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Working with a dedicated career advisor, you will get support in designing an individual job-search strategy.
One-on-one counseling appointments can assist you with researching job opportunities, finding externships, networking with alumni, building résumés and cover letters, and developing interview skills.
Cornell Law School strongly encourages students to take part in pro bono work. Public service law benefits society and enhances legal careers. Cornell Law students, including General LL.M. students, can participate in the Public Service Challenge.
Public Service Challenge
International Student Interview Program
Cornell Law School cosponsors the International Student Interview Program (ISIP), typically hosted annually at the end of January in New York City. This program provides foreign-trained lawyers the opportunity to interview with U.S. and foreign employers. LL.M. students interested in public service have the opportunity to attend the Equal Justice Works Conference in October and the Public Interest Legal Career Fair in February.
Resources
The following resources may help you explore legal career options for foreign attorneys in the U.S.:
- National Association for Law Placement Directory of Legal Employers: A searchable resource for information on legal employers.
- American Bar Association: Extensive links to information regarding legal education, bar admission, legal employment, and the legal profession.
- New York State Board of Law Examiners: Links to important information regarding the New York State bar examination, including examination qualification requirements for foreign-trained lawyers and bar admission rules.
- Symplicity (career database used by Cornell Law School to help all students and graduates connect with employers).
New York State Bar Exam
General LL.M. graduates may be eligible to sit for the New York State bar examination after completing the General LL.M. degree. Most, however, return to their home countries to practice law, enter government service, teach, or pursue other professional opportunities.
As an international lawyer, if your ultimate goal is to practice law in the U.S., you should consider enrolling in a J.D. program. Foreign LL.M. students face a variety of challenges when seeking associate opportunities in the U.S. While it is possible to secure legal employment in the U.S. after completing your LL.M., domestic law firm hiring continues to center on U.S.-educated J.D. students.