Just when you thought school was out forever, the Master of Laws sneaks into your life, whispering sweet nothings about career advancement, research, and publishing — not to mention a whole year to yourself. An LL.M. can be an attractive prospect. Precedent weighs your options.

• Across the sea: Canadian firms boast far-flung outposts, but going abroad doesn’t mean going global

• Women at the gates: More equal as associates, but partnership still elusive

• Climbing the ranks: Not all partnerships are created equal

• Specialties: From mining to marketing, being special is good for business

Students preparing for interview season face a gauntlet of new challenges: the 18-minute interview, meat served on skewers, and the discomfort of brand-new footwear. Precedent offers up real answers to some common questions.