The Truth About LL.M. Degrees: Debunking Misconceptions and Highlighting Their Value
In a globalized legal landscape, LL.M. degrees—particularly those earned online—are increasingly becoming a strategic choice for international legal professionals and U.S. attorneys alike. Yet, they are still often misunderstood. Critics question their value compared to J.D. programs, their role in bar eligibility, and the credibility of online formats. But for graduates of the University of Dayton School of Law’s Online LL.M. in American and Transnational Law, the experience tells a different story—one of opportunity, flexibility, and lasting impact.
We gathered insights from alumni with diverse legal and cultural backgrounds to understand why they pursued an LL.M., how it shaped their careers, and what they wish others knew.
Myth #1: “An LL.M. Is Less Valuable Than a J.D.”
Some critics argue that an LL.M. does not carry the same weight as a U.S. Juris Doctor degree. While it is true that the LL.M. and J.D. serve different purposes, for foreign-trained attorneys, an LL.M. can be a faster, more targeted, and far more practical route.
Janette Mae Joplo Dillomes-Dixon, a Filipino American attorney now licensed in Alabama, explained:
“An LL.M. is more valuable than a J.D. for foreign-trained lawyers like me. It was specifically designed to help us penetrate—and even excel at—the U.S. bar exams.”
Milo Poplar, a Czech Republic–based attorney who now runs his own firm in California, found the LL.M. much more strategic:
“For me, the LL.M. was more valuable than a J.D. because of the flexibility it gave me. I could work and study at the same time without leaving my life behind.”
Parthan Vishvanathan, who previously earned an LLB and practiced law in India, added:
“For foreign lawyers like me, the LL.M. is the most feasible path to bar eligibility in the U.S. It builds on your legal knowledge and redirects it into the American system without the massive cost and time commitment of a J.D.”
And as Björn Dupré, working as Director, Compliance Monitoring & Investigations, for Bayer, said:
“I didn’t need a full J.D. program. The LL.M. gave me exactly what I was looking for—a focused graduate program in U.S. law that complemented my international legal education, without putting my life on hold.”
Myth #2: “It Won’t Help You Take the Bar Exam”
A common myth is that an LL.M. won’t make graduates eligible for the bar exam. While this can vary by jurisdiction, the University of Dayton’s Online LL.M. program was intentionally designed to include courses that meet the LL.M. curricular eligibility requirements for jurisdictions like California, Washington, and Washington D.C. Some of Dayton’s Online LL.M. graduates have also qualified for bar admission in additional jurisdictions based upon their first degree in law and legal experience.
Dr. Husnu Ada, who earned his LL.M. from his home in Turkey, is now licensed in California:
“I took the California Bar Exam and passed. The program helped me gain eligibility. It’s a real path forward for foreign lawyers.”
Pamela Helen D. Bitera-Polka, who earned her license in Missouri and now runs an immigration law practice, Fil-Am Law Firm, with colleague and fellow Online LL.M. alum, Jane Dixon, echoed this:
“The LL.M. put me in a situation where I could practice in the U.S., and it gave me credibility with clients both in the U.S. and back in the Philippines.”
And Milo Poplar passed the California bar without even needing a commercial prep course:
“When I was doing bar prep, it felt like everything I was answering, I had already studied in the LL.M. I didn’t take a commercial bar prep. It worked.”
Björn Dupré echoed this motivation: :
“I chose Dayton’s Online LL.M. because the curriculum was structured to fill the knowledge gaps for foreign-trained lawyers like me—and potentially prepare us to sit for the bar. It gave me a broader understanding of U.S. law that other programs didn’t offer.”
Monica Dias de Brito Hayes, who passed the Washington D.C. bar, explained:
“Technically, I could have taken the California Bar without an LL.M.—but I didn’t just want to pass the exam. I wanted the knowledge base to sit next to U.S.-trained attorneys and not feel less than. The LL.M. helped me level up so I could truly practice, not just be licensed.”
Socratesse O. Djemba, a full-time professional and father of three who passed the UBE in Texas, said the program gave him exactly what he needed to succeed:
“Every course, every assignment, and every coaching session were intentionally designed to prepare me for the bar exam and the practice of law in the United States.”
Cynthia Azor, a Nigerian attorney who passed the bar on her first attempt after completing the program, emphasized the LL.M.’s role in bridging legal systems:
“As a foreign-trained attorney from Nigeria, I needed an LL.M. to bridge the gap between legal systems and prepare for the bar exam. The program was thoughtfully structured, the professors were incredibly supportive, and it helped me pass the bar on my first try.”
Juliana Serna Guerrero, a Colombian attorney, credits the program with making her long-held dream possible:
“The online LL.M. program offered the perfect solution: a high-quality legal education that fit my life circumstances. It gave me the academic foundation and U.S. legal exposure I needed, while allowing me to remain close to my loved ones. Most importantly, the dedicated support of my professors and fellow classmates throughout the Bar Prep process was instrumental.”
Sang-Jin Kim, a non-native English speaker, highlighted how targeted support in writing helped him pass the bar:
“The detailed feedback from Professor Sangchompuphen on MEE and MPT essays during the mini bar prep program was crucial—I truly don’t think I would’ve passed the written portion without it.”
Myth #3: “Online Legal Education Isn’t Credible”
If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that online education—when done right—can rival or exceed in-person formats. The University of Dayton’s program was built from the ground up for online delivery, with faculty trained in virtual pedagogy, innovative and experienced instructional designers from the University of Dayton’s Center for Online Learning, rigorous coursework, and robust student support.
“At first, I was a little apprehensive about doing an online LL.M.,” said Björn Dupré, “but I found the asynchronous format, structured assignments, and responsive faculty created a learning environment that was just as effective as in-person programs—if not more so, for someone balancing a full-time job.”
Parthan Vishvanathan, who earned his LL.M. during the height of the pandemic, shared:
“Dayton had already figured it out. The program was well-structured, flexible, and honest about its goals and limitations.”
Rey Ramirez, a practicing criminal defense attorney and visiting professor at a U.S. law school, who had already earned a J.D. and passed the bar before enrolling, echoed this sentiment.
“It was one of the best educations I ever received—including all the brick-and-mortar schools I’ve attended. The professors sincerely cared. I felt supported at every level.”
Monica Hayes, now VP and Senior Counsel at BNP Paribas, shared a similar reflection:
“I never got pushback about the fact that it was online. If anything, people were impressed I managed to complete it while working full-time and taking care of my family during COVID.”
Jane Dixon found the online platform critical to balancing work, family, and study:
“During the day, I was a busy mom. At night, when the world was quiet, I did my schoolwork. The flexibility and format made all the difference.”
“Some people still raise an eyebrow when they hear I did my LL.M. online,” she said. “But if they understood the level of instruction and rigor we had—they wouldn’t.
Caroline Pestana Lowery, an associate attorney at Eckenrode-Bauman, who passed the Missouri bar emphasized:
“The online format allowed me to keep working as an attorney in my home country (Brazil) while preparing to start my legal career in the U.S. The flexibility, combined with the quality of professors and materials, gave me everything I needed—not just to pass the Bar, but to succeed here.”
For Socratesse Djemba, the quality and credibility of the online format were never in question.
“From day one to the end of the program, I felt an atmosphere of success and support through adequate preparation. Faculty and staff really meant it any time they said, ‘We are here for your success.’”
Myth #4: “LL.M.s Are Only for Academics, Not Practicing Lawyers”
While some may pursue an LL.M. for scholarly purposes, most students in Dayton’s program are working professionals aiming to practice law in the U.S.
“This is not just an academic exercise,” said Pam Bitera-Polka. “I was drafting the same documents as the licensed attorneys in my law firm, but I wasn’t getting paid the same. The LL.M. helped me change that.”
Rey Ramirez credited the program with deepening his command of constitutional law:
“The LL.M. gave me a much deeper understanding of constitutional law. In criminal defense, that makes all the difference. I started winning motions on constitutional grounds that I might not have even raised before.”
For Milo Poplar, the LL.M. was a practical bridge between systems:
“I work on transactions between Czech and U.S. lawyers. Because of the LL.M., I can translate not just the language but the legal logic. That makes me incredibly valuable.”
July Samary dos Santos Araujo, a Brazilian corporate lawyer recognized for her work in equity capital markets and M&A, shared:
“The program deepened my understanding of U.S. corporate law and compliance—knowledge that’s been essential in advising clients on cross-border transactions and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. The skills I gained in legal analysis, drafting, and negotiation have directly contributed to my work on high-profile deals, including equity capital markets and M&A transactions.”
Myth 5: “LL.M.s Don’t Lead to Real Career Opportunities”
Whether their goals were bar eligibility, professional reinvention, or preparing for a future move to the U.S., each alumnus described the LL.M. as a bridge—not a barrier—to real career advancement. While the program does not provide immigration status or work authorization in the U.S., it can be a powerful asset for those planning an independent relocation.
Socratesse Djemba credits the program not just with passing the bar—but with helping launch his American legal career.
“This LL.M. degree allows me to transfer my bar exam score to many jurisdictions, such as D.C. and Washington State. More significantly, it fully equipped me to soar high in the legal profession I have been dreaming about.”
Michelle Avis, an Assistant District Attorney in Georgia, shared:
“Completing the LL.M. program enhanced my credentials and directly increased my earning potential with my employer.”
For Björn Dupré, the program helped shift how he was seen within his multinational company:
“Once my colleagues knew I’d completed a U.S. legal education, my standing in the company changed. I became the bridge between legal and business teams, able to speak both languages—and that was a direct result of my experience in the program.”
Monica Hayes used the degree to transition from corporate law to data privacy, digital and intellectual property work and eventually secure a senior in-house counsel role with BNP Paribas:
“I got the depth I needed without going through a full three-year J.D. program. It was exactly what I needed to shift from corporate law to data privacy, digital and intellectual property work in the U.S.”
Pam Bitera-Polka explained how the LL.M. opened doors professionally and personally:
“The LL.M. put me in a situation where I could practice here in Missouri. And it gave me credibility—especially when working with clients in both the U.S. and back in the Philippines.”
For Parthan Vishvanathan, who had already completed a prior LL.M. in international law, the program was an essential career enabler:
“I’ve done two LL.M. degrees—one for academic purposes, and the Dayton LL.M. for bar eligibility. Both were equally valuable in getting me where I wanted to go. The program helped me bridge my prior legal experience to the U.S. system—and it worked.”
For Dr. Ada, the program provided a launching point into U.S. legal work, with future relocation in mind:
“Even before officially relocating, I was already assisting a U.S. immigration law firm. The LL.M. helped me understand the system, connect with attorneys, and feel confident that I belong in this profession.”
“I had clients from the U.K. and Australia asking for help understanding U.S. legal concepts. Thanks to the LL.M., I could explain trusts, contract structures, and other principles they didn’t have in their systems.”
Rey Ramirez credits the LL.M. with unlocking multiple career paths:
“Getting my LL.M. was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “It opened the door for my visiting professorship, my criminal defense work, and a position representing police officers in critical incidents.”
“The LL.M. gave me the foundation to write an academic paper that’s now one of the most-read pieces in the Texas A&M Law Review.”
July Samary dos Santos Araujo, reflected:
“Since graduating, I’ve been honored as a ‘rising star dealmaker,’ published on anti-discriminatory law, and invited to speak internationally on capital markets and corporate law.”
A Global Community with Real Impact
One of the most unexpected benefits? Community. Despite being online, the program fosters a sense of belonging that spans continents.
“Our classmates came from all over the world. We shared perspectives, solved problems together, and we still collaborate today,” said Jane Dixon.
Pam Bitera-Polka added:
“A classmate created a WhatsApp group because they felt lonely. That group helped us build lasting friendships and professional connections.”
Caroline Pestana Lowery reflected on the value of learning alongside a global cohort:
“It helped me see the practice of law—and the importance of professional connections—with new eyes. I connected with people from all over the world and gained a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.”
Juliana Serna Guerrero also emphasized the program’s diversity and the meaningful connections it fostered:
“I had the opportunity to connect with students from all over the world and engage with their unique perspectives on the law. These exchanges brought the ‘transnational’ aspect of our LL.M. to life meaningfully.”
For Dr. Ada, the online experience didn’t mean distance from the community.
“Even though I was thousands of miles away, I always felt like I was part of the UD community. The platform, the faculty, the responsiveness—it never felt second-rate.”
Cynthia Azor also highlighted the program’s inclusive culture and lasting connections among international peers:
“Our class included legal professionals from all over the world. Group discussions and collaborative assignments made me feel part of a global legal community—not just an online student. Many of us still support each other to this day.”
Sang-Jin Kim added that the program’s global orientation was built into the coursework itself:
“In the Legal Writing course, we even recorded oral argument videos, which gave me a unique opportunity to see and learn from peers in different countries. It truly made me feel part of a global legal community.”
July Samary dos Santos Araujo emphasized the value of the program’s global perspective:
“Engaging with a diverse cohort of professionals from around the world broadened my understanding of legal systems and cultural perspectives. It fostered dynamic discussions and reinforced how vital inclusivity is in the legal profession.”
Conclusion: The LL.M. Is What You Make of It
For foreign-trained lawyers looking to practice in the U.S., an LL.M. from a respected university like Dayton is not just a stepping stone—it’s a springboard. Whether your goal is bar eligibility, career advancement, or global legal fluency, this program delivers real results, as echoed by its graduates from across the world.
Michelle Avis put it simply:
“It’s hard work, but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort—and continue to learn—you’ll succeed. Go for it. It’s worth it. It’s an investment in yourself.”
The truth? An LL.M. is what you make of it. And for these lawyers, it made all the difference.