LLM in USA for Indian Students: Top Universities, Eligibility

Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the US, and they all need legal minds. Lucky for you, the US is also home to 7 out of the world’s top 10 law schools, sharpening sharp minds and quo warranto-ing you toward a powerful legal career.

An LLM in USA for Indian students comes wrapped with the glory of both qualified and quantified benefits. These benefits are clearly reflected in the enhanced legal knowledge and exposure, as well as handsome packages. 

However, it’s obvious for students to be drowning in doubts with regards to the best colleges, fees, applications, and more. Let’s look at the deets!

Why study LLM in the USA?

Being admitted to top law schools in USA for LLM is a matter of great pride and prestige for students aspiring to make an excellent legal career. The law schools in the USA offer a diverse set of specializations, international exposure, and a large pool of job opportunities.

Let’s take a quick overview of the benefits of an LLM in USA for Indian students:

1. Global Recognition

Studying in the top law schools in USA for LLM brings with it a bundle of credibility to your resume. The best LLM colleges in USA for Indian students open doors to multiple opportunities in MNCs and academia alike. They shape and instill in you the top skills employers look for while hiring.

2. Specialized Curriculum and Diverse Practice Areas

Law schools in the USA provide a diverse set of specializations to students, such as intellectual property law, commercial and corporate law, environmental and energy law, human rights law, and more. This significantly advances one’s area of expertise by providing options that can align with the students' interests specifically. 

Moreover, LLM students in the USA get to work on frequent pro bono cases due to a surge in demand. 

3. Enhanced Career Opportunities

An LLM in USA for Indian students holds worldwide recognition, with firms all over the world accepting the graduates for work. Moreover, studying in the best LLM colleges in USA for Indian students allows them to sit for bar exams and practice domestic law in states like New York and California. 

It may also help to know that the median salary of a US lawyer is $1,41,363 per year, thus also enhancing your standard of living.

4. Scholarships & Financial Aid

While studying LLM in USA doesn’t come cheap, there are aids through which you can lift off some of that financial burden. Scholarships offered by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, the Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowship, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship make the dream of studying LLM in USA a living success. Several universities also offer apprenticeships and work-study opportunities to support students with their finances. 

5. Networking Opportunities

The alumni base of US law schools is globally widespread, with students making a name for themselves in a multifaceted industry at every corner of the world. Advancing connections with these networks could expose you to mentorship opportunities, internships, employment placements, and enduring professional relationships. 

Universities commonly hold alumni gatherings, job fairs, and networking sessions in which students are able to meet and interact with practicing attorneys, judges, and business leaders. 

Top Law Schools in USA for LLM

Finding the right college is of utmost importance as that can define the trajectory of your upcoming career. Below, we have curated a list of the best LLM colleges in USA for Indian students:

Eligibility & Admission Requirements for LLM in the USA for Indian Students

It is crucial to have thorough knowledge of the LLM admission requirements USA for Indians. Preparing a checklist beforehand can reduce the risk of minor mistakes and haste. 

Below, we have listed out the LLM eligibility for Indian students in USA:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Law: An LLB from an accredited university is a prerequisite for admission to an LLM in USA for Indian students. It should be complemented by a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which translates to 83% on the Indian scoring pattern.
2. Proven record of English Proficiency: You must clear one of the standard English Proficiency Tests, like IELTS/TOEFL.
3. Work Experience: You may be required to present a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience. However, it can vary for every law school. 
4. GRE/LSAT Score: Most universities do not mandate GRE/LSAT scores. However, it varies for every law school, such as Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, does requires you to have qualified for the test. Thus, it's better to check for their individual preferences. 
5. Student Visa (F-1 Visa) Process: After acceptance into a university, students are required to present proof of financial ability to pay tuition and living expenses, which is done by filling out the I-20 form released by the University. 

For visa application, one needs to fill out the online form and pay the fee. Later, one needs to schedule a document verification appointment. On the day of document verification, make sure to carry the form of I-20, DS-160 confirmation, passport, admission letter, proof of financial ability, academic transcripts, and TOEFL/IELTS scores. 

Upon approval, you will be granted permission to study in the United States. 

After crossing off the checklist of LLM eligibility for Indian students in USA, you should get an understanding of the application process. 

1. Selecting Law School: Based on your specialized interest, desired location, budget, and other factors, filter out the top law schools in USA for LLM. 
2. Send out Applications/Documents: Whether it’s the fall intake applications or spring intake, try sending them in advance. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline. Also, ensure to send out the necessary documents as asked by the university. 

LLM Scholarships for Indian Students in USA

If you have made it this far, you may have gathered a brief idea of the cost of LLM in USA for Indian students. Studying in law schools in the USA doesn’t come cheap, but there are several international scholarships and scholarships for law students to help you with financial barriers. 

Here are some of the LLM scholarships for Indian students in USA:

1. Hauser Global Scholars Program: Applicants with proven leadership skills and excellent academic records are desirable candidates for the Hauser Global Scholars Program. Applicable to students of foreign origin and admitted to NYU, it offers approximately $23,705.79, which covers tuition fees and reasonable living expenses.
2. Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship: The Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship is for pursuing an LLM in USA for Indian students at Columbia Law School. Open to students with stellar academic credibility and proven professional experience in the legal field, the scholarship covers either complete or partial tuition fees.
3. Amber Scholarship: Students who are planning to shift to the USA to pursue LLM can also opt for the Amber Scholarship by Amber Student. It is specifically designed to reduce the financial burden related to housing and other general expenses. Applicants selected for the scholarship can receive funding up to USD 5,000. 

Jobs after LLM in USA for Indian Students

An LLM in USA for Indian students is a gateway to a successful career. To become a practising lawyer in the USA, one needs to sit for the Bar Exams. 

Once you clear that, below are the career opportunities that await you:

An LLM in USA for Indian students is an outstanding opportunity for students aspiring to make a successful legal career. The excellent degree is followed by prestigious jobs, big packages, and global recognition. 

While you focus on landing your dream college, let Amber help you find the perfect accommodation. A place of your own with easy steps and 24*7 support available.