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Posted Oct. 5, 2026

5 reasons why you should study your Master of Laws in the USA

Master of Laws in the United StatesCamille Parchment St John's University Law SchoolCamille Parchment is the Director of Graduate Admissions and Global Engagement at St John’s University School of Law.

In this article, she explains five of the main reasons why you should study your Master of Laws degree in the United States.

For lawyers and law graduates looking to broaden their expertise, an LLM degree program in the United States can offer more than an additional academic qualification. It can provide exposure to a different legal system and a global professional network that can shape the next stage of your legal career. Here are five reasons to consider studying your Master of Laws in the United States.

1. Exposure to the US legal system and specialised areas of law

An LLM degree can provide internationally trained lawyers with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of US law while exploring a particular area of interest. US law schools offer programs across fields including business, international law, real estate, intellectual property and dispute resolution. For example, St John’s University School of Law offers LLM programs in US Legal Studies, Transnational Legal Practice, Bankruptcy and Real Estate, giving students different pathways depending on their academic and professional goals.

2. Career advancement and a broad professional network

Studying in the United States can help lawyers expand their professional networks while gaining exposure to a major global legal market. Connections made with classmates, faculty, and alumni can be valuable throughout a legal career. Most schools host various events each year specifically to help students expand their network. For international students in particular, an LLM degree can also provide an opportunity to develop relationships across jurisdictions or industries.

3. Different academic and professional perspectives

Studying alongside attorneys from different countries and legal backgrounds can broaden the way students approach legal issues. US legal education often emphasises analysis, problem-solving, and practical application of legal principles. Those learning experiences can complement a student's previous legal education and provide new perspectives on legal practice.

4. A challenging curriculum and extracurricular opportunities

An LLM degree is an opportunity to go above and beyond textbooks and classroom lectures. Depending on the institution, students may be eligible to participate in law school journals, moot court, clinics, conferences, networking events, and other activities. These more practical experiences can help develop research, writing, advocacy, and communication skills while allowing students to become more engaged with their law school community.

5. Potential eligibility for a US bar examination

For lawyers interested in practicing in the United States, a Master of Laws may provide a pathway toward eligibility to sit for certain US bar examinations. Although eligibility requirements vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances, students considering this route should review the rules of the relevant state bar before choosing a program. Becoming a licensed attorney can open the door to a wider range of career opportunities that may not have been previously available.

Find out more about studying an LLM degree program at St John’s University.

Looking for the perfect Master of Laws degree program? Use our LLM course search to find your ideal course.

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