Introduction
The LLM in US Legal Studies program provides core training in United States law and comprehensive preparation for foreign attorneys and law graduates to take the state bar examination. The program also allows students to concentrate on a particular area of U.S. law. It teaches foreign-educated lawyers about the basic foundations of American law and prepares them to understand, analyze, and write about issues in American law.
Graduates of the program will understand the foundations of U.S. law, know the basics of several specific areas of U.S. law, gain strong legal analysis skills, perform effective legal research, apply legal authority to facts, and write documents in acceptable U.S. format with correct citations. They will be prepared to succeed in their electives using the approach and skills that they have learned, and at the end of their studies will be prepared to work in an American law office or similar setting as an intern/extern.
Concentrations
Students in the LLM in US Legal Studies Program can study core US law, prepare for the bar, or focus on one of these specialties:
Corporate & Commercial Law
Immigration Law
Labor & Employment Law
Litigation and Lawyering Skills
Property Development / Real Estate Law
US Legal Practice
For each concentration, students must successfully complete the concentration course requirements. All concentration coursework must be completed before graduation. The diploma and transcript will list all concentrations that were successfully completed.
To apply for a concentration in the LLM in US Legal Studies Program, download the application from the Law Registrar. Please note, this is in addition to the Application for Admission to the LLM Program.
Admissions
Rolling admissions for fall and spring. Applicants can expect a decision within 2-3 weeks of submitting a completed application. Students are encouraged to apply before the Priority application deadlines:
Fall (August) Term -- April 1
Spring (January) Term -- October 1
Curriculum
To earn an LLM, Students must complete 24 units with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Classes are offered during the day as well as during the evening to accommodate working professionals. Students may attend full-time and complete the program in as few as two semesters. Alternatively, students may attend part-time. All students must finish the degree requirements within three years of matriculation.
Required Courses
Introduction to the United States Legal System (3 units)
Directed Study, Curricular Practical Training, or Clinic (1 - 3 units)
Elective Courses
Students in the LLM US Legal Studies may take all electives or may concentrate on an area of law: Corporate & Commercial Law, Immigration Law, Employment Law, Litigation and Lawyering Skills, Property Development/Real Estate Law, US Legal Practice.
(the following is a sampling of elective classes)
Litigation & Lawyering Skills
Clinics
LAW 811 - Administrative Law
LAW 815 - Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW 700 - Civil Procedure
LAW 855 - Professional Presentation
LAW 898A - Criminal Litigation
LAW 803E - Criminal Procedure
LAW 804 - Evidence
LAW 305A - Professional Responsibility
LAW 899B - Trial Advocacy
Corporate & Commercial Law
LAW 816A - Accounting for Lawyers
LAW 815 - Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW 802A - Business Associations
LAW 322A - Corporate Taxation
LAW 838B - Federal Income Taxation
LLM 321N - International Taxation
LLM 360 - International Business Transactions
LLM 322 - International Trade Regulation
Bar Preparation
LAW 802A - Business Associations
LAW 700 - Civil Procedure
LAW 801 - Constitutional Law
LAW 710 - Criminal Law and Procedure
LAW 705 - Contracts
LAW 804 - Evidence
LAW 305A - Professional Responsibility
LAW 715 - Property
LAW 806 - Remedies
LAW 720 - Torts
LAW 807 - Wills and Trusts
Application Requirements
All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.
A complete LLM program application consists of the following:
Completed and signed Application Form;
Personal Statement;
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
Letters of Recommendation;
Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
Interview (if applicable); and
Non-US applicants must submit additional documents, including English proficiency demonstrated with either the TOEFL, IELTS, interview with Program Director, or waived for the exceptions.
Fees and Deadlines
There is no fee to apply. It is highly recommended that applicants apply prior to the priority deadline as admission and scholarship decisions are made on a rolling basis.
April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Fall (August), deadline extension to May 15.
October 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Spring (January).
April 1 is the priority application deadline for starting the program in the Summer (late May) -- limited to Taxation and Estate Planning programs only.
