I write a lot about LL.M. students, LL.M. programs and bar exams, including what to know about bar exams when applying for a U.S. LL.M. degree; how to balance the LL.M. year with a bar exam plan; and why I think we need to share more information with prospective LL.M. students.
Can we narrow the gap between J.D. and foreign-educated pass rates? I hope so. One of the benefits of being a public voice on this topic is I get to meet amazing LL.M. prospects, LL.M. students and LL.M. graduates.
Paula Marques Merlin is one such person.
She joined me for webinars in 2023 and 2024 to help foreign-educated students understand what they’re getting into when the sign up for a bar exam through a U.S. LL.M. degree. And she has quickly become a trusted and a go-to resource for foreign-educated students as they navigate their LL.M. decisions, LL.M. degrees and bar exam plans.
For the second installation of my 2025-26 LL.M. 3.0 series, I’m focusing on LL.M. students and bar exams.
My conversation with Paula focuses on her experience and her expertise from Brazil to the New York Bar Exam to the Indiana Bar Exam, the advice she gives those who speak with her and her insights and ideas when it comes to LL.M.s and bar exams.
Meeting the moment: Paula Marques Merlin
Can you tell us a little bit about the decision for a U.S. LL.M. and how you transitioned from your Brazilian legal work and life to the U.S.? And whether a bar exam was an important part of your decision to study in the U.S.?
PAULA: In my case, things happened differently than the path most foreign students take. I moved to the U.S. because of a family relocation and took time off to raise my children. After a few years, I decided it was time to return to my career. I had built a strong legal background in Brazil working with corporations and smaller businesses, so pursuing an LL.M. in Corporate and Commercial Law felt like the logical way to reenter the profession here. Once I learned about the New York Bar Exam and the opportunities it could open, that became an important part of my decision to study in the U.S. It gave my LL.M. a practical dimension and a real path to work in the legal field again.
Looking back, do you feel like you knew what you were getting yourself into when you signed up for the New York Bar Exam? What advice do you have for 2025-26 LL.M. applicants as they speak with law schools if bar exams are important to them?
PAULA: Looking back, I had no idea how big the challenge truly was. I researched and sought advice, but the amount of information I had wasn’t nearly enough. My advice to future LL.M. students is simple but crucial: start with the basics. Visit the state bar’s website, read the rules carefully, understand the timeline, paperwork and exam format before choosing a prep course.
Every state is different, and when picking your LL.M. and the courses you will take, be aware that if you choose the wrong ones, you may not be eligible to sit for the bar. Each jurisdiction has its own list of required subjects and minimum credits, so do that research early. Many candidates jump straight into choosing the credits without understanding eligibility or deadlines. Knowing the process from day one saves time, money and frustration.
Can you talk about the process of studying for and passing the bar exam and then getting sworn in? Practicing as a New York attorney after only one year of study? Once you started practicing, how did you focus on your strengths (prior practice, cultural IQ, etc.) rather than what some might think you’re “missing” without a J.D.?
PAULA: Passing the bar and being sworn in twice was an incredible feeling. It made every effort worthwhile. My transition into working life in the U.S. relied heavily on translating my prior experience from Brazil into a new legal and business environment. I’ve always focused on my strengths: negotiation, attention to detail and the ability to bridge different cultures and communication styles. For anything new, I invested time to study and improve. I never stopped learning after becoming licensed, and that constant effort to keep learning is essential in adapting and growing within a new system.
You then took the Indiana Bar Exam. I think you’re the first passer through that process, right? How did you learn about that path? What was different about taking a second U.S. bar exam?
PAULA: Official statistics show that only one LL.M. student registered for and passed the Indiana Bar Exam in February, and I applied under the waiver for LL.M.s, so people keep asking me and some say that I was the first one to pass, but there is no official communication from the Indiana Board regarding it, so I cannot officially confirm it.
As soon as the Indiana Supreme Court approved the new rule, I started researching the process, gathering documents and connecting with others who were exploring it. This time, I studied for less than three months while working full-time and achieved a higher score than in New York. The second exam was smoother because I knew what to expect, how to focus my time and how to study strategically. Experience made all the difference.
People seek you for advice. What are you learning about U.S. LL.M. programs and bar exams from speaking to different LL.M.s and LL.M. prospects? And how does it feel to be on the other side of the panel discussion on foreign-educated LL.M.s and bar exam? Do you internalize that you’re the expert that people want to hear from?
PAULA: Being on the other side, what I love most is being able to help others navigate what once felt so uncertain to me. I often speak with LL.M. students who are overwhelmed. I’ve learned that there’s still a lot of confusion about bar eligibility, documents needed and realistic preparation timelines. It’s incredibly rewarding when students I’ve assisted reach out after passing their exam. I was once the one asking those questions, so now I try to give the kind of practical, candid guidance I wish I had back then.
What advice do you have for current LL.M. students who are seeking to pass bar exams and are just figuring out what a steep curve they’re facing?
PAULA: Yes, it’s a steep curve, but be stronger than your best excuse. Create a realistic schedule and stick to it. Identify your weak areas early and work on them consistently. Take as many simulated exams as possible and review them honestly, because you learn the most from your mistakes. Organization and discipline are what get you through this process, not perfection.
How can U.S. law schools stand out for LL.M. bar support in your opinion? And should they? Are LL.M. programs really designed for bar exams in your opinion, especially with A.J.D. and J.D. options available?
PAULA: Based on what I see, what students share with me and what I read in blogs and on posts on LinkedIn, I don’t think most LL.M. programs were originally designed with bar preparation in mind. Some schools are improving their support, but there’s still a gap. I’ve also talked to students who did not consider their visa situation or the time they need to prepare for the bar and then secure a job after their OPT, which can significantly impact their plans. These are crucial factors that schools and students should discuss more openly. Law schools that want to stand out should make bar readiness a visible part of their programs and provide guidance that includes practical and immigration-related realities.
Anything else you would like to highlight that we haven’t covered?
PAULA: Your international background is your strength. Diversity and cross-cultural awareness are very important. Many companies and law firms actively value professionals who can navigate different cultures and communicate effectively across borders. Embrace that advantage, be proud of your story and remember to help the next generation of LL.M.s along the way.
