Eligibility comes before the course
Each jurisdiction decides whether a foreign law degree plus an LL.M. qualifies, and some require an advance determination that can take months. New York, for one, charged $750 for foreign-trained applicants against $250 for others in BARBRI's state page. Read our foreign-trained guide and your board's rule first. Buying a course for a state where you are not eligible is the costliest mistake.
Why standard courses fit poorly
A traditional bar review compresses months of doctrine into 8 to 10 weeks and assumes you have taken first-year courses. Foreign-trained lawyers are often learning common-law rules, US civil procedure and the multiple-choice format together. Extended courses spread the same material over more time.
BARBRI Extended U.S. Bar Prep
BARBRI describes it as built for LL.M. students, part-time J.D. students, international candidates and foreign-trained attorneys. It lists Foundations in U.S. Law content, a one-on-one attorney mentor, eligibility and application guidance, and access up to 10 months in 6 or 10 month options. Its guarantee is one free retake in the same jurisdiction within 12 months of your results date, and the book fee for that retake is $295 plus shipping. Its price is on a separate BARBRI page.
Themis's international course
Themis listed a 10-month part-time course for international candidates and LL.M. students at $3,895 with limited-time reductions on September 24, 2026, against $2,995 for its standard 2027 course. Ask which exam date and jurisdiction the price covers.
Questions that matter more than brand
How many hours of live or one-on-one help are included? Is there a foundations module for first-year subjects? How is essay feedback given, in writing or on a call? What happens if your eligibility decision arrives late or you must move the exam date? Can access be extended?
Language and format
If English is your second language, ask about extra time accommodations (some boards allow them for language) and practice timed reading. Speed with fact patterns is often the limiting skill, and it improves with volume.
Common questions
What is the best bar prep for LL.M. students?+
Look at extended courses built for you: BARBRI's Extended U.S. Bar Prep (6 or 10 months, attorney mentor) and Themis's 10-month part-time course, after confirming eligibility.
How much is Themis's course for international candidates?+
On September 24, 2026 Themis listed its 10-month part-time course for international candidates and LL.M. students at $3,895, with limited-time reductions.
Does BARBRI Extended offer a guarantee?+
BARBRI lists one free retake in the same jurisdiction within 12 months of your results date, with a $295 book fee plus shipping.
What to do next
- 1
Confirm eligibility with the board before buying.
- 2
Compare 6 to 10 month options, not 8-week courses.
- 3
Ask about mentor hours, foundations content and access extensions.