Maecey McClain earned her J.D. from University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2006. In the years that followed, she found herself wanting to enhance her area of expertise to land her dream job.
McClain made the decision to continue her legal education online through her alma mater. She will graduate this fall from OU Law with an LL.M. in International Business Law.
Below is an excerpt from a recent interview as she shares her experience with OU Law’s LL.M. online program.
What is it like doing an LL.M. program online?
The most difficult part is time management and self-motivation. The lectures and material are easy to access, and navigating through the program is made clear in each syllabus.
Why did you choose an online LL.M. route versus in-person?
I wanted to continue my education at OU Law, my alma mater. I also work a full-time job that does not allow the flexibility needed for an in-person schedule. Taking online classes allowed me to complete the program on my schedule which, in turn, helped me manage the course workload.
Thoughts about your experience? Pros and cons?
There aren’t really cons, to be honest. It added value to my professional life. I would do it over again if given the option.
Advice to anyone considering an online LL.M.?
When I signed up for the LL.M., I did so because I felt I had “pigeon-holed” myself into a particular area of law with my career choices. I was not able to find the job I wanted because I didn’t have the experience in that field, and I couldn’t gain the experience in that field because I couldn’t find a job accepting no experience. Having the LL.M. additional education has helped me to find a job in the field I was seeking
My advice is: go for it. If nothing else, you’ve learned valuable skills from esteemed professors who likely work in the career field you are seeking to enter, and you’ve bolstered your resume with credentials above and beyond a J.D.
What are you doing now for work? How has your LL.M. helped?
I’m working as in-house counsel. Yes, the LL.M. program helped me to get my foot in the door. I am excited to apply all the knowledge obtained throughout.
For more personal accounts of online LL.M. programs, read the article in the 2025 Spring issue of The National Jurist.
