prof. Resp., Wills
Massachusetts 24 credit hours (≥15 in bar topics) Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., Criminal Law, ConLaw, Property, Prof. Resp., Wills
Georgia 24 credit hours (≥9 in ethics) Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Prof. Resp.
Maryland 24 credit hours Contracts, Torts, Civ. Proc., ConLaw, Criminal Law, Property, Prof. Resp., Wills
Missouri 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
Pennsylvania 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
Rhode Island 24 credit hours Includes Rhode Island-specific Civ. Proc.
Tennessee 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
Utah 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
West Virginia 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
Alaska 24 credit hours Similar core bar subjects
Alabama LL.M. with specified subject mix Contact Alabama Board for exact list
New Hampshire LL.M. (e.g., Daniel Webster) Structured program covering required bar subjects

Tip: Some states (e.g., Colorado, New Jersey) do allow “substantial equivalence” of a foreign degree without an LL.M., but those pathways are rarer and involve a detailed credentials review. If you already practiced law for many years in a common‐law jurisdiction, exploring those “equivalence” options can sometimes shorten your timeline.
 

2. LL.M. + Foreign Practice → Admission on Motion (“Waive In”)


In most states, “admission on motion” (a form of reciprocity or comity) is available only to attorneys already admitted in other U.S. jurisdictions. However, a handful of states allow foreign‐licensed attorneys who hold an LL.M. and have practiced law abroad for a minimum number of years to skip the bar exam entirely. Below are the key jurisdictions and their general requirements for this waiver route.

2.1. New York
  • Eligibility:
  • LL.M. from an ABA-approved school (24 credits, including NY-required subjects).
  • At least five years of full-time active practice in a foreign jurisdiction.
  • Process:
    • Submit a petition for admission on motion under Rule 520.6 (Reciprocity).
    • Demonstrate that the foreign degree and practice are “substantially equivalent” to a U.S. J.D. and U.S. bar-license experience.
    • Pass an ethics exam (New York Law Course & New York Law Exam).
  • Notes:
    • Even if an attorney meets the five-year practice requirement, they must still obtain an LL.M. that fulfills New York’s subject requirements first.
    • The Board of Law Examiners evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis.

2.2. Massachusetts
  • Eligibility:
  • LL.M. from an ABA-approved school (minimum 24 credits, including bar-required courses).
  • Five years of full-time experience in the practice of law in a foreign country.
  • Process:
    • File an Application for Admission on Motion, including detailed practice and credential evidence.
    • Pass the Massachusetts Character & Fitness review.
    • No separate ethics exam is required; however, applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency if English was not their primary law‐school language.

2.3. District of Columbia (D.C.)
  • Eligibility:
  • LL.M. (24 credit hours of U.S. law subjects, including bar topics).
  • Five years of full-time legal practice in a foreign jurisdiction.
  • Process:
    • Apply for transfer on motion with D.C.’s Board of Bar Examiners.
    • Provide letters of good standing from the foreign bar(s) where admitted.
    • Pass the D.C. “Law and Legal Ethics” exam (a short, separate ethics test).
    • Obtain D.C. Bar Board approval.
  • Notes:
    • D.C. often reviews experience from major common-law jurisdictions (e.g., U.K., Canada, Australia) more favorably, but each application stands on its own.

2.4. Rhode Island
  • Eligibility:
  • LL.M. (24 credit hours from an ABA-approved school, including core bar subjects).
  • Five years of full-time practice in a foreign jurisdiction governed by common-law principles.
  • Process:
    • Submit an application for admission on motion.
    • Provide credential evaluations and proof of practice.
    • Complete Rhode Island’s Professional Responsibility exam (MPRE waiver sometimes available if score from another U.S. jurisdiction was achieved).
    • Pass a short Rhode Island Law course or exam, depending on Board discretion.

2.5. New Hampshire
  • Eligibility:
  • Completion of the Daniel Webster Honors Program (or equivalent LL.M. curriculum) with the required credits.
  • Five years of full-time legal practice abroad.
  • Process:
    • Petition the New Hampshire Supreme Court for admission by motion.
    • Provide detailed transcripts, practice verification, character references, and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
    • Pass the New Hampshire Law component (a short in-state course or exam covering NH laws and ethics).
  • Notes:
    • New Hampshire’s “Daniel Webster Honors Program” is structured explicitly for foreign attorneys to clear both LL.M. credit requirements and the pathway to admission on motion.
 
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3. Choosing Where to Go: Key Considerations for LL.M. Graduates


When deciding which jurisdiction to target, consider the following factors:

Bar Exam Format and Difficulty
  • Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) Jurisdictions (e.g., D.C., Illinois, Minnesota, Utah) allow UBE score portability. If you anticipate practicing in multiple UBE states, selecting any UBE jurisdiction can be strategic.
  • State-Specific Exams (e.g., California, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida) require studying additional local content. If you plan to live in Texas after graduation, for instance, it might make sense to complete your LL.M. with Texas’s 24-credit rule in mind.

LL.M. Curriculum Availability
Not every ABA-approved LL.M. program offers the exact mix of courses required by each state. Research programs’ course catalogs, especially those that explicitly advertise “bar qualification tracks” for California, New York, or other jurisdictions.

Many LL.M. programs have “Certificate in U.S. Law” tracks—these typically satisfy the 24/20-credit requirement and include bar-tested subjects. When applying for an LL.M., ask admission offices if their curriculum is designed to satisfy New York, California, or other states’ bar requirements.

Planned Practice Area or Location
If you intend to practice in federal regulatory work (e.g., FDA, SEC) out of Washington, D.C., obtaining an LL.M. that qualifies you for the D.C. bar (or another nearby UBE jurisdiction) may be ideal.

If you wish to practice immigration, tax, or intellectual property in New York City, the NY LL.M. → NY bar exam route often aligns best.

Admission on Motion vs. Bar Exam
If you already have at least five years of substantive legal practice in a common-law foreign jurisdiction (and a strong academic record), “admission on motion” in D.C., Massachusetts, New York, or Rhode Island could let you skip another bar exam. Weigh the time and tuition cost of a full LL.M. against the potential to waive an exam, especially if you plan to start working immediately.

When an exam waiver is possible, ensure you have clear documentation of your foreign practice (letters of good standing, detailed employment records, client references) before committing to a specific LL.M. track.

Cost and Timeline
LL.M. tuition varies widely—most full-time programs range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year. Some certificate-style programs are shorter or more affordable (12–15 credits), but may not qualify you for states requiring 24 credits.

Completing a 24-credit LL.M. typically takes two semesters (September through May). Some schools offer accelerated summer sessions, letting you finish in nine months, but course availability for all required subjects can be limited.

Visa and Employment Authorizations
If you are on an F-1 student visa, make sure you factor in OPT (Optional Practical Training) options. After graduation, you can request up to 12 months (sometimes extended to 24 months for STEM-designated LL.M. programs), during which you can work in legal or policy roles—even before passing the bar.

Some LL.M. graduates begin their U.S. legal careers as paralegals, compliance analysts, or legal researchers while they study for the bar exam. Securing an LL.M. program with strong OCI (On-Campus Interview) or recruiting support can help you find paid internships that bolster your CV.
 

4. Beyond Traditional Practice: Alternative Legal Roles


Even if you do not immediately qualify for a state bar, there are many legal-adjacent roles that LL.M. graduates can pursue:
 
  • Federal Government and Agency Positions:
    • U.S. Departments of Commerce, Treasury, or Health & Human Services often hire LL.M. graduates as policy analysts or compliance specialists. Having a bar-eligibility signal (e.g., certification of LL.M. credits) can enhance your candidacy, though most agencies do not require bar admission.
  • In-House Compliance, Regulatory, and Corporate Roles:
    Companies in highly regulated industries (pharmaceuticals, fintech, healthcare) frequently recruit foreign LL.M. graduates for compliance, regulatory affairs, or contract drafting roles. These positions rarely require immediate bar admission.
  • Government Relations/Lobbying:
    LL.M. programs with a focus on legislative advocacy or public policy can lead to entry-level jobs at D.C. lobbying firms. While licensed attorneys often earn more, many firms value U.S. legal education and foreign-jurisdiction expertise to advise on cross-border regulatory issues.
  • Academia and Research:
    LL.M. graduates who excel in coursework and write strong research papers can transition to research assistant positions, adjunct teaching, or even staff roles supporting legal academics.
  • Legal Publishing and Journals:
    Completing an LL.M. and participating on a law review or journal editorial board can open doors to legal publishing houses, legal technology vendors, or professional associations (e.g., the American Bar Association).

These “adjacent” roles often provide time to study for the bar exam—or, if pursuing admission on motion, to gather the documentation necessary for a reciprocity application.
 

Step-by-Step Planning Checklist


Below is a suggested checklist to help foreign‐trained attorneys determine their most efficient bar path:

Identify Your Target Jurisdiction(s)
  • Decide whether you aim for a UBE jurisdiction (e.g., D.C., Illinois, Utah) or a state-specific exam (e.g., California, Texas).
  • For multiple jurisdictions, prioritize portability (UBE) or local market needs (e.g., New York for finance, D.C. for regulatory).

Confirm LL.M. Program Eligibility
  • Research LL.M. programs that explicitly advertise “Bar Qualification” tracks for your target state.
  • Contact admissions offices to verify that their 24-credit (or 20-credit for California) LL.M. curriculum satisfies the board requirements.

Apply for Preliminary Credential Evaluation (if Required)
  • In states like Texas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Maryland, you must submit your foreign‐jurisdiction transcripts for a “Pre-screen” or “Preliminary Evaluation” before registering for LL.M. courses.
  • This evaluation confirms whether your prior education qualifies you to begin LL.M. coursework.

Choose the LL.M. Course Plan
  • Map out each semester to ensure you take the required number of credits in specific bar subjects (e.g., Professional Responsibility, Civil Procedure, Property, etc.).
  • If your jurisdiction requires a writing component (Texas, Illinois), schedule two advanced legal writing courses.

Maintain Strong Academic Standing
  • Many bar panels require a minimum GPA (often 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in your LL.M. courses.
  • Early in the program, confirm that you are on track to satisfy both academic and credit requirements.

Register Early with the Board of Bar Examiners
  • Once you are reasonably sure your LL.M. credits will satisfy the jurisdiction’s thresholds, file your bar application (often nine months before the exam).
  • Include any required credential evaluations, syllabi, and official transcripts.

Plan for Bar Prep and Exam Logistics
  • Enroll in a reputable bar review course (e.g., Barbri, Kaplan, Themis) that offers tailored support for foreign graduates.
  • Schedule TOEFL or other English proficiency tests (if required by the bar committee of your jurisdiction).
  • Confirm deadlines for character & fitness questionnaires and ensure supporting letters (e.g., employment verifications) are on hand.

Optional: Explore Admission on Motion
  • If you have five or more years of foreign legal practice, research whether your target jurisdiction offers a “waive in” route.
  • Compile proof of practice (letters of good standing, employment contracts, case summaries, billing records).
  • Factor in any additional local requirements (e.g., ethics exam, local course).

Execute Post-Graduation Plan
  • If admitted to the bar, begin working as a licensed attorney—whether in private practice, government, or in-house.
  • If you plan to move to a different UBE state, remember that UBE scores are transferable (subject to score validity periods).
  • If pursuing admission on motion, ensure you complete required local courses or ethics tests (if any) and submit your motion application promptly.
 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them


Assuming All LL.M. Programs Qualify
Not every LL.M. is designed for bar eligibility. Some focus on specialized areas (e.g., tax, intellectual property) without covering core bar subjects.
Tip: Request a written confirmation from the law school that its LL.M. curriculum satisfies specific state bar requirements.

Missing Fine-Print in Credit Distribution
Some states require a minimum number of credit hours in Professional Responsibility or advanced Legal Writing.
Tip: Before shopping for courses, obtain the exact list of required subjects from the jurisdiction’s admissions guide.

Delaying Credential Evaluations
Waiting until the final semester to request a credential evaluation can jeopardize your timeline. Some boards take 8–12 weeks to evaluate foreign transcripts.
Tip: Begin preliminary evaluations as soon as you matriculate into your LL.M. program.

Ignoring UBE Portability
If you score well on a UBE exam in D.C. or Illinois, you can transfer that score to dozens of UBE jurisdictions, saving time and money.
Tip: If uncertain where you’ll practice long-term, take the UBE. Even if you intend to live in California after graduation, you can transfer a strong UBE score to California during its score transfer window.

Underestimating Character & Fitness Complexity
Each jurisdiction’s Character & Fitness review can require extensive documentation—employment histories, foreign law practice details, disciplinary checks, and even personal references.
Tip: Keep a running folder of any professional disciplinary records, proof of good standing from foreign bars, and explanations for any gaps or issues in your CV.

Overlooking Waiver-In Deadlines
Admission on motion often has strict application windows, and some states require notice to the bar committee many months before your first U.S. start date.
Tip: Consult the bar rules at least nine months before your projected start date and gather all required evidence well in advance.
 

Sample Career Paths by Jurisdiction


Below are a few examples illustrating how LL.M. graduates structure their path to bar admission and first jobs:

Example A: Maria (Civil-Law Degree from Spain)
  • Earned her LL.M. at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (NYU) with 24 credits in U.S. law, including six credits in NY-required subjects.
  • Sat for the New York bar exam in July; passed in February 2025.
  • Joined a midsize corporate firm in Manhattan as an associate, leveraging her Spanish-law background for cross-border M&A work.

Example B: Raj (Common-Law Degree from India, 8 Years of Practice)
  • Completed his LL.M. at Georgetown University Law Center with a mix of 26 credits in bar subjects (including five credits of advanced legal writing).
  • Applied for admission on motion in D.C., providing letters from his Indian High Court stating good-standing, plus a certificate from Georgetown confirming 24 required credits.
  • Passed the D.C. ethics exam in December and was admitted on motion in January 2025.
  • Joined the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel on soft money before transferring to a Washington, D.C., life sciences boutique.

Example C: Lin (Civil-Law Degree from China, No Prior Practice)
  • Enrolled in the LL.M. program at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt), taking 22 credits in bar subjects (including required core courses) and two credits in Legal Writing.
  • Filed her California bar application in September 2024 upon completing her last summer session course; sat for the February 2025 exam.
  • While awaiting bar results, worked as a contract attorney at an Oakland firm doing document review and regulatory research.
  • Passed the California bar in July 2025 and began as a first-year associate in a San Francisco IP boutique.
 
 

Conclusion


For foreign attorneys who hold—or plan to earn—an LL.M. from an ABA-approved institution, the United States offers multiple pathways to practice law. Whether you aim to:
  • Sit for a State Bar Exam (California, New York, Texas, Illinois, etc.),
  • Take a UBE Exam (D.C., Illinois, Minnesota, Utah), or
  • Seek Admission on Motion (D.C., New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire),

…careful planning of your LL.M. curriculum, early credential evaluations, and a solid understanding of each jurisdiction’s additional requirements (ethics exams, local course mandates, practice proofs) will make your transition smoother.

Ultimately, by aligning your academic choices with the specific bar requirements and tailoring your post-graduation strategy—whether immediate bar exam prep or gathering the requisite practice documentation for a waiver—you can successfully unlock a U.S. legal career that builds on your foreign credentials.

Key Takeaway
Begin with the end in mind. Select an LL.M. and jurisdictional pathway that best fits your long-term career goals—factoring in exam format, credit requirements, and any possibility of admission on motion. By charting a clear roadmap early, you will minimize delays, reduce unnecessary coursework, and position yourself to launch a rewarding legal career in the United States.

 


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About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives


Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.


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When you use BCG Attorney Search you will get an unfair advantage because you will use the best legal placement company in the world for finding permanent law firm positions.