Is an LLM Worth It? A Deep Dive into the Benefits and ROI

A Master of Laws (LLM) degree provides advanced legal education in a specific field, such as healthcare or tax. It’s typically earned by students who already hold a Juris Doctor (JD) or its international equivalent and want to expand their legal education.¹

Earning an LLM offers several advantages, including increased earning potential and stronger positioning when transitioning into a specialized practice area. Lawyers seeking to break into a specialized legal field may find it easier to do so with a relevant LLM degree.

This post explores the benefits of an LLM degree and helps you evaluate whether pursuing one is worth it based on your personal and professional goals.

What Is the Future of LLMs in Law Practice?

Many industries require highly specialized legal support. Businesses may face complex regulations that require expertise beyond a standard JD curriculum. To meet that, universities offer LLM degrees tailored to specific industry requirements.²

According to the U.S. News & World Report, the job outlook for individuals with an LLM is generally similar to that of those with a JD.¹ The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 4% increase in jobs for lawyers between 2024 and 2034, which is on par with other occupations.³ However, holding an LLM may improve your marketability, especially if you’re seeking employment in a specialized legal field.

Key Benefits of Pursuing an LLM Degree

You’re a successful attorney, so why get an LLM? Many legal professionals unlock strategic advantages through additional education. Here are a few of the benefits of an LLM degree to consider:

Enhanced Legal Expertise

An LLM degree goes beyond foundational legal coursework and provides in-depth exploration into a specific legal field, analyzing the real-world challenges practitioners face.

This specialized knowledge is attractive to employers in that industry. Graduates gain the ability to handle complex matters that other attorneys may not be prepared for.

Expanded Career Opportunities

If you’ve focused on a specific area of law for several years, moving to another area may prove difficult. An LLM can help you overcome barriers to a career transition by highlighting your expertise in your chosen field.

For international students with the foreign equivalent of a JD, earning an LLM may open the door to a U.S. legal career. It exposes foreign students to the U.S. legal framework, which they must understand to practice law domestically.²

Some students use the LLM to move away from practice and into legal academia or research.¹ Colleges and universities may seek professors with an LLM to teach law on their campuses.

Increased Earning Potential

Is an LLM worth it? According to ZipRecruiter, the earning potential with an LLM is higher than with a JD. The average salary of someone with a JD is $109,651, while those with an LLM earn an average of $142,663.^4,5

Over time, your LLM may position you for promotions and other opportunities for advancement. You may also be more competitive for specialist roles that require deeper legal knowledge.

Global Perspective and Networking

LLM programs attract a diverse group of students, some of whom may have earned their foundational legal education abroad. This mix of students with a range of legal perspectives provides growth opportunities for knowledge expansion.

In your classes, you may meet people from across the globe, all of whom share the same interest in law that you do. Networking with them may lead to professional opportunities that take you abroad or to firms across the U.S.

Is an LLM Worth It for Health Law and Policy?

Health law has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Major regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) changed how healthcare practitioners handle patient data. It also provided patients with specific rights and protections, some of which are quite complex.⁶

Rapid technological advancements may further change health law. For example, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is an area of growing legal importance.⁷ An LLM in health law gives students the specialized expertise to provide informed guidance on both current requirements and emerging policy implications.

Comparing a Master of Laws to Other Legal Education Options

Earning an LLM is the most established path to advanced legal education. However, if you’re unsure about pursuing another degree, it’s possible to acquire a certificate in your chosen specialty. Certifications are available through various law schools and universities, and are generally more affordable and faster to earn than an LLM.

Certificate programs won’t provide the in-depth curriculum of a degree, but they are a good fit if you’re unsure whether to specialize in a legal field. You can include your certificate on your resume, which can help set you apart when looking for legal roles that require specialist knowledge. However, they won’t carry the same professional weight as an LLM.

When considering the ROI of an LLM versus a certificate, think about your goals. If you plan to transition to another legal field, an LLM may offer enhanced career prospects and earning potential. However, a certificate allows you to test a specialization or enhance your knowledge in a legal area that you’re already familiar with.

Is an LLM a Good Career Option for You?

Hofstra University offers a fully online LLM in Health Law and Policy created for working attorneys who want to pursue a career in the dynamic area of healthcare compliance and policy. The program is renowned for its in-depth curriculum that covers healthcare compliance and regulations.

On average, students complete their LLM within 18 months and are prepared to expand their careers into healthcare law. There are no on-site requirements, and many students opt to complete their studies out of state. Basic admission requirements include holding a JD and having prior legal experience.

If you are ready to elevate your expertise and position yourself for long-term success in healthcare law, schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor or start your application today.