LLM in US Legal Studies

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.