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Hi all,

Most, if not all, DOJ/USAO positions require a JD or an equivalent degree. I could not find any source explaining what an equivalent degree means for the DOJ/USAO hiring. I am hoping someone would know what that means or know someone who works for DOJ/USAO with a foreign LLB + an American LLM.

Thanks a lot!

teresa0816 wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:16 pm

Hi all,

Most, if not all, DOJ/USAO positions require a JD or an equivalent degree. I could not find any source explaining what an equivalent degree means for the DOJ/USAO hiring. I am hoping someone would know what that means or know someone who works for DOJ/USAO with a foreign LLB + an American LLM.

Thanks a lot!

The vast majority of positions I’ve seen require a JD with no reference to equivalent degree (all the USAO ones I could find). A few in other parts of DOJ say “law degree from an accredited US law school,” which I think you’d qualify for - you can certainly make a good faith argument for qualifying. I’d imagine also that “or equivalent” would boil down to, can you practice law in the US?, and if so, you could apply.

(Given the LLM, I have to ask - are you a US citizen? I’m presuming yes, but figured I’d check.)

Anecdotally, I’m an AUSA and don’t know anyone with a foreign LLB and an American LLM (though obviously that doesn’t mean a lot given the size of DOJ).

You should get the JD if DOJ/USAO is the goal.

If you aren't a citizen I'm not sure you'll get the gig. I've never met a DOJ/USAO attorney who was an LLB/LLM, doesn't mean they don't exist, but I can't imagine this being the best way to get this gig and think that the tried and true JD is the best path for these gigs (and, if you can, clerking before hand). Best of luck.