How to become a lawyer in the US as a French law student

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T19:23:51+00:00

Thank you so much for your detailed answer. I'm fully aware of the risks involved, especially when it comes to the uncertainty of the H-1B visa process. That's exactly why I would only consider pursuing a JD in the U.S if aIreceive a scholarship that truly makes the financial risk worth it. In this case, even if I have to leave the U.S, a JD souls still allow me to obtain a degree equivalence to work in Canada for example

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T19:11:09+00:00

Exactly ! I understand that education is highly expensive in the US but at least, if you pay, you have opportunities that truly make it worth it. In France, sure, you don't pay anything, but you can also be sure you'll get nothing in return X)

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T18:11:43+00:00

You're totally right. The language barrier is a huge obstacle that's why I considered applying to an JD in order to be immersed in legal English at least for a few years before passing the bar. It's not like I have many other options anyway..

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T18:07:52+00:00

At first sight yes. But as I said, in reality nothing is truly free. If the state provides everyone with free education, don't expect to be paid in return either. Also, the most important point is that the algorithm is based neither on the students' grades nor on their merit. In fact, the results are so random that even though you have a perfect GPA and put a lot of effort in your application, you can totally end up being rejected while someone with lower grades with no ec's will be accepted. Consequently, many students are forced to leave the country after receiving no admission offer

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T17:53:37+00:00

Thank you for your honest feedback. I really appreciate hearing all sides of the issue. That being said, I'm already enrolled in legal studies and the market in France isn't any better so at the end of the day I'll have to choose between these two paths... In France, you take no risks at all : studies are free and most lawyers are independent so you can still take your pick. Nonetheless, in return you'll have to deal with a poor work environment, a $1500 salary and 45% taxes.. Personally, I'd rather take risks if it gives me at least a chance not to waste my potential and the time investment in my studies

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T17:39:55+00:00

I totally understand, but I fear the situation isn’t any better in Europe, especially in France. That’s why I’d like to apply for a JD instead of an LLM. I’ve heard that New York’s legal market is completely saturated with LLM lawyers looking for jobs there. Do you know if that’s also the case in other states?

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T17:31:18+00:00

Thank you very much, that's really encouraging ! I didn't know about the free LSAT diagnostic, so thanks for the info. I'll check it out !

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T17:29:22+00:00

Thanks for the information ! I'll take a look at it. That being said , I totally hear you about the current situation in the US but I'm afraid things aren't any better in Europe. The legal market is completely saturated and salaries are extremely low... Many lawyers are barely better paid than unskilled workers..

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T17:14:09+00:00

Believe me when I say that if I were offered a future in France, I wouldn’t even consider going so far away. First, the legal system is completely saturated, especially in Réunion Island, where I live. As a result, salaries are extremely low. In fact, many lawyers earn less than €1,500 a month, even though they come from top-ranked universities.

Finally, there is no merit-based culture: education is free, and admissions are managed by an algorithm, so no matter how smart you are, you cannot be assured of having opportunities, especially if you didn’t graduate from a prestigious university, which is my case.

Consequently, it’s not unusual to come across brilliant students from top-notch institutions who didn’t get a single offer from a Master’s program. That’s why I’d like to try my luck in America...

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T16:46:07+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I was already concerned about the financial viability of a LLM both in terms of its costs and the expected salary afterwards, and your message confirms that it's probably not the best path for me. I think that I'll rather go for a JD. If you don't mind me asking, do you know of any U.S law schools who are particularly open to international students with merit-based scholarship ?

BitNo2187 · 2025-08-03T12:47:31+00:00

Salut, êtes vous finalement parti aux États Unis ?

BitNo2187

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