What is an LLM for exactly?

[old_student]

Can someone please explain what the role of an LLM is?  I'm currently in a 1L program part-time and also working full time.

I'm not necessarily interested in practicing law but do want a legal background and am not sure if there is any alternative other than going to law school for four years part-time.

Would an LLM be a possibility or do you need a law degree to get into an LLM program?

Thanks.

[slacker]

Most people I know who are getting an LLM are either specializing in something that requires an LLM (tax, most often) or a lawyer from another country who wants to know about US law. In any case, all have law degrees.

If you don't want to complete the J.D., it sounds like the type of degree you're looking for might be something like a Master's in Law (MS in Law, MA in Law, etc.) I'm not sure if these would help you reach your goals any more than what you're doing currently.