... Forum

[tartelettejf]

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[studyingeveryday]

I have no idea how this would work, but is getting an LLM and then being able to practice law here an option? Again, someone knowledgeable should chime in if they have an idea about this!

(sorry, OP, I'm just a 0L with little real life experience to help you out with your choice besides the LLM option)

[Npret]

I don't know if 100/150 k is enough for an E2 visa when you don't even have a plan.

If you just want to come to the US I would try to get here in away that won't require an H1B visa for you or your husband.

You should maybe look for immigration advice.

[tartelettejf]

I don't know if 100/150 k is enough for an E2 visa when you don't even have a plan.

If you just want to come to the US I would try to get here in away that won't require an H1B visa for you or your husband.

You should maybe look for immigration advice.

Actually I've already talked with an immigration attorney. She says that 150K would probably be enough for an E2 visa (of course I need to write a business plan before applying). But there are no other visas that would allow me to live/work there (well, there's the EB5 - but it would require an investment of 500k or 1 million dollars).

[tartelettejf]

I have no idea how this would work, but is getting an LLM and then being able to practice law here an option? Again, someone knowledgeable should chime in if they have an idea about this!

(sorry, OP, I'm just a 0L with little real life experience to help you out with your choice besides the LLM option)

Thanks anyway. I understand that the LLM doesn't open a lot of possibilities because you can only sit for the Bar exam in Texas, NY and California (I guess), and those are not states that I would want to live in.

[cavalier1138]

I have no idea how this would work, but is getting an LLM and then being able to practice law here an option? Again, someone knowledgeable should chime in if they have an idea about this!

(sorry, OP, I'm just a 0L with little real life experience to help you out with your choice besides the LLM option)

Thanks anyway. I understand that the LLM doesn't open a lot of possibilities because you can only sit for the Bar exam in Texas, NY and California (I guess), and those are not states that I would want to live in.

Where did you want to live and practice biglaw? Outside of those states, the pickings get pretty slim...

[tartelettejf]

Where did you want to live and practice biglaw? Outside of those states, the pickings get pretty slim...

I would like to live in Atlanta.

[Npret]

I don't know if 100/150 k is enough for an E2 visa when you don't even have a plan.

If you just want to come to the US I would try to get here in away that won't require an H1B visa for you or your husband.

You should maybe look for immigration advice.

Actually I've already talked with an immigration attorney. She says that 150K would probably be enough for an E2 visa (of course I need to write a business plan before applying). But there are no other visas that would allow me to live/work there (well, there's the EB5 - but it would require an investment of 500k or 1 million dollars).

Well that's great! I just wouldn't rely on any H1B visa right now. You will need one as well after you graduate.

Putting money into law school right now seems like a very shaky investment for you.

[SplitMyPants]

Where did you want to live and practice biglaw? Outside of those states, the pickings get pretty slim...

I would like to live in Atlanta.

Do a bit more digging on LLM's and the Georgia Bar:

On February 21, 2014, the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that foreign educated students who complete an LL.M. degree are now eligible to sit for the Georgia Bar Exam. Georgia now joins New York and California, some of the only states that allow foreign educated attorneys to sit for the bar exam and practice as a licensed attorneys in those states.

I found that here:
http://www.johnmarshall.edu/llm/ll-m-in ... -students/

It seems like you might be able to go the LLM route as an option. Best of luck with your decision.

[zot1]

Specially for someone chasing biglaw, I've been told that firms look down on foreign educated lawyers. I would definitely do some research on that even if the state bar allows one to sit after an LLM.

OP, when you talked to your immigration lawyer, did you discuss the current administration policies?

I can't really provide an answer other than do what you see yourself doing the most. You seem to understand the drawbacks of law school and seem to have some knowledge in business. You and your husband should discuss what you're gonna be most comfortable with in the long run.

Good luck!

[tartelettejf]

Thank you everyone for your input. I guess there isn't an easy advice such as "retake" or "sit this cycle out" for my situation.

I've considered the LLM route, but I'm not sure a LLM would be enough for a foreign lawyer to work in the US even with a bar admission. Maybe it would be different if it's an LLM in tax from UF?

[timbs4339]

Thank you everyone for your input. I guess there isn't an easy advice such as "retake" or "sit this cycle out" for my situation.

I've considered the LLM route, but I'm not sure a LLM would be enough for a foreign lawyer to work in the US even with a bar admission. Maybe it would be different if it's an LLM in tax from UF?

An LLM is more than sufficient to work at a US biglaw firm if you can demonstrate English fluency. Passing the bar and being conversational in callbacks, as well as a good writing sample, should demonstrate that.

The "tax LLM" issue is really for JD's who screwed up in picking law schools and now want to try and backdoor into biglaw by getting yet another set of letters next to their name. It doesn't apply to an LLM with a foreign law degree and foreign bar admissions. Whether/where you can get a job in the US will be determined by the need that firms in your area have for a foreign-trained lawyer from your specific country/language skills. Industry experience would also be a plus.

If you do not have a specific business idea I would not try and start a small business. Put that 100/150K in index funds and maybe use some of it to buy a small investment property if you want more "active" income.

[Npret]

Thank you everyone for your input. I guess there isn't an easy advice such as "retake" or "sit this cycle out" for my situation.

I've considered the LLM route, but I'm not sure a LLM would be enough for a foreign lawyer to work in the US even with a bar admission. Maybe it would be different if it's an LLM in tax from UF?

An LLM is more than sufficient to work at a US biglaw firm if you can demonstrate English fluency. Passing the bar and being conversational in callbacks, as well as a good writing sample, should demonstrate that.

The "tax LLM" issue is really for JD's who screwed up in picking law schools and now want to try and backdoor into biglaw by getting yet another set of letters next to their name. It doesn't apply to an LLM with a foreign law degree and foreign bar admissions. Whether/where you can get a job in the US will be determined by the need that firms in your area have for a foreign-trained lawyer from your specific country/language skills. Industry experience would also be a plus.

If you do not have a specific business idea I would not try and start a small business. Put that 100/150K in index funds and maybe use some of it to buy a small investment property if you want more "active" income.

Yeah. I feel uncomfortable with recommending starting a business as it seems like a good way to lose everything.
We have plenty of florists in the US.

I guess law is her best option as she at least has experience. I don't think she can count on a visa though.

It's not easy to get to the US. I'm surprised her parents can retire here but maybe they wont become permanent residents.

[tartelettejf]

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[zot1]

Re current administration, I was mostly referring to the student visa. I know during the latest airport stops, some students were detained. Not sure if they were released or not, but just something to think about.

[tartelettejf]

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[tartelettejf]

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