A Master of Laws (LLM) is an internationally-recognized, second-level law degree offered in many countries around the world. LLMs are offered at the graduate level and in many countries an LLM, or equivalent degree, is required before a graduate can practice law. The term ‘Master of Laws’ derives from the Latin Magister Legum or Legum Magister. Like the LLB, the two ‘Ls’ refer to the study of both canon and civil law.
LLMs are usually conferred by Law Schools, or the school of law at an accredited university. Students wishing to pursue an LLM are normally required to hold an undergraduate degree in either a related subject or in a law degree like an LLB or a JD. LLMs may be specialized and can be undertaken by students wishing to concentrate or develop expertise in a particular field like tax law, international law, or human rights law. In some countries, LLMs are considered a supplementary degree similar to the MLS. LLMs may also be completed by a student with a law degree who wishes to pursue a legal career in another country.
LLM degrees vary in length and intensity. In most countries, the Master of Laws degree is awarded after one year of intensive study; however, it may also be the culmination of a lengthier course of study that included an undergraduate degree in Law. In most countries, LLM graduates will have completed significant research and a written thesis in addition to any coursework required by the program of study. LLM programs are often international in nature and you may study with students from around the world who are working to expand their legal expertise.
If you studied law as an undergraduate, or would like to pursue a career in law you may wish to consider an LLM. You can use the list below to find LLMs in many countries around the world. Each program page is connected directly to the school’s admissions office. Use the form to contact them and find out more about enrolling in an LLM.
This master's degree is designed for modern lawyers and managers and explores the legal and commercial aspects of intellectual property. The programme is designed in partnership with major law firms and industry leaders. [+]
The LLM in International Business Law is a flagship programme for students seeking to specialize in the [+]
The LLM in American Law Program is one of the nation’s premier programs for global practitioners seeking to learn how US lawyers think, approach legal programs, and handle client matters. You’ll be integrated into the JD classroom, and have the opportunity to select from 200+ courses when creating your individualized study plan. [+]
The General LLM program allows the student to design his or her own course of study in order to examine a range of issues in U.S. law. [+]
Antitrust laws directly impact the globalization of businesses and the complexities of the international economy. Antitrust lawyers must engage with rapidly changing regulations and global issues. The LLM in Global Antitrust Law & Economics provides students with an advanced understanding of the laws that regulate the process of business competition and the economic analysis relevant to understanding modern antitrust adjudication. [+]
The Master of Advanced Studies in International Taxation (MASIT) offered by the Tax Policy Center of the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland is aimed at those wishing to practice tax law with a law or consulting firm, a bank, as an in-house counsel to a company or with the tax administration. As the MASIT is designed for those practicing abroad or in Switzerland, it offers both an International tax and Swiss tax curriculum which may be undertaken on a part-time basis (1.5 years) or on a full-time basis (1 year). Both curriculums take into account latest tax policy developments (for instance implementation of the G20/OECD BEPS initiative, EU Anti-avoidance package, exchange of information, tax and money laundering issues and so on). The 60 ECTS credits of the program are composed of Core Courses to enhance the understanding of key concepts, Specializations to deepen insight in a chosen focus area and a Master Thesis to augment research & writing skills. The courses are taught by distinguished faculty members, who comprise of leading academics, government officials, members of the OECD/EU, practitioners working in international consulting/law firms and in legal departments of major corporations. The program is conducted in English [+]
The shifting balance between the state and the economy has given rise to new challenges at the intersections of law, business and government. Addressing these issues calls for professionals who have the necessary legal skills and management capacities. The Master’s programme in International Law (MIL) combines a specialist legal education with essential aspects of business and politics. We prepare our graduates for a wide range of careers in the corporate world, in government, diplomacy, and other public and private sector institutions. [+]
Effective post-J.D. legal study provides the opportunity to explore areas of the law in more depth through a customized curriculum taught by leading experts in a stimulating academic environment. At Southwestern Law School, we offer an outstanding Master of Laws (LL.M.) program that fulfills that promise. [+]
The LLM (Master of Laws) Program at the University of Hawaii is a one-year course of study of the U.S. legal system. [+]
To succeed as a well-rounded leader, you need the right knowledge to make informed business decisions relating to the law. In an increasingly regulated work environment, legal competence can considerably enhance your ability to successfully work across the commercial and corporate landscape. [+]
Focus on U.S. law, with a flexible curriculum, best LL.M. preparation for a U.S. bar exam. [+]
The LL.M. degree program consists of 24 credits hours of study and can normally be completed in a year, although a part-time option is available for domestic students in the LL.M. in Dispute Resolution program. [+]
A primary goal of the LL.M. for Foreign Law School Graduates program is to provide law students with an understanding of the United States legal system, give a frame of reference for dealing with transnational business and legal interests, offer an appreciation of the role of law in national and internal development and equip them with the analysis and problem-solving skills needed to meet the complex demands of the world. [+]
The Master of Laws (Applied Law) in Common Law Practice (NZ) is designed to meet the needs of the New Zealand legal profession for higher level, practice-based skills acquisition across a range of specialized practice areas. [+]
The LL.M. (Master of Laws) in European Law gives students the opportunity to acquire a comprehensive understanding of European Law in most areas falling within the competence of the European Union. Courses are taught with a comparative and international perspective. [+]
