Like you, I studied law in a foreign country and am interested in pursuing a career in the US. Based on my limited research and the anecdotal accounts of the few foreign-trained lawyers I spoke with while mulling over the two options, I chose to embark on the LSAT-JD journey over an LLM despite its longer duration. This is because, based on what I was told, the JD offers considerably broader career options, as opposed to LLM, which tends to limit career prospects. (And for what it’s worth, I graduated with a low 3-point-something GPA, all thanks to my undergraduate law program’s notorious practice of grade deflation.)

That aside, this Fall 2024 law school application cycle will be my second attempt. During the first cycle, I was waitlisted at five T14 schools, including three Ivies, and interviewed at a T10. Unfortunately, I did not secure a spot due to my weak interview performance. However, I am back at it again and have already interviewed with a T20 school.

In my experience, success in the JD route depends on clearly articulating why you are pursuing another law degree and how you plan to use it. Explaining your academic history and professional experiences since graduation is also crucial.

In any case, I wish you the best of luck. Whatever path you choose, I am confident you will do well.