“I did not look at the US [while shortlisting schools], because US law schools are too expensive.”
This is not the first time I am hearing something like this from prospective LLM applicants, and it is unlikely to be the last. With good reason.
Not only does the LLM tuition at “top ranked” US law average out to close to ninety thousand dollars, but Indian applicants must deal with a double whammy of high tuition and a weakening rupee. In such a scenario, it is easy to see why one might consider countries where the cost of attendance is lower such as Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Yet, this is not to say that all US law school LLMs are too expensive and hence out of reach.
Sure, there are some outrageously priced programs, but these costs can, and often are, offset by generous amounts of financial aid. While free-ride offers are far and few, I do come across offers that cover 80% of the tuition. Of course, this is usually after a round or two of negotiations.
But far more importantly, and this where things get interesting, there do exist law schools in the US where the net cost of attendance is comparable, or lower, to those in the other countries mentioned earlier.
And it is not the low tuition that is the biggest attraction of the program. What I have seen time and time again is that programs in lesser-known (and usually less expensive) schools can be deeply fulfilling – be it because of their (usually) smaller class size, better integration with JD students, or subject specialisation.
Much like with anything else, price does not always dictate quality.
Yet, these schools are clubbed with their better-known counterparts, collectively written off as too expensive.
But it does not have to be this way.
There are several steps that such schools can take – publicise scholarships, share data on the aid packages that have been offered to LLMs in the past, or even share real world examples of the specific aid amounts issued to their LLMs. I don’t think this will be particularly easy, and there are risks of how generous aid offers may be perceived by applicants.
But I do think law school can, and ought, to try – it is difficult, but not impossible.
In 2013, Joshua Alter graduated with a law degree from the St. John’s University School of Law. Since then, he has worked in and taught at three different law schools across the US: St. John’s Law, University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, and Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law. With a focus on the non-JD offerings at US law schools, Joshua founded Beyond-JD, a role that he has assumed full time this year. In this interview, Joshua shares his thoughts on the LLM v JD experience, the future of non-JD offerings, and how prospective LLM applicants ought to evaluate their study abroad options.
Joshua Alter
You have had such an interesting career path – lecturer in schools around the world, legal education “internationaliser”, LLM advisor, and now an entrepreneur. What prompted you to take up Beyond JD full-time?
The short answer is the timing finally felt right.
Over the last dozen years since my J.D. graduation, I have had a pretty cool career. I worked in three very different positions at three very different law schools with three very different LL.M. operations: St. John’s, Florida, and Northwestern.
The common theme throughout my career has been supporting LL.M. students in a system and structure that I believe is really designed for the benefit of J.D. students. My interest in the differences in J.D. and Non-J.D. experiences started when I was a 3L Teaching Assistant and I have figured out a way to build a great career supporting students in closing the gap between degrees.
Beyond Non-JD has been a hobby and a way to balance my work for U.S. law schools with sharing information with all prospective students. And I’ve told myself and others that I’d stay “inside” legal education until I felt like I had plateaued and could accomplish more from the “outside.”
I feel like I hit that point this past summer.
I have been thinking about life outside U.S. law school work since 2018 when I returned from 2.5 years based in China for St. John’s. And again in 2022 after deciding to depart Florida to take some time off to unwind post-pandemic. But now, in 2025, I feel like I have the ability to fully focus on work involving and surrounding Beyond Non-JD.
Could you share some of your plans at Beyond JD for the next twelve months?
I created Beyond Non-JD so everyone would have access to the information I share with my Legal English for American Law Schools (LEALS) students and others I speak with. And so I’ll build out a lot of the programming surrounding that theme. The Fee Waiver newsletter, which has recently launched, the Bali Law School podcast (launching soon), the monthly webinar series on topics of interest to prospective LL.M. students and current LL.M. students, and much more extensive focus on blog entries are the four areas where you’ll see Beyond Non-JD grow.
But I’ll also finally shift into consulting, which will take up more of my working hours. I’ve partnered with a couple law schools abroad for LEALS courses, and will finally create a private enrolment LEALS course for people around the world who seek a head start on the U.S. law school experience.
I’ll also work with current LL.M. students who seek additional support outside their law schools. And a little work with prospective LL.M. students seeking advice throughout the application, admissions, scholarship, and deposit processes.
Finally, I’ll work with a couple law schools abroad on building out their global engagement opportunities, including working with U.S. law schools.
You regularly write about the non-JD law experience of international students at US law schools – three areas where you think US law schools can improve this experience?
Non-J.D. operations are generally designed to generate revenue.
My focus is on:
Ensuring prospective students understand that and so they can make decisions that they feel maximize their own benefits for their tuition dollars; and
Explaining to schools that providing more support and better experiences for Non-J.D. students is actually a good business strategy to generate more revenue. And for both, I think the right thing to do anyway.
Hearing so much LL.M. and international student feedback, I think the first thing would be to work harder to build out the connections between J.D. and Non-J.D. students. For LL.M. students to feel like valued members of the entire community. International LL.M. students can feel like second-class citizens in their own law schools, which can lead to negative perceptions of their experiences.
The second, is for schools to spend more resources on Non-J.D. programs and students. I think we’re starting to see schools devote more resources to LL.M. bar prep, which makes sense. LL.M. students can’t practice in the U.S. until they become licensed, and so ensuring as many LL.M. students as possible pass bar exams is a good strategy. It should also make the challenging job search slightly easier and lead to happier alumni when alumni offices reach out for donations.
Something I think about often is whether the model is really about maximizing revenue by minimizing expenses or understanding that there are very real benefits to more LL.M. and other Non-J.D. revenue being reinvested within those programs.
Finally, with the growth of Non-J.D. programs, I think schools can really think about which programs they are in the best position to offer, especially when it comes to residential, international students. With the growth of online, hybrid, non-degree, and other programs that generate money, there is not as much of a need for residential programs for foreign students to generate revenue. Which takes the pressure off having programs that may not be good fits at all institutions.
Because at least in my experience, so many residential LL.M. students on F-1 visas are looking for the same things that J.D. students are looking for. Residential programs add $20,000-$40,000+ to a degree for a year, and these come with heightened OPT and bar exam passage expectations. Schools can really focus on programs they’ll do best and ensure that the students in their programs are good fits.
Sticking with this theme – do you see US law schools ramping up their non-JD offerings? Should they?
Most U.S. law schools need to generate revenue. Especially to continue to enrol the J.D. classes they seek. To hire the faculty they look to recruit. And to build out other programs and activities and events they want to plan. So, it makes sense that they’ll look to grow Non-J.D. programs to accomplish that over risking issues with their J.D. programs, especially around rankings, admissions selectivity, employment outcomes, and bar passage rates.
Each J.D. student is counted for employment outcomes and bar passage outcomes through ABA Required Disclosures. Rankings are focused on J.D. programs. Faculty and student expectations of classroom experiences are more easily controlled through J.D. admissions than Non-J.D. admissions. And so for ABA purposes, I think U.S. law schools absolutely should keep ramping up their Non-J.D. offerings.
The key is, are they designing Non-J.D. programs that prospective students find valuable and that create a real value-add, career wise, in exchange for that revenue? And I think it’s fair to highlight that question to ensure we’re building better programs for all students in our law schools.
As someone who has closely worked with international students at US law schools, what would you say are some of the benefits of the US LLM experience? And is it worth the high tuition?
The residential LL.M. experience opens up doors to qualify for bar exams and build careers and lives within the United States. I am repeatedly told that bar exams in jurisdictions like New York and jobs through OPT and beyond are the main reasons students continue to look to the U.S. as a leading choice for the LL.M. experience.
So we have those two baked in advantages as a jurisdiction. And I regularly speak with LEALSers and other prospective and current LL.M. students who reinforce this.
We also have extensive networks of lawyers with U.S. law degrees abroad, including leading practitioners in many of the jurisdictions I visit. This helps build out a real competitive advantage when students and junior attorneys are trying to break into markets. And I often hear that these LL.M. degrees have been a way to stand out.
And so both of those are the types of value-add that I think make the transactional nature of an LL.M. degree attractive, especially to those without funding concerns and those who can secure large tuition discounts in the form of scholarships. And that is on top of the substantive knowledge, the credential, the networks, the opportunity to experience the U.S. legal system, and other benefits regularly spoken about.
Having worked with a pretty large number of LL.M. students who have transformed their careers and lives, I think it is so crucial to have the knowledge beforehand to maximize opportunities and minimize expenses.
And that really is the purpose of Beyond Non-JD. Because when LL.M. programs work well, students have great experiences.
From a law school perspective, how do you think US law schools can improve their student recruitments? Any specific activities which, in your experience, have worked quite well?
I think the pandemic changed the model for LL.M. student recruitment. But innovation had already been happening years earlier, especially with the partner school models. These LL.B.-LL.M. and LL.M.-LL.M. models have taken some of the younger, higher-tuition paying students out of the recruitment pipelines, because they attend their U.S. schools before other schools have a chance to recruit them. Due to my jobs, I have had a front row seat to seeing how different schools accomplish this and some of the best practices.
Back to the pandemic, I think schools needing to shift so much online meant the asymmetrical information gap really started to narrow. You no longer needed to be in the right city or have the right professional network to know how LL.M. scholarships worked or the differences between LL.M. and J.D. programs.
And so that, combined with the continued growth of LinkedIn as an LL.M. information repository, means that if you know where to look, you can really maximize your benefits as you go through the process.
But you need to know where to look.
And this is where alumni and current student experiences are so key. The schools with very happy LL.M. students have such an advantage over schools where LL.M. students feel like they didn’t have the information they needed before orientation. Or even before they deposited. And so seeing which schools have really shifted their students to their first option for recruitment has been interesting to see.
Lastly, for Indian law graduates who are considering a US LLM, what would you say are the three most important factors to consider before even applying?
Follow Amicus Partners for the great information you share! Thanks for giving me a shoutout for the resources I provide. I hope all those resources have been helpful for Indian law graduates.
Second, follow the Indian law graduates who have pursued U.S. LL.M. degrees on LinkedIn. You’ve highlighted Adithya Reddy, who I worked with at Florida. He has been so generous with his time and insights, and my sense from LinkedIn is there are many others who are willing to help the newest group of Indian law graduates understand the process to maximize their own experiences.
And finally, ask difficult questions.
Schools with big Non-J.D. operations generally need international students and their tuition dollars for these Non-J.D. programs (though M.S.L., certificate, and other non-degree programs have diversified tuition streams for more U.S.-based options). Schools are very much recruiting you to join their LL.M. degrees and it is the reason there is so much interest in recruiting in India for LL.M. programs.
Ask about the things that are important to you. Get information in writing, especially for resources you believe will help your overall experience. And ensure you feel comfortable with the expenses and degree and school before committing to the deposit and the tuition.
While parents might be one or all these things, and more, the fact of the matter is that they tend to play a very important role in one’s educational choices. This is particularly true when it comes to law students who are in their penultimate or final year of studies.
Of course, this segment is a relatively new one for us at Amicus Partners; barring the first year or two of our existence, clients have been those with a few years of work experience. But with the deeply discounted counselling session just for law students, this has changed a bit.
So, why do I think parents should be encouraged to attend LLM counselling sessions? Well, for at least three reasons.
One, they are your parents. It may seem like stating the obvious, but parents play a crucial role in your educational choices. Their say might lessen as you move through the grades, but at the end of the day, their thoughts and perspectives are important. Many of the students I have spoken to in the past have said that the decision to pursue higher studies, or even law, was made after subtle nudges from their parents.
Two, they are the money. At least what I have seen, family assistance is the most common source of funding for higher studies abroad. And this can play out in different ways – right from being part of the decision-making process, to understanding what their child is going to get out of the education, to getting into the gritty nitty of financial planning. It is crucial, in my opinion, to have them at the table from the very start.
Three, they can be wrong. Let me clarify – I have often seen is that the student may have one view and the parent a diametrically opposite one. Each one believing they are right – leading to a stalemate of sorts. Once a third party comes in though, conflict resolution becomes a lot easier. There may be some deeper psychological reasons for this, but heated discussions are easier to resolve by a neutral outsider.
So, my advice to law students signing up for the counselling sessions – get your parents along. It is a good thing. I promise.
First Person Accounts (FPA’s) are meant to provide a first-hand account of law graduates who have pursued, or are pursuing, a post-graduate course (an LLM or otherwise) from different universities across the world.
Naved Bangi
Naved Bangi, an associate at MRP Advisory, is an LLM graduate from Queen Mary University of London. At QMUL, he pursued the LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution. In this FPA, the KC Law College graduate discusses the LLM experience itself, building a career in international arbitration and a whole lot more.
An LLM in dispute resolution is an interesting choice – at what point in your career did you start looking at an LLM? What were some of your expectations from such a specialised degree?
Indeed, pursuing an LLM in dispute resolution was a fascinating choice, and the idea first struck me during my final year of LLB studies. It was around this time that I was introduced to the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. This exposure sparked a deep curiosity in the field of arbitration, prompting me to delve further into the subject.
My exploration revealed the vast opportunities in this avenue, and I became convinced that arbitration was the career path I wanted to pursue. An LLM specializing in dispute resolution seemed like the ideal way to refine my understanding and enhance my future prospects in this dynamic field.
As for my expectations from such a specialized degree, two key objectives stood out.
Firstly, I aimed to gain in-depth knowledge of international arbitration, enabling me to approach complex disputes with confidence and expertise. Secondly, I sought to build a global network of like-minded professionals. The opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse jurisdictions, all sharing a common interest in arbitration, was invaluable in shaping my vision for a truly international career in this field.
What were some of the schools you shortlisted along the way and why narrow down on QMUL? In hindsight, what was the most challenging bit about the entire LLM application process?
When it came to shortlisting schools for my LLM, I focused on two renowned institutions. The first was Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), which stood out for its strong reputation, particularly for the LLM in Comparative and International Dispute Resolution. Its diverse range of modules provided the flexibility to tailor my learning to my specific interests, making it an ideal choice.
The second school I shortlisted was MIDS Geneva, known for its equally strong reputation in the legal market. Its alumni network was exceptionally commendable, and the program’s emphasis on dispute resolution further aligned with my career aspirations.
In hindsight, the most challenging aspect of the entire LLM application process was managing the intricate requirements of each application while ensuring that my personal statement and supporting documents were tailored to highlight my commitment to arbitration and dispute resolution.
Striking a balance between showcasing my individuality and meeting the expectations of such prestigious institutions required careful thought and consistent effort.
This might not be a fair comparison, but what were some of the bigger differences in the learning experience between KC Law and QMUL? What did one do better over the other?
I completely agree that it wouldn’t be a fair comparison, as both KC Law College and QMUL excelled in different aspects and catered to distinct phases of my academic journey.
KC Law College played a pivotal role in building my foundational understanding of legal principles. The professors were not only approachable but also deeply committed to their students’ success. Their dedication ensured that I developed a strong footing in the fundamentals of law, which became invaluable as I advanced in my career.
On the other hand, QMUL provided an entirely different learning experience. It offered an environment enriched with resources and opportunities tailored to my specialization in arbitration. The tools, academic rigor, and exposure at QMUL allowed me to delve deeply into the field of dispute resolution, emerging as a more informed and competent professional in the domain.
In summary, neither institution was better than the other; they each fulfilled distinct expectations. KC Law College laid the groundwork, while QMUL helped me refine and specialize my knowledge in line with my career aspirations.
Given the high levels of interest in arbitration as a career goal, any advice you have for law students who are keen to follow a similar path as yours?
Arbitration is an increasingly popular and rewarding field, and for law students aspiring to pursue this path, I would offer the following advice:
Build a Strong Foundation: Start by understanding the fundamentals of arbitration and alternative dispute resolution. Courses on contract law, procedural law, and arbitration are essential during your LLB or equivalent degree.
Stay Informed: Arbitration is a dynamic field with constant developments. Stay updated on changes in arbitration laws, landmark decisions, and trends in international arbitration. Subscribing to arbitration journals or attending webinars can be very helpful.
Gain Practical Exposure: Internships or work experience at law firms specializing in arbitration, arbitral institutions, or corporate legal departments can provide valuable insights into how arbitration operates in practice.
Network Actively: Networking is crucial in arbitration. Attend arbitration conferences, participate in moot court competitions, and connect with professionals in the field. Platforms like LinkedIn and events hosted by arbitral institutions can be great resources.
Consider Specialization: If arbitration is your long-term goal, pursuing an LLM in arbitration or dispute resolution can provide the expertise and global exposure needed to excel. Choose a program with strong faculty, diverse modules, and a solid reputation in the legal market.
Develop Key Skills: Arbitration requires strong analytical, research, and advocacy skills. Focus on honing these through moot courts, research papers, or debate competitions. Good drafting skills are equally important for preparing pleadings and procedural documents.
Be Patient and Persistent: Arbitration is a competitive field, and establishing a career in it takes time. Stay persistent, seize every opportunity to learn, and be open to starting with related areas like litigation or corporate law if necessary.
Ultimately, a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and strategic networking will set you on the path to a successful career in arbitration.
Looking back, how has the QMUL LLM helped in your professional growth? What would you count as some of the most rewarding aspects of the LLM?
Looking back, my LLM at QMUL has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth. The program not only deepened my expertise in arbitration and dispute resolution but also equipped me with the skills and confidence to navigate complex legal challenges in a global context.
One of the most significant contributions of the LLM was the academic rigor and exposure to diverse perspectives. The specialized modules allowed me to explore arbitration in-depth, while the opportunity to engage with renowned faculty and industry professionals broadened my understanding of international dispute resolution. This foundation has been invaluable in my current work, enabling me to approach arbitration cases with precision and a well-rounded perspective.
The most rewarding aspects of the LLM were the global network I built and the practical insights I gained. Interacting with peers from different jurisdictions provided a unique exchange of ideas and a glimpse into the arbitration practices across various legal systems.
Overall, the QMUL LLM has been a transformative experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. It has not only strengthened my legal expertise but also opened doors to opportunities that have been pivotal in advancing my career in arbitration.
Lastly, any advice for the Indian law graduate who is considering a master’s abroad?
For Indian law graduates considering a master’s degree abroad, my advice would be to approach this journey with careful planning and a clear vision of your career goals.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Define Your Goals: Before applying, take time to understand why you want to pursue a master’s degree. Whether it’s to specialize in a specific field, gain international exposure, or enhance career prospects, having a clear objective will help you choose the right program and institution.
Research Thoroughly: Look into universities offering programs aligned with your interests. Focus on factors like faculty expertise, course structure, alumni network, and the institution’s reputation in your chosen field. Rankings are helpful but shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor.
Plan Your Finances: Studying abroad is a significant investment. Explore scholarships, financial aid, and funding opportunities available for international students. Proper financial planning can make the experience less stressful and more rewarding.
Build a Strong Application: Tailor your personal statement to reflect your passion, academic achievements, and career aspirations. Highlight internships, moot courts, research papers, or any experience relevant to your chosen field. Make sure your letters of recommendation are from individuals who know your strengths well.
Embrace the Learning Curve: Studying abroad comes with challenges, including adapting to a new academic system and cultural environment. Be open to these experiences—they are as valuable as the degree itself.
Leverage Networking Opportunities: Engage with faculty, peers, and professionals during your program. Building a global network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations in the future.
Stay Focused on Your Career Path: While a master’s degree provides valuable knowledge, its true worth lies in how you apply it. Be proactive in seeking internships, publishing research, and participating in events that align with your career goals.
Stay Connected to India: If you plan to return to India, keep track of legal developments and build connections in the Indian legal market. Your international degree can set you apart, but understanding local practices will ensure a smooth transition back.
Ultimately, pursuing a master’s degree abroad is a life-changing experience that demands dedication and perseverance. With the right approach, it can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in law.
The end of an admission season tends to put one in a reflective mood. After all, this is the time when the i’s have been dotted, that Statement of Purpose (version “final_final_final”) has been uploaded, and the inevitable last-minute shenanigans of technology have been battled with and overcome.
It is enough to make anyone a veritable philosopher.
It really is.
One observation that was reinforced this admission season was, and forgive for stating the obvious, the power of knowing what you want. What I mean by this is that LLM applicants who have really studied the school they are applying to, and critically examined whether it meets their needs – such applicants tend to have high-quality applications. And while this will remain unverifiable, I suspect that this category of applicants will have a more fulfilling LLM experience than others.
Perhaps.
Unlike the last few years, where the clientele has mostly been those with some work experience, this time around I got to work with a couple of law students in their final year of study. It is quite an interesting experience, and I hope that I get a couple more next year. But not too many because the older I get, the more I struggle to understand some of their lines of thought.
Which is something that I need to work on, after all what good is a consultant who does not understand his clients?
These interactions also took me back to the earliest days of Amicus Partners; back then I would visit law schools in different parts of the country to speak about the LLM application process. I wrote about one such visit to HNLU here.
These visits were just fantastic – I got to speak with students in-person, which allowed for a greater sense of trust and openness. I also got the chance to better understand the LLM “market” from the perspective of foreign schools looking to “recruit” from India.
Most importantly, these visits were just so much fun!
There is something to be said about the absurd levels of optimism that university campuses, and their denizens, possess. Without wanting to sound like an Uncle (or perhaps I do), in campuses, life hasn’t done what it might soon do – this can be terribly appealing.
Of course, it was not all fun and games.
For instance, most schools were unable or uninterested or unwilling to pay for these talks. Nor were they interested in taking up our counselling services for their students. Which meant that such in-person visits become financially unsustainable. Also, some law school heads viewed foreign LLMs as unwelcome competition for their own university’s graduate programs – this was troubling but also an apt reflection of the student-university relationship.
Be that as it may, I do think that there is something to be had from re-starting these talks, perhaps focusing on Mumbai’s law schools to cut down on costs and time. Let’s see where that goes. As a stop-gap measure of sorts, law students can now take up consultations at one-tenth of the going rate – just five hundred rupees.
As the next year, and admission season, appears on the horizon, I hope to re-start the campus visits, dig a bit deeper into what makes a good LLM program, and meet a few more of those absurdly optimistic people.
Amicus Partners 