Lawyers--Environmental LLM--yea or nay?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’m looking for advice from lawyers on whether getting an llm in environmental law is worth it. I’m graduating in May with my JD. This semester I’ve had some experiences that have made me realize I want to practice environmental law. I am now considering applying to LLM programs, in part because my school offers only a survey course in env law and because I hope it would increase my marketability.

The downside, of course, is cost and time (I have significant educational debt already, and the program, though only one year, is a year I could be making money and paying off debt).

I have several questions. First, will having the degree help me land a job in the field? Should I work for a couple of years and then apply? The disadvantage here is that I’m at a pretty ideal point in my life to do school…mid-20’s and single.

So, any advice on whether to do it, and if so, where to apply?

2

Tried to contact you off-list – the email address in your profile doesn’t work.

I know a couple environmental lawyers. I’ll send one your question.

3

From my brother, partner in a law firm:

"As someone that has and does hire enviromental lawyers, I think an LLM is a very unimportant degree, certainly not worth the cost. "

4

Hi merrily. Thanks so much for checking. That’s helpful to me.