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How valuable is a specialized LLM that is targeted towards your practice area? For context, I am considering doing a part-time evening LLM while continuing to work at my firm. The managing partner has promised me a rather easy schedule for the following year, and so long as he is not FOS, I think that I would have time for the part-time program.

Specifically, the two programs that I am considering are St. John's LLM in bankruptcy law, and the Fordham LLM in Banking, Corporate, and Finance law. I currently practice in bankruptcy, restructuring, and commercial litigation. The purpose of the LLM is to improve my credentials for a future move to a more prestigious firm.

The Fordham LLM is $59k, and the St. John's LLM is $48k. There are scholarships available, but obviously there's no way to gauge whether I'm eligible for those before I actually apply. Obviously from a financial perspective it's an easier decision if the tuition is partially or fully covered by scholarship.

How valuable would a specialized LLM be for career advancement? Would biglaw partners view the additional education as valuable, or would they question why you needed to return to school?

You seem to have an interest in banking/finance. Why not go for a tax LLM at NYU or Georgetown? Unless you're going for academia (in that case, you might need a PhD), the tax LLMs are the LLMs to get.

tk421991 wrote:You seem to have an interest in banking/finance. Why not go for a tax LLM at NYU or Georgetown? Unless you're going for academia (in that case, you might need a PhD), the tax LLMs are the LLMs to get.

I don't have interest or experience in tax. My experience is in restructuring and litigation.

Tyler_Durden wrote:

tk421991 wrote:You seem to have an interest in banking/finance. Why not go for a tax LLM at NYU or Georgetown? Unless you're going for academia (in that case, you might need a PhD), the tax LLMs are the LLMs to get.

I don't have interest or experience in tax. My experience is in restructuring and litigation.

There is no LLM that will set you up for that or any other position. Tax LLM is really the only one that holds any serious water. Sorry.

Tyler_Durden wrote:Specifically, the two programs that I am considering are St. John's LLM in bankruptcy law, and the Fordham LLM in Banking, Corporate, and Finance law. I currently practice in bankruptcy, restructuring, and commercial litigation. The purpose of the LLM is to improve my credentials for a future move to a more prestigious firm.

Don't waste your time/effort/money on a bankruptcy or banking LL.M. They won't help you career-wise. The only LL.M. that adds value, as the other posters have pointed out ITT, is the Tax LL.M., and even then only the Tax LL.M.s offered by NYU, Georgetown, and maybe Florida.