Introduction
Specifically designed for the foreign law graduate, the LL.M. in U.S. & Transnational Law for Foreign-Trained Lawyers is Miami Law’s general LL.M. The program welcomes attorneys from all over the world to continue the study of law in a context that emphasizes American common law and its impact in the global economy. While technically a specialization in the International Law LL.M., the program permits unusual flexibility and allows students to choose courses in their area of interest from the general law school curriculum and structure their studies according to their professional goals.
Who Should Consider this Program?
Foreign-trained attorneys who want to learn about the U.S. legal system
Those looking for the possibility of remaining in the U.S. to practice law with the opportunity to earn a J.D. and/or qualify to take a U.S. Bar Exam, including New York
Individuals wanting to explore the field of international law outside of his or her own country
Foreign-trained attorneys who want to do an LL.M. and first need to improve English skills
Maximum Flexibility - Select Your Courses, Meet Your Goals
The program provides maximum flexibility and allows students to take courses from Miami Law’s extensive course catalog alongside American J.D. students. Each student’s course of study is tailor-made on an individual basis depending on interests and career goals. See Courses & Requirements
“The LL.M. was one of the most fulfilling experiences I have ever had. The opportunity to interact with a diverse student body, as well as an experienced and accessible faculty, broadened my perspective on quite a few subjects.”Augusto Aragone, LL.M. ’06Uruguay State University, UruguayVice President and Associate General Counsel for Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions at Ingram Micro
Personalized Attention
Students work with the Program Director who serves as a personal Academic Advisor to arrive at the best possible individualized program for each student. As a foreign-trained attorney, one’s background, as well as future goals, are considered. There is also an orientation for International Students designed to assist with the transition to living in the U.S. and most specifically, Miami. There is also career Advising from a career services advisor who has special training in assisting international LL.M. students.
“My studies at UM’s Law School helped my career tremendously because I had the opportunity to take classes in my area of expertise. Upon returning to Germany, I applied the knowledge I obtained in Miami to write my doctoral thesis in this field.”Doris König, LL.M. ’82Christian Albrecht University, GermanyJudge, Federal Constitutional Court of Germany, Former President of Bucerius Law School
Earn a J.D. Degree - Joint J.D./LL.M. Degree Program
University of Miami School of Law gives students the option to earn a joint J.D./LL.M. Students that are interested in applying to the joint J.D./LL.M. degree should consider taking one basic U.S. Law course in the fall semester that demonstrates his or her ability to handle J.D.-level work. It is also advantageous to study with at least one member of the tenure-track faculty. By the spring semester, students can discuss with an advisor other academic requirements that will need to be satisfied.
Requirements
In the program, students engage in a comparative study of the U.S. legal system with that of the region where they earned their law degree and those of their classmates and colleagues. Students must complete 24 credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.30/4.00 in order to receive the Masters of Law in International Law degree with a specialization in U.S. and Transnational Law for Foreign Lawyers. Many students pursue different paths in reaching this goal.
Most students will take an additional two courses in the fall semester and four courses in the spring semester. Students must have 24 credits to graduate, and the exact number of courses taken depends on how many credits are associated with each course. Students studying on less than a full-time basis should begin with the two required courses in the fall semester.
Required Courses
These courses are intended to give a foundation in American common law doctrine as well as the approach to written analysis in this system.
Introduction to U.S. Law (this requirement may also be satisfied with Constitutional Law I)
Legal Communication and Research
U.S. Law Courses
Some students are particularly interested in taking courses that will introduce them to the American Legal System. One approach would be to register for some of the first year required courses for J.D. students. First-year students at UM are required to take: Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Property Law, Constitutional Law I, and Criminal Procedure.
In addition, many of our foreign students will take upper-level courses such as Business Associations and those that relate to the individual, long-term professional interests.
