In 2025, the USA had 32,000+ cases pending in the Appeals Courts and 3,98,000+ in District Courts. India had 53 million+ unresolved cases as of September 2025. Both countries require more legal professionals, like judges and lawyers. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics projects 31,500 lawyer openings yearly until 2034. Lawyers earn well, with a median annual wage of $151,160 since May 2024. An LLM in USA can help fill the need for legal minds and boost your career. Read the blog to learn about the perks and how to get an LLM in the USA.
Table of Contents
Getting a masters of law in USA is often thought to be better than getting one in India because the US has a better global reputation and pays more. US grads might make about $120k to $150k a year, but in India, the average is INR 8-15 LPA.
Here’s a quick look at why study law in USA is often considered:
While selecting an LLM in USA, focus on your career aspirations, the university’s reputation and faculty expertise, program structure (practical focus vs theory), location for job market relevance, networking opportunities and alumni connections to guide your decision.
Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice.
Here’s a list of popular master of law studies and specialisations in the USA:
Here’s a table of top LLM universities in USA, fees and general expertise areas
| University | Avg. Annual Tuition | Key Expertise Areas (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) | $80,760 - $90,000+ (₹67 Lakhs - ₹75 Lakhs+) | International Law, Human Rights, Corporate Law, IP |
| Yale University (New Haven, CT) | $70,000 - $80,000+ (₹58 Lakhs - ₹67 Lakhs+) | Constitutional, International Law, Human Rights, Legal Theory |
| Stanford University (Stanford, CA) | $99,300+ (₹83 Lakhs+) | Tech Law, Environmental Law, International Law, IP |
| University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) | $75,000 - $90,000+ (₹62 Lakhs - ₹75 Lakhs+) | Corporate Law, Tax Law, International Law, IP |
| Columbia University (New York, NY) | $81,888 - $90,000+ (₹68 Lakhs - ₹75 Lakhs+) | International Law, Corporate Law, Financial Law, IP |
| NYU School of Law (New York, NY) | $79,954 - $90,000+ (₹67 Lakhs - ₹75 Lakhs+) | International Law, Tax Law, Human Rights, Constitutional Law |
| UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) | $75,550 - $85,000+ (₹63 Lakhs - ₹71 Lakhs+) | Environmental Law, IP, Tech Law, International Law |
| University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) | $74,688 - $85,000+ (₹62 Lakhs - ₹71 Lakhs+) | Corporate, Financial, International Law, IP |
| University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) | $70,000 - $80,000+ (₹58 Lakhs - ₹67 Lakhs+ | International, Environmental Law, Corporate |
Here’s a breakdown for cost of studying LLM in USA for an Indian students:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $60,000 - $80,000 (₹50L - ₹67L+) | Varies greatly by school. |
| Living Expenses | $20,000 - $30,000 (₹17L - ₹25L) | Rent, food, transport (City dependent). |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 - $4,000 (₹1.7L - ₹3.3L) | Mandatory, often bundled. |
| Books & Fees | $1,000 - $2,000 (₹80k - ₹1.7L) | Course materials, activity fees. |
| Visa & Travel | $1,000 - $2,000 (₹80k - ₹1.7L) | SEVIS fee, flights. |
| Total Est. (Annual) | $84,000 - $118,000 (₹70L - ₹98L+) | Does not include personal expenses or F-1 visa requirements. |
Taking admission to LLM in USA after LLB in India or any other law courses is as follows:
The following are the eligibility and basic document requirements for each university to pursue LLM in USA for Indian students, they must meet:
Prospective LLM students must evaluate the significant financial investment in Tuition and living cost of LLM in USA against potential post-graduation salaries to make an informed career decision.
| Metric | USD (Average Range) | INR (Average Range) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition Fees (per year) | $18,000 to $80,000 | ₹15 lakhs to ₹65 lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | $58,000 to $100,000+ | ₹47 lakhs to ₹83 lakhs+ |
| Salary in "BigLaw" Firms | Up to $215,000+ (starting) | Up to ₹1.75 Crore+ (starting) |
| Salary in Public Sector/Small Firms | $55,000 to $85,000 | ₹45 lakhs to ₹70 lakhs |
In conclusion, an LLM in USA is ideal for specialising, networking, and advancing careers in areas like Corporate Law. Schools like Yale and Columbia offer excellent faculty and resources. Though the program is expensive (between $70,000 $90,000+ annually) and has strict requirements like TOEFL/IELTS scores and a strong personal statement, the investment can pay off. Graduates often earn $100,000+ and find global prospects. Indian students aiming for a top US legal career should seek guidance from a study abroad consultants such as Gradding.com for help with applications, scholarships, and visas.
Most full-time LLM in US take a year to finish. Some part-time or specialised programs can take 18-24 months. They help international grads learn about US law or focus on a specific area.
Yes, there's interest in lawyers, especially those who specialise in things like Intellectual Property, Corporate Law, or Human Rights. Still, getting a job often depends on what you focus on, who you know, and getting admitted to the state bar. Some say that international grads can have a tougher time finding jobs.
To study law in USA most programs start in the fall (August/September). Some schools let you start in the spring (January), but fall is when most people begin. Summer starts are less common.
Not always, a lot of schools care more about your law school grades, LSAC report, your personal statement, recommendation letters, and good TOEFL/IELTS scores. But some schools might want you to take the GRE.
Once you're accepted to a university and receive your Form I-20, you need to pay the SEVIS fee, fill out the DS-160 application, and pay the visa fees. Then, you'll have an interview where you need to show that you're a real student and that you plan to go back home after you finish your studies.
We are available in :
BangaloreAhmedabadJaipurHyderabadKeralaPuneChandigarhMumbaiGurgaonChennaiKolkataTrivandrumNoidaKochiCalicutKottayamKollamThrissurIndoreUdaipurdisclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.
