The United States is one of the top destinations for international students, attracting over 1 million individuals to study each year. With more than 5.9% of the U.S. student population coming from abroad, it's clear that the country offers diverse academic opportunities. The U.S. is also well-known for its prestigious law schools, including Harvard.

A career in law is highly rewarding, with the U.S. Labor Bureau predicting a 5% growth in lawyer employment between 2023 and 2033. 

Pursuing a Masters in Law prepares you for a successful career in legal fields like corporate law, intellectual property, and international law. This blog will explore Masters in Law in USA, covering top universities and programs, helping make your study in the US dreams a reality.

Masters in Law in USA: Overview

A Masters in Law (LL.M.) is typically a one-year program for students with a prior law degree, offering specializations in areas like International Law and Intellectual Property. Graduates can pursue roles such as Corporate Counsel in law firms, corporations, or government agencies.

Below is an overview of Masters in Law in USA.

Before exploring the top universities for a Masters of Laws in USA, let’s discuss the benefits of pursuing this qualification in the US.

Why Pursue Masters in Law in USA?

The U.S. is home to top law schools like Yale University, known for their high reputations. With a diverse student body, US institutes offer global exposure. Additionally, the unemployment rate for professionals with a degree like an LL.M. is just 1.3%, indicating strong career advancement potential.

Here’s why you should pursue a Masters in Law in USA.

• Access to Prestigious Law Schools: US law schools like Stanford are ranked among the best globally. They provide world-class education, access to latest research, and a vast network of legal professionals that help build your legal career.
• Specialization in Diverse Areas of Law: US law schools offer various specializations like Corporate Law, International Law, and Tax Law, allowing you to tailor your LL.M. degree to your career goals.
• Global Networking Opportunities: Studying in the US connects you with students, professors, and legal professionals from around the world. These connections help you access job opportunities, internships, and partnerships in the global legal market.
• Strong Job Market and Career Advancement: The U.S. has a growing legal job market, with positions in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This ensures strong career prospects for LL.M. graduates.
• Exposure to Diverse Legal Systems: Studying in the US exposes you to common law, which differs from many civil law systems. This experience broadens your understanding of international law, which is useful if you wish to work with multinational companies.
• Opportunities for Practical Experience: US law schools like University of Chicago offer hands-on experience through internships, externships, and clinics, providing practical knowledge that improves employability.

Now that you’ve seen the benefits of studying for a Masters in Law in USA, let’s check out the top universities offering this program.

Top Universities For Studying Masters in Law in USA

Knowledge of the best universities and colleges in the USA helps you make an informed decision about where to enrol for your degree. U.S. law schools offer various specializations to match your career goals, from environment to human rights. 

For instance, New York University (NYU) offers an LL.M. in Corporate Law, which prepares students for high-level roles in the business and legal sectors. 

Here are the top universities offering Masters in Law in USA.

In addition to top universities, you can also explore other popular institutions that offer master’s programs in law. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Popular Universities for Masters in Law in USA

Beyond top universities like University of Michigan, there are institutions like Northeastern University, which offer affordable and career-oriented Masters in Law programs in the USA. 

Here are the popular universities offering Masters in Law in USA.

Now, let’s look at the eligibility criteria for studying a Masters in Law in USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Law in USA

The eligibility criteria ensure that you are prepared for the admission process. It typically includes an academic qualification like a bachelors in law. Some universities, like Drexel, accept GRE or LSAT scores, but most are test-optional. 

International students must submit English language proficiency level scores through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Once you get an acceptance letter, you can apply for the F-1 US student visa.

Here are the eligibility criteria for a Masters in Law in USA.

After covering the eligibility criteria, let’s explore the application process for a Masters in Law in USA.

Application Process for Masters in Law in USA

Most LL.M. programs in the U.S. offer fall and spring intakes. Admission to top universities like Harvard is competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 11%. To apply, submit your application and required documents, such as academic transcripts. 

Some universities may also require an interview. If selected, apply for a student visa by submitting documents like your acceptance letter.

Here’s a step-by-step process to apply for a Masters in Law in USA.

• Step 1: Submit University Application: Complete and submit your application to the university, including personal details, academic records, and any required forms or essays.
• Step 2: Provide Additional Documents: Submit the following documents if required:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose (if required)
  • Resume or CV (if required)
• Step 3: Attend an Interview: Universities like Harvard may require an interview as part of their selection process. Be prepared to discuss your academic background, motivation, and career goals.
• Step 4: Check Application Status: Regularly monitor your application status on the university’s portal. Respond promptly to any additional requests for documents.
• Step 5: Apply for Student Visa: Once accepted, apply for the F-1 student visa by submitting the following:
  • Copy of the university's acceptance letter
  • Completed visa application form (DS-160)
  • Proof of financial support
  • Visa application fee of $535 (INR 46.1K)
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • SEVIS fee payment confirmation

After covering the application process, let’s determine the course structure for Masters in Law in USA.

Course details for Masters in Law in USA

The program covers core subjects such as Taxation Law and Corporate Law, with options to specialize in areas like Environmental Law and Human Rights Law. Alongside the courses, you’ll get an internship opportunity with leading law firms or take on capstone projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Below is the course structure for a Masters in Law in USA.

Now, let’s find out how much it costs to study a Masters in Law in USA.

Cost of Pursuing Masters in Law in USA

The average annual tuition cost for a law school in the U.S. is $50,357 (INR 43.4L). The cost of a Masters in Law in USA ranges from $30,960 to $83,316 (INR 26.7L to INR 71.8L), depending on the university. 

In addition to tuition fees, you’ll need to cover living costs such as accommodation and food, which can amount to around $12,000 (INR 10.3L) per month.

Here is the cost of living in the USA for a Masters in Law.

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can apply for scholarships to help reduce their costs in the U.S. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Masters in Law in USA: Scholarships for Students

Around 11% of students in the U.S. receive some form of scholarship, which can reduce their financial burden by up to 100%. Students pursuing a Masters in Law in USA can apply for both internal university scholarships and external scholarships offered by the government.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are typically awarded from the university's own resources or sponsorships. Students pursuing a Masters in Law in USA can apply for internal scholarships like the Knight-Hennessy Scholarship offered by Stanford University, which covers all costs.

Here are some internal scholarships for students.

Apart from internal scholarships, you can also apply for external scholarships offered by organizations such as foundations. Let’s explore these options.

External Scholarships

Beyond university scholarships, you can explore external ones, typically offered by the government. Indian applicants can apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, which covers the cost of studying a Masters in Law in USA.

Here are some external scholarship options.

Scholarships help ensure you can study abroad with a reduced financial burden. Now, let’s explore the potential career opportunities after completing a Masters in Law in USA.

Job Opportunities After Masters in Law in USA

LL.M. degree holders typically earn 30% - 40% higher salaries than those with just a bachelors in law, reflecting the rewarding career opportunities. A Masters in Law in USA can open doors to roles such as an arbitrator or business lawyer, serving industries like international trade and public policy.

Here are some potential job roles and their average annual salaries for LL.M. graduates.

Source: Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Now, let’s take a look at some top companies hiring graduates with a Masters in Law in USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Masters in Law in USA Graduates

A Masters in Law in USA equips graduates to serve in diverse industries, such as technology, healthcare, and finance, not just law firms. An LL.M. graduate, for example, can work in the technology industry with companies like Microsoft as a corporate counsel, reflecting the broad range of opportunities for a career in law.

Here are some top recruiters hiring graduates of the Masters in Law in USA.

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Studying for a masters degree abroad requires knowledge of programs and processes. Let’s explore how upGrad can assist you in this journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Masters in Law in USA?

Planning to study abroad can be challenging due to the complex application processes, visa requirements, and financial planning. upGrad simplifies the entire process by offering expert support, making your journey smoother and more manageable.

Here’s how upGrad can help you.

• Personalized Mentorship
  Obtain one-on-one guidance tailored to your goals, helping you make confident decisions throughout your journey.
• Visa and Scholarship Assistance
  Get expert help with visa paperwork and discover scholarship opportunities to ease your financial burden.
• English Language Test Preparation
  Prepare strategically for tests like IELTS or TOEFL with focused resources and coaching.
• Career Counseling and Resume Review
  Get career advice and detailed feedback on your resume to strengthen your job applications.
• Post-Graduation Support
  Receive help finding internships, part-time job roles during studies, and full-time positions after completing your program.

Don't delay your study abroad journey. Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts, apply with confidence, and build a foundation for a successful career!