LL.M. Resources | Columbia Law School

LL.M. Resources

The domestic and international public interest law field could use your experience and commitment! As you embark upon your LL.M. year, you should consider the talents, experiences, and resources you have acquired over the course of your legal career.  While entering the field takes a bit of strategy and thoughtfulness, beginning this process early in your LL.M. year will help you as you seek permanent employment. 

We’re here to help.

The domestic and international public interest job search process can be overwhelming. SJI is available to work closely with you and provide support and advice through individual one-on-one advising, group information sessions, year-round public interest programming, and the resources on this website. 

Job Search Guides

Visit our SJI Guides page to access job search guides, which include The Public Interest Job Search Toolkit (for students interested in domestic U.S. employment) and "The International Supplement to the Public Interest Job Search Toolkit" (for students interested in international employment), which LL.M.s should use in combination with the "LL.M. Supplement to the Public Imterest Job Search Toolkit." (You will be prompted for your UNI and password to access this page.)

Advising

SJI has a staff of full-time and part-time career advisors available to assist you in charting your path in a number of practice areas. Click here to learn more about each advisor and how to make appointments. They and our national consultant staff of Columbia graduates around the country will use their wide range of professional international public interest experience and expertise to:

Advise you regarding

• term-time weekly internships at public interest organizations in the U.S.
• pro bono opportunities and requirements*
• crafting a carefully tailored individual plan to further prepare for your career
• postgraduate opportunities including fellowships and permanent jobs
• and much more

Provide

• resume and cover letter reviews and mock interviews
• online job search resources
• conversations with a wide variety of public service lawyers
• and much more

*LL.M. students who plan to be admitted to the New York bar after January 1, 2015 will be subject to the 50-Hour Pro Bono Requirement for the New York State Bar. Learn more about this requirement here.

Fellowships

In addition, Columbia Law School offers several postgraduate fellowships for LL.M. students interested in pursuing international human rights and public interest law. For a list of postgraduate fellowships, click here.