LL.M. Employment
On-Campus Employment
J-1 exchange students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during university breaks and holidays if LSU’s International Services department allows. At the Law Center, you may work as a research assistant for a law professor. Opportunities may also be available at the law library and on main campus.
Generally, we recommend that our LL.M. students work a maximum of 10 hours per week; we give this recommendation in light of our program’s heavy workload.
You may also gain some work experience through Experiential Learning during the spring semester, through our Law Clinic or a Field Placement with a judge, an attorney, or a public administration. You will not earn wages but this counts for 3-credit hours towards the LL.M.
Work Experience after Graduation: Academic Training and Optional Practical Training
LL.M. students on a J-1 visa may engage in academic training (with prior authorization) following completion of their LLM studies. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program permits students to obtain employment, training, or practical experience related to their field of study for a maximum period of 9 months and 26 days, corresponding to the duration of the LL.M. program. A longer period is not possible, as AT cannot exceed the length of the academic program or 18 months, whichever is less. F-1 visa holders may work up to 12 months under Optional Practical Training or OPT, regardless of the academic program duration.
Therefore, if you are able to obtain paid or unpaid employment, whether it be full-time or part-time work, you may be able to extend your visa. The employment must be directly related to the law and it must begin within 30 days after the expiration of your visa.
The LSU Law Center’s Career Services Office and our LL.M. Program Director (Prof. Olivier Moréteau) will guide you in your search for employment.
