Taking The Bar Exam as an LLM? Three Things to Consider!

Preparing for the bar exam as a lawyer licensed outside of the United States presents a unique set of challenges. Many jurisdictions won’t even let you sit for the bar exam if you have an LLM and not a JD! In this post, we discuss three things to consider if you plan to take the bar exam as an LLM.

Taking The Bar Exam as an LLM? Three Things to Consider!

Where to Take the Bar Exam

Choosing the right jurisdiction to take the bar exam in is a big decision. Unfortunately, for LLMs, there are not a lot of choices! Unlike students who graduate with a juris doctor degree, LLM degree holders face more restrictions on where they can sit for the bar. A handful of jurisdictions, such as New York, permit LLM graduates to take the exam and hold a license to practice law. Start by identifying these jurisdictions and consider their alignment with your career goals and personal circumstances.

If you’re still exploring LLM programs and you don’t want to move or take the bar exam states away, you might consider selecting an LLM program in a jurisdiction that allows LLM graduates to sit for the bar exam. This strategic choice can simplify your exam preparations and minimize the need for extensive travel. Remember, holding a license to practice law in a country outside the United States does not guarantee eligibility to sit for the bar exam in any U.S. jurisdiction. Early research and planning are crucial to avoid any surprises come exam time.

When to Begin Studying

The journey toward the bar exam for an LLM candidate is unique, necessitating a more nuanced approach to study preparation. Unlike a student with a JD, an LLM student may not have an extensive background in common United States legal principles. Many of these principles are taught during a JD candidate’s first year of law school. LLM students typically experience a different curriculum than most JD students, so getting access to these materials can be tricky. Most commercial bar exam prep courses set out 8-12 weeks of study, and as an LLM, it’s worth evaluating whether this is enough time. You may find yourself considering an early start to bar prep!

How can you tell if an early start is right for you? Begin by conducting a thorough review of the bar exam’s content areas. Compare these subjects against the curriculum of your LLM program to identify gaps in your knowledge. It’s not uncommon for LLM students to find that their education has only touched upon some of the exam’s subjects or, in some cases, not at all. Identifying these gaps early allows you to allocate sufficient time to unfamiliar topics.

If you find yourself with little to no overlap with the topic areas that are to be tested on the bar exam, starting your studies earlier with plenty of room to dive into those topics is worth consideration. Learning even a couple of topics from scratch heading into the bar exam can be daunting, but learning an entire bar exam curriculum might not even be feasible in an 8-12 week timeframe. So, consider taking the extra time to study!

Consider a Tutor

The value of a tutor in your bar exam preparation cannot be overstated, especially for LLM candidates. A tutor offers more than just expertise in substantive law; they can provide a customized learning experience tailored to your unique educational background and learning style.

A tutor can help you navigate the vast landscape of U.S. law, pinpointing critical areas for focused study and offering strategies to tackle complex legal concepts. Moreover, they can assist in developing a personalized study plan that optimizes your preparation time. This plan might include targeted practice sessions, review of past exam questions, and simulations of exam conditions to build your test-taking stamina and confidence.

Beyond academic preparation, a tutor can also be a valuable source of moral support. Preparing for the bar exam can be a stressful experience, and having a mentor to guide you, offer encouragement, and keep you accountable can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and confidence as you approach exam day.

Looking to Pass the Bar Exam?

Free Resources:
- 🌟Bar Exam Free Resource Center: Access our most popular free guides, webinars, and resources to set you on the path to success.
- Free Bar Exam Guides: Expert advice on the MBE, the MEE, passing strategies, and overcoming failure.
- Free Webinars: Get insight from top bar exam experts to ace your preparation.
Paid Resources:
- 🏆One-Sheets: Our most popular product! Master the Bar Exam with these five-star rated essentials.
- Bar Exam Outlines: Our comprehensive and condensed bar exam outlines present key information in an organized, easy-to-digest layout.
- Exclusive Mastery Classes: Dive deep into highly tested areas of the MBE, MEE, MPT, and CA bar exams in these live, one-time events.
- Specialized Private Tutoring: With years of experience under our belt, our experts provide personalized guidance to ensure you excel.
- Bar Exam Courses: On Demand and Premium options tailored to your needs.
- Bar Exam Crash Course + Mini Outlines: A great review of the topics you need to know!
🔥 NEW! Check out our Repeat Taker Bar Exam Course and our new premier Guarantee Pass Program!

Taking The Bar Exam as an LLM? Three Things to Consider!