The LL.M. in US LawWe examine the few dozen programs where foreign lawyers can really get to know the US legal system.

By V. Wish, Mar 23, 2009

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US Supreme Court

It's no secret that many of the world's best law schools are in the United States. Every year, thousands of lawyers from around the world put their jobs on hold to pursue an LL.M. degree there. Many join the few dozen US law schools that offer LL.M. programs in US Law specifically for foreign lawyers.

Some lawyers enroll in these - and other US-based LL.M. programs - because they plan to take the bar exam for New York or California, two US states that allow LL.M. graduates without an American Bar Association-recognized JD degree to sit the exam.

Deborah Call, associate dean at the University of Southern California (USC) Gould School of Law, says that about two-thirds of the students on her LL.M. program for foreign lawyers take a US state bar exam, even when their intention is to return to their home country.

"They do it because it gives them an opportunity for advancement in their job back in their home country, or gives them a leg up if they are going go back out into the job market," says Call.

"Many of our alumni are partners in their law firm now," she adds. "Passing that bar has really been a big piece of their ladder up."

While USC and other law schools offer some bar exam prep workshops for LL.M. students interested in taking the exam, it is not the focus of the academic year.

"We don't pretend to do in one year what a JD program does in three," says Peter Kochenburger, director of graduate programs at the University of Connecticut School of Law, which offers a US Law LL.M. program. "But an LL.M. is a way to get a credential to practice law in the United States in a third of the time." 

Kochenburger says that despite a growing demand for specialized LL.M. programs, many lawyers from abroad are still drawn to more general US Law programs. Part of this is due to the academic reputation of US law schools abroad, which can be useful for lawyers who want to become academic professors. 

Another major draw is that US Law is still one of the most - if not the most - influential and relevant legal systems in the world.

"In a practical sense, for individuals who see their legal career as working for companies or law firms that do business all over the globe - or at least more than in their home country - US Law is probably the best choice," says Kochenburger.

"Is that going to change in ten years? Who knows? But right now, it is the dominant law of commerce internationally."

According to Deborah Call at USC, students tend to choose classes within the program based how much experience they have practicing law. The average work experience for USC LL.M. students is around 3.5 years, but some come with more or less experience.

"Those that have more years of work experience are much more comfortable, and willing to take a corporate transactions class, for example," says Call. "These are the smaller seminar classes where they have to engage."

"I find that the younger students will stay in the larger, lecture-type classes."

Beyond the bar

Of course, another major advantage of a US Law LL.M. is the chance for foreign lawyers to improve their English language skills through reading assignments, interacting with classmates, writing exams, not to mention just getting by for a year living in an American city. 

In addition, some smaller programs intentionally mix foreign LL.M. students with American law students. The LL.M. program at Vanderbilt University, for example, admits around 30 foreign students a year who end up taking most of their classes alongside American JD students.

"There's kind of visceral familiarity with American legal culture that develops when you've spent a year here," says Vanderbilt Law School Dean Edward Rubin. "Some of the value of an LL.M. comes from learning law, but some of it also comes from the socialization - the contact and familiarization."

"When they go back to their home countries, their ability to get on the phone with Americans, negotiate with Americans, and understand something that was written by an American is significantly better."

In addition, after a year studying in the United States, lawyers can come out with a more nuanced view of their own legal system. Rubin compares it to the time he spent studying Japanese law in Japan as a young law student.

"I found that it taught me so much about American law," says Rubin. "It made me look at our own legal system so much more critically. Here's an advanced industrialized country with essentially the same material culture as ours, and yet they can think so differently on many cases."

Like Rubin, Peter Kochenburger at UConn thinks that a diversity of foreign students also

benefits American law students in an increasingly globalized profession.

"If you're in New York City or Washington DC, sitting down with foreign students might be something you've done a lot of," says Kochenburger. "That's not true of most of the country."

"Having students from Uzbekistan, Germany, China, Saudi Arabia, or Peru really brings an intellectual richness to the program and the law school as a whole," he says. 

"And, I should add, they are highly coveted by our soccer team."

LLM in U.S. Law for Foreign LawyersAPPLY NOW    

The Master of Laws (LLM) in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers at Washington University is designed for law students who are interested in increasing their knowledge of United States or international law to more effectively practice in today’s global legal environment. LLM students join a student body drawn from diverse legal cultures and learn from faculty who are experts in both United States and international law.LLM students design their own curriculum to suit their own academic and career goals, either concentrating in specialized fields such as corporate or environmental law or selecting a general course of study to increase their breadth of U. S. and international legal knowledge. 

Earning the LLM in U.S. Law permits WU law graduates to sit for several states’ bar examinations, including the New York State Bar Exam—the most popular bar among foreign lawyers.This LLM program is an ideal environment for experienced attorneys and recent law graduates alike to pursue any of a number of significant professional and academic goals, such as:

Gaining practical and theoretical knowledge of U.S. and international law.  Developing expertise in a specialized field of law.  Strengthening your ability to represent clients who have business dealings in the U.S. or with U.S.

companies and firms.  Improving your representation of American clients who conduct business abroad.  Building an international network of professional contacts.  Refining your English skills and understanding of American culture.

Admission RequirementsU.S. Law LLM candidates must have earned a first law degree from their home jurisdiction.Non-native applicants have to show proof of sufficient language proficiency.Candidates must submit:  

1. an application; 2. one recommendation letter;3. Official academic transcripts, in notarized English translations if not provided in English by your

university; 4. Indication of English-language proficiency, as in a recent TOEFL, IELTS, ILEC or other standardized

test score.* *If you do not have a recent standardized test score or no score at all, we will provide the opportunity for a Skype-interview language evaluation as part of your admissions interview. Once admitted, you will be required to present a letter of credit from a bank or other lending institution showing you have sufficient financial support to study in the United States.  All materials must be submitted by May 15.****We strongly recommend that applicants apply as early as possible.

Special Information Concerning the U.S. VISA Process:Washington University School of Law works closely with all of our admitted students to ensure timely and correct filings of visas. Be forewarned, however, that the process of applying for and receiving a U.S. student visa is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. We urge you to get your applications in early, and we promise to work on your visa documents early.For more information, contact by e-mail, phone or fax for materials: E-Mail: intllm@wulaw.wustl.edu  Phone: 314-935-3346 Fax: 314-935-7961 

The LL.M. American Law Program (for Non-U.S. Lawyers)

Introduction: The Global Degree

Foreign-trained attorneys are increasingly called upon to handle the complex demands of their

global clients -- clients whose cross-border interests implicate U.S. law. The issues they face range

far and wide:

What’s the best legal structure for my company’s affiliate in the U.S? How does the First Amendment apply to the Internet? What liabilities does my company face if it lists on a U.S. stock exchange? Will my company's merger violate U.S. antitrust laws?

To serve their clients or advise their companies, global lawyers must not only understand the

substance of U.S. law, they must also work effectively with their U.S.-trained counterparts. They

must understand U.S. legal culture and how U.S. counsel are trained to "think," and they must

possess highly polished legal English skills that allow them to communicate effectively, in writing

and verbally.

The LL.M. in American Law Program is specifically designed to prepare foreign lawyers for the

challenge of global practice. In this program, students are fully-integrated into BU Law's J.D.

classes, where they sit side-by-side with American students being trained in the tradition of U.S.

legal education.  This means you will not only learn the substance of U.S. doctrine in virtually any

area of interest -- intellectual property, international business transactions, mergers and

acquisitions, alternative dispute resolution, to name only a few -- but you will learn something

equally as important: how U.S. lawyers are trained to analyze legal questions and advocate on their

clients' behalf.  By the end of the year, we expect you will have developed skills to make you a

more effective global practitioner. You will have gained unique insight into the "mindset" of U.S.

lawyers and others trained in the common law. You will have the necessary perspective to work

across borders, and transact with lawyers from diverse traditions and backgrounds.

In that sense, our American Law Program is anything but American. It's truly global.

Coastal Law’s online LL.M. program meets many of the needs of students that are often

neglected by residential LL.M. programs. Traditional programs can be expensive and take

lawyers away from their families and jobs for a year or more. Existing programs are not

specifically aimed at students who already hold a law degree from outside the U.S. By

comparison, Coastal Law has created courses specifically for foreign lawyers, providing what

they need: a comprehensive overview of U.S. Law.

Renowned U.S. law professors from Coastal Law and other accredited law schools provide a

fundamental overview of U.S. law, using cutting-edge technology that allows students to watch

live and archived lectures, take quizzes, submit writing assignments, and interact with their

professors. Students can obtain a high quality U.S. legal education without the expense and

disruption of leaving their jobs and families. For more information, please contact Nicole

Carlucci, Admissions Counselor: NCarlucci@fcsl.edu.

Opportunities Made Possible through the Online LL.M. Program:

Improve your legal skills without leaving your professional and personal communities.

With the credential of an LL.M. degree, improve your career opportunities with law firms and corporations handling U.S. business.

Handle legal work outsourced from the U.S.

Enhance your ability to meet the academic qualifications required to take a U.S. bar exam.* Our curriculum meets the requirements for both the California and Washington State Bar exams.

Earn your degree in as little as one year, on a schedule that works best for you.

*Every state has different requirements for its bar exam. Students interested in taking a U.S.

bar exam should consult that state’s rules.

Yanna Applegate

“I would highly recommend the LL.M. program at Florida Coastal School of Law for any foreign

attorney who wishes to pursue a legal career in the U.S. or is seeking to add value to their

professional careers in their home countries. I graduated from the program in fall 2013,

immediately afterwards, took the California Bar Exam and passed it on the first try. The

curriculum of the LL.M. program is well designed to provide the LL.M. graduates with a

comprehensive overview of the U.S. legal system and the knowledge of the U.S. law core

subjects that is essential to have a successful experience on the Bar exams.

The fact that the LL.M. program is designed entirely on-line provides students with the flexibility

to learn the U.S. law from anywhere in the world at their own pace. The professors teaching

the LL.M. courses are true experts in their fields, many of them have extensive experience

working with foreign students. They combine academic expertise and practical experiences

and transform legal theories and principles into working tools that are essential not only in

passing the Bar exams, but in preparing LL.M. students to become competent practitioners in

the legal field. Professors at FCSL have an “open door” policy and students are always

welcome to submit their questions by email or over the phone.

I also appreciated the diversity of students in the LL.M. program that brought together people

with different perspectives, concerns, and experiences who wanted to interact, learn, and

engage together. I was constantly impressed with the contributions from my classmates during

the classroom discussions and my experience with other students was one of support,

friendship, and collaboration.

I consider earning an LL.M. degree at Florida Coastal as a great investment and essential step

to achieve my goal of becoming a licensed U.S. attorney.”

-Yana Applegate, First degree in law from Russia, U.S. Law LL.M. Magna Cum Laude, Active

member of the California State Bar

Musa A. Bangura

I must confess I was skeptical about taking the LL.M. online, having done all my legal studies

‘traditionally.’ However, because of my work schedule and other committments, the offer by

Coastal Law made a lot of sense. Having completed the course, I can say with certainty that

the program is indeed delivered with an international student body in mind.

The classes are quite interactive and students can communicate with the professors live while

the lecture is being delivered. Students can participate in question and answer sessions and

the classes are being recorded for later referencing. All the professors are experienced in their

respective fields and it shows in their delivery and lectures.

-Musa A. Bangura – Sierra Leone, West Africa

LL.M. in U.S. Law – Core Curriculum (26 credit hours*):

 

*Each Credit Hour equals 700 minutes of instruction.  The total minutes included in the

program amount to 18,200 minutes. 

 

Legal Analysis, Reasoning, and Communication, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course teaches students essential skills in legal analysis, legal reasoning, legal

research, problem solving, and oral and written communication.  Students are given life-like

problems to analyze and resolve using legal analysis techniques learned in the class. 

Students have opportunities to communicate findings and receive individual feedback.

 

Constitutional Law, 3 credits (2100 minutes)

 

This course explores the U.S. Constitution: the world’s longest running democratic charter.

Students will learn about the structure of the constitutional system, including principles of

separation of powers and federalism, as well as the Bill of Rights. The most important

constitutional law issues of the day are explored. U.S. Supreme Court cases and civil rights

statutes will be studied.

 

Civil Procedure, 3 credits (2100 minutes)

 

This course examines the procedural aspects of civil disputes in the U.S., under both state and

federal systems, and looks at the court systems and the processes of bringing and defending

cases. The course will examine the unique U.S. process of the discovery of evidence, including

depositions and document production. There will be an overview of alternative dispute

resolution focusing on arbitration and mediation.

 

Evidence, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course examines the Federal Rules of Evidence that govern the admissibility of evidence

during trials. This material is tested on the bar examination and also is important to lawyers

who assist U.S. firms with the discovery process used in litigation.

 

Contracts and Sales, 3 credits (2100 minutes)

 

This course introduces students to practical issues in contract law theories and doctrines. This

course will survey the application of contract law in various contexts with case law, relevant

portions of the Uniform Commercial Code, the Restatements, Convention on the International

Sale of Goods, and treatises. This course will explore the bases of contract law, creation and

termination rights, the role of capital markets, problems in contract formation, contract

interpretation theories, and settlement strategies.

Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure, 3 credits (2100 minutes)

 

This course focuses upon both federal and state criminal law in the United States. Most

criminal law is contained in statutes. Students will gain an understanding of the entire time-

frame of a crime, from commission through prosecution and possible imprisonment. All types of

crimes are covered including white collar crime. Cutting-edge criminal law issues in the U.S.

are discussed. This course will also examine the procedural rules of criminal cases. It covers

provisions of the Bill of Rights that regulate the government’s pursuit and prosecution of

criminal defendants. Important issues such as search and seizure and self-incrimination are

covered with emphasis on the fourth through eighth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

 

Real Property, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course examines the common law and statutory codes of property law, which is primarily

a matter of state law. It will also touch upon real estate transactions, the environmental law

aspects of property, and the basic organization of U.S. intellectual property and technology

law.

 

Professional Responsibility, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course will detail the rules of Professional Responsibility, including state and ABA Model

Rules of Professional Conduct, and leading federal and state case law on the subject.  The

course will delve into the history, goals, structure, values, rules and responsibilities of the

United States legal profession and its members.

 

Business Organizations, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course provides an understanding of the various organizational structures available to

businesses including foreign businesses operating in the U.S. These structures include

corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. There will be an overview of

business formation and the state and federal laws that govern businesses including the U.S.

Securities Acts. The course compares U.S. corporate law to that of select foreign countries and

discusses relevant international treaties.

 

Torts, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course explores the unique tort system of the U.S., where individuals sue for personal

wrongs committed against them. Torts consists primarily of laws made by judges, and the

course provides students with insight into the U.S. common law system. Real-world subjects of

recent suits will be examined in areas including products liability and environmental harms.

The concept of “class actions” will be studied.

 

Wills, Trusts and Successions, 2 credits (1400 minutes)

 

This course examines wills, trusts, and other methods for preserving and transferring wealth or

property to beneficiaries in the context of death or economic planning. The course will describe

how estate and other taxes affect the drafting of these legal documents.

Individualized attention, integration with US law students, an extensive and flexible

program of study, reasonable costs, and an outstanding faculty and location: these are just

a few aspects of the LL.M. Program in U.S. Legal Studies that foreign law graduates can

expect from the UConn Law.

The U.S. Legal Studies LL.M. Program at UConn Law accepts only a small number of highly

qualified foreign law graduates each year—normally a class of between (20) and (30)

students. This ensures that all admitted candidates receive individualized attention from

both the faculty and staff throughout their stay. Virtually all classes are taken with J.D.

students and the Law School offers among the best student-faculty ratios of any law school

in the United States (11:1) as well as a dedicated staff focusing specifically on the needs of

international students. 

Choosing from the approximately 150 courses offered annually, international students can

design their own program of study or, if they wish, obtain a certificate of specialization in

Energy and Environmental Regulation, International Human Rights, Intellectual Property,

Insurance Law, or Tax Law. Our faculty includes recognized experts in all these fields, but

perhaps more importantly, many of them also have significant experience teaching at law

schools throughout the world, which further demonstrates the Law School’s commitment to

the international law student.

Flexibility and reasonable costs are hallmarks of our LL.M. program. The course of study

may be pursued over two or, with permission, three semesters, and admitted students may

start in either the fall (late August) or spring (January) semesters. As a state-supported

institution our program fees are among the lowest of any top-tier law school in the United

States. LL.M. students who obtain good grades may also apply to our J.D. program without

having to take the LSAT, and if accepted, can transfer most of their LL.M. credits to their J.D.

program. Additional information about LL.M.-J.D. transfer can be found here. The Law School

has also established a new S.J.D. program for a small, select group of LL.M. graduates who

wish to spend several years on in-depth scholarly research and writing. Additional

information about the S.J.D. program can be found on the admissions section of the UConn

Law website.

UConn Law is located in Hartford, Connecticut in the historic New England region, just two

hours from both New York and Boston. Hartford is the capital of the insurance industry in

the United States and the Law School’s location provides access to some of the largest

financial services firms in the world. Cultural and recreational activities also abound,

whether in greater Hartford or further afield, including numerous museums and performing

art centers. The extraordinary beauty and history of New England will be on your doorstep,

including small villages, pristine beaches, and major mountain ranges, all of which are

easily accessible from Hartford. The Law School itself is located in the residential West End

of Hartford, on a lovely gothic-style campus that is listed on the U.S. National Register of

Historic Places.

The International Programs Office invites you to explore the website for more information.

Application information can be found in the How to Apply section. For further inquiries or

information on visiting our campus, please contact gradstudies@law.uconn.edu or call 1-

860-570-5392. We promise you quick responses to your questions and a warm welcome

upon your arrival.

The LL.M. program in U.S. Legal Studies may be pursued on a full-time basis over two

consecutive semesters, beginning in the fall term which starts in late August and in the

spring term which starts in mid January. The program can be completed in two or, with

permission, three semesters.  LL.M. candidates are required to complete courses in U.S. Law

and Legal Institutions and Legal Writing, and at least 20 additional credit hours, for a

minimum of 24 credits. As described below, 2-3 of these credits should satisfy the

mandatory writing requirement. LL.M. candidates are required to maintain a C+ average,

and obtain a minimum grade of C+ on the writing requirement. In consultation with

the faculty, LL.M. students design a course of study in their areas of interest. A major

purpose of the U.S. Legal Studies program is enabling students to explore a range of subject

areas as well as concentrating in a particular field of law. This flexibility encourages

students to study new legal areas for the first time, as well as to further their specialization

in particular subjects.  To encourage students to take advantage of a diverse faculty with

different backgrounds and teaching styles, LL.M. students may not take more than one

course a semester from the same professor without approval of the LL.M. Director or their

designee.

Writing Requirement

LL.M. students must satisfy a 2-3 credit writing requirement as part of their degree

program. The paper must be on a topic approved by the director of graduate programs, and

written on a graded basis. There are several ways the writing requirement can be fulfilled:

Writing a thesis, as described below,

In conjunction with a class that requires a substantial paper (minimum 20 page

length),

With the permission of the instructor at the beginning of the course, substituting a

substantial paper for an examination,

As a special research project of not less than two credits supervised by a full-time or

adjunct faculty member,*

Writing a piece certified to be published or nearly publishable by the faculty advisor

of the Connecticut Law Review, the Connecticut Journal of International Law, the

Connecticut Public Interest Law Journal, or the Connecticut Insurance Law Journal

*If you are planning to sit for a Bar Exam in the US and are interested in independent study,

please review the Bar Exam requirements to make sure independent study would be

considered eligible credit.

ThesisLL.M. students may, at their option, write a thesis for 3 credits that satisfies the writing

requirement. A thesis is a substantial paper that is of publishable or near publishable

quality, and involves supervised drafts. LL.M. students must write a thesis if they wish to be

considered for honors. A thesis can be written in two ways:

As part of a 3 credit course with permission of the instructor, who acts as the thesis

advisor,

As a special 3 credit research project supervised by a full-time faculty member.*

*If you are planning to sit for a Bar Exam in the US and are interested in independent study,

please review the Bar Exam requirements to make sure independent study would be

considered eligible credit.

Honors DesignationLL.M. students are eligible to graduate with honors under the following conditions:

Obtain a minimum 3.3 grade point average,

Write a thesis and obtain a grade of A or A- as determined by the faculty advisor,

and

The thesis must also be submitted to a 3-member faculty panel composed of the

thesis advisor, the director of the Program and a faculty member chosen jointly by

the student and the advisor. The panel would not alter the faculty advisor's grade,

but would make the final determination whether the thesis was of honors quality.

The panel serves as a screening process to help ensure a level of uniformity in

determining what constitutes an honors thesis.

ll courses are open to LL.M. candidates as well as J.D. candidates. LL.M. candidates may

select courses from among the many US and International Law courses offered as part of

the Law School's extensive curriculum. Only a few courses have required prerequisites.

LL.M. candidates may also participate in the various legal clinics at the Law School. These

include the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic, Tax Clinic, Mediation Clinic, and Intellectual

Property and Entrepreneurship Law Clinic.

Certificates of SpecializationAs part of the LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies degree, students may obtain a certificate of

specialization in five areas:

International Human Rights

Intellectual Property

Tax Law

Financial Services Regulation

Energy and Environmental Regulation

Students should announce their intention to seek a certification at the beginning of their

academic year and plan their course enrollment to fulfill the credit requirements.  The

professors for the specific certificate program can offer guidance on the courses available;

however, students should alert the graduate programs office and the registrar of the desire

to fulfill the certificate. To be awarded the certificate, students must complete 9 credits in

their area of specialization, complete their writing requirement in that area and achieve a

minimum of a B average in all of the certificate coursework including the writing

requirement. The required courses in U.S. Law and Legal Institutions and Legal Research

and Writing do not count towards the certificate credit requirement. Students may be

required to take the entry-level course in their certification area, depending upon their prior

preparation and experience. This course would count towards the credit minimum.

Note that students do not need to choose an area of specialization; this is only an option to

allow students who wish to specialize to draw upon particular strengths within the School of

Law.

stakes cases that determine whether a client who has fled political, religious or other

persecution in his or her home country will be granted asylum in the United States. In this

intensive, one-semester program, students develop their legal skills and learn to exercise

professional responsibility and judgment. They deepen their understanding of human rights

issues while providing an essential service to clients desperately in need of representation.

AchievementsSince its founding in 2002, the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic has handled 101 asylum

cases to completion.  In 93 of those cases, the Clinic’s clients were granted asylum or other

forms of relief from removal. In many instances, spouses and children were also

beneficiaries of the asylum grant, so the total number of refugees who have been able to

secure legal status in the United States as a result of the Clinic’s work is into the hundreds. 

Many of the Clinic’s past clients are now U.S. citizens.

The Asylum and Human Rights Clinic celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2012. It was

honored with the Myra M. Oliver Award by the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition

for exceptional service to Connecticut’s immigrant communities, awarded at the annual

Immigrant Day held at the Connecticut State Capitol. Over the past several years, the

Asylum and Human Rights Clinic has also engaged in innovative interdisciplinary

collaborations with the UConn School of Social Work and UConn Health Center which has

enhanced services to clients while enriching the professional education of law, social work,

and psychology students.

StudentsTypically, 20 law students participate in the intensive Asylum and Human Rights Clinic

program each year (12 in the fall semester, 8 in the spring). Students who have taken the

Clinic may continue to do supervised casework in subsequent semesters by enrolling in

Advanced Clinic Fieldwork. Other law students provide valuable assistance to the Clinic's

clients, and gain insight into international human rights issues and legal advocacy, by

serving as language interpreters in the Clinic's cases as student employees or pro bono

volunteers.

More than 200 law students have participated in the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic since

the program started in the fall of 2002. The legal experience, exposure to human rights

issues, and commitment to public service that students have gained through the program

have had a lasting impact on their careers. Asylum and Human Rights Clinic alumni have

gone on to judicial clerkships, positions with the U.S. Justice Department, State Department

and Department of Homeland Security, public interest law jobs, and positions in large and

small law firms. Click here for an article profiling one of the Asylum Clinic’s alumni.

Clinic FacultyClinical Professor of Law Jon Bauer is the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic’s director. He has

been a member of the law school faculty since 1988, and has taught clinical and non-clinical

courses focusing on civil rights, employment law, poverty law and mediation. He has been

teaching the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic since 2002.

Anna Cabot co-teaches the program as the William R. Davis Clinical Teaching Fellow. Anna,

who joined the Asylum and Human Rights Clinic in the summer of 2014, previously served

as managing attorney of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center in El Paso, Texas.  She

has also worked for Asylum Access, advocating on behalf of refugees in Tanzania, and for

the ACLU’s National Prison Project.

Thank you for your interest in applying. Each year the LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies at the

University of Connecticut School of Law greets a small number of international students

selected from a competitive pool of applicants from around the world. Connecticut offers a

broad selection of courses — more than 150 — in U.S. law, international law, and

comparative law.

Eligibility to ApplyTo apply for admission to the LL.M. Program in U.S. Legal Studies, applicants are generally

required to hold or expect to receive a degree from a recognized law faculty outside the

United States before matriculating in the LL.M. program at UConn School of Law.

Three exceptions apply:

First, when a student is enrolled in a program in a foreign university leading to the

equivalent of two integrated law degrees in the United States (e.g., a bachelors and masters

in law, or a masters and doctorate in law), UConn School of Law may permit the student to

enroll in the LL.M. program.  This enrollment can take place in the fourth or fifth year of a

five-year program equivalent to a bachelors and masters in law, or, in the case of an

integrated masters-PhD program in law, when all the courses equivalent to earning the

masters are completed at the home university.  In such cases, the LLM will be awarded

upon completion of the degree requirements here at UConn Law School. 

Second, when a student has received a first degree in a subject area outside of law and has

completed or is pursuing a graduate degree in law at foreign law faculty, UConn School of

Law may permit the student to enroll in the LL.M. program simultaneously with the

completion of the graduate degree in law at the foreign law faculty. In such circumstances,

however, UConn School of Law will not award the LLM degree until it has received

confirmation from the student’s home university that the student has received the graduate

degree in law from the foreign law faculty.   

Third, when a student is still enrolled in a program leading to a first degree in law, UConn

School of Law may permit the student to enroll in the LL.M. program in the third or fourth

year after commencing that first degree.  In such circumstances however, UConn School of

Law will not award the LLM degree until it has received confirmation from the student’s

home university that the student has in fact been awarded the first degree in law (normally

after the student has returned home for one year of additional study).

The admissions committee considers the applicant's academic performance, intellectual

curiosity and professional experience. The School of Law admits approximately 20 LL.M.

candidates each year; the number of applications and expressions of interest significantly

exceed that number. Consequently, admission is selective and limited to those who

demonstrate academic excellence.

Applying through Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply through LSAC. To learn more about LSAC,

please review the full description of LSAC services. If you encounter problems during the

application process, please contact our office for assistance.

Applying through E-mailFor applicants who do not wish to use LSAC, please e-mail all required documents

togradstudies@law.uconn.edu.

Application DocumentsA complete application file consists of:

1. A completed UConn Law LL.M. Programs Common Application form.

2. A writing sample in English.

3. A (non-refundable) check (in American dollars), travelers check or international

money order payable to "The University of Connecticut School of Law" in the amount

of $75 (US) for the application processing fee.

4. Final law school transcript from the applicant's degree-granting institution. The law

degree should be the equivalent of the J.D. or LL.B. degree; correspondence course

degrees will not be considered for admission.

5. Personal statement describing educational background, reasons for enrolling in the

LL.M. program for U.S. Legal Studies, planned course of study and career goals.

6. Two (2) letters of recommendation, either present or former law professors or

supervisors of your legal work, which the recommender must send electronically.

You can download a copy of the recommendation form here.

7. Financial Declaration Form , and an

8. Official TOEFL/IELTS test score.  Our university code is 3915.

Proof of English Language ProficiencyInternational applicants to UConn Law's LLM programs must provide proof of English

proficiency or demonstrate qualification for an exemption from this requirement. All

international candidates are asked to consult the English Proficiency Requirements page for

details. 

DeadlinesApplications are considered on a rolling basis.  All international student applications should

generally be received by June 1 for Fall enrollment, or November 15th for Spring enrollment.

Applications received before these dates will be given priority consideration. Admission

decisions will generally be made within several weeks of when a full application is received.

Application forms are available for download and must be submitted electronically.

LL.M. students who obtain good grades may also apply to our J.D. program without having

to take the LSAT, and if accepted, can transfer most of their L.LM. credits to their J.D.

program.

1. International LL.M. students who have a minimum grade point average (GPA) equivalent

to 3.3/B+ and who have completed two semesters worth of work in our LL.M. programs may

apply as a transfer student to the J.D. program under the regular J.D. transfer process. This

process is limited to international students in one of our LL.M. programs; LL.M. students at

other schools are not eligible.

2. These students will not have to take the LSAT, though they should complete all other

aspects of the transfer application process which can be found on our web site. When

possible, the J.D. Admissions Committee will utilize material from the applicant's LL.M. file,

including transcripts from foreign law schools and TOEFL scores.

3. LL.M. students applying to the transfer program will need to take a minimum of one

required first year (J.D.) course on a graded basis (not pass-fail) in their first two semesters

and also submit two letters of recommendation from the UConn Law faculty, one of which

must come from the professor teaching the required first year course.

4. LL.M. students who apply will be notified if they have been accepted into the J.D. program

after grades have been received for at least two academic semesters within the LL.M.

program.  This should allow adequate time to review the application after receipt of the

second semester’s grades and still provide sufficient time to obtain any necessary visa

approval.

5.  Once accepted into the J.D. program, LL.M. graduates will be able to transfer credits for

most courses taken at the Law School, provided that the examination in such courses was

conducted on "substantially the same terms" as J.D. students.  For example, credits in

courses with proctored exams can only be transferred if the student completed the exam

under the same conditions as J.D. students (i.e., they received no extra time in writing the

examination).  The four credits for the required U.S. Law & Legal Institutions and Legal

Research and Writing courses do not transfer.  Some required first year courses for J.D.

students may be offered over two semesters (for example, Civil Procedure I and II); LL.M.

students who enroll in these courses must take them for a grade and complete both

semesters in order to receive transfer credit.  While credit earned for the LL.M. writing

requirement (a research paper or thesis) can transfer, the LL.M. paper will not satisfy the

J.D. Upperclass Writing Requirement.

6. J.D. Admissions will require LL.M. students to have a minimum TOEFL score of 100/250/

600 (Internet/Computer/Written) either when applying to the LL.M. program, or prior to

admission to the J.D. program.  This requirement can be waived under appropriate

circumstances.  Subject to the discretion of the J.D. Admissions Committee, LL.M. students

whose language of instruction was English in their foreign law program will generally be

exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

7. LL.M. students must complete their LL.M. program before beginning their J.D. studies.

8. The application deadline is July 1st.

n today's global environment, lawyers from around the world are finding that the Master of Laws (LLM) degree from a US or Canadian law school is useful as certification for career advancement and international credibility.What does LLM stand for?LLM is derived from Legum Magister, which means master of laws in Latin.What courses comprise the LLM curriculum?The LLM curriculum varies depending on the program. Many programs provide a broad curriculum in American law, the US or Canadian legal system, international law, and comparative law. Others provide more specialized courses in subfields such as taxation, intellectual property, human rights law, or international environmental law. Some programs incorporate required courses; some do not.You can search for programs by area of interest in your LLM account.How long does it take to earn an LLM degree?Typically, the LLM is a one-year course of full-time study or two years of part-time study. It can range from 22 to 28 or more credit hours.What tests must applicants take in order to apply for an LLM program?Many schools require applicants to submit an English proficiency exam (TOEFL/IELTS) score if English is not the applicant's native language.The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is not required for admission to LLM programs in the United States.What are the degree requirements for applying to an LLM program?A first degree in law is required for admission to LLM programs. US-educated applicants must have a JD degree before applying. Internationally educated applicants must have a first degree in law from their country of origin.Do all law schools offer LLM programs?Not all law schools offer LLM programs, and some schools offer programs for domestic students only. Check with individual law schools for information about policies affecting students from countries outside the United States.Can internationally educated applicants with an LLM degree take the bar exam?Many US states limit the eligibility of LLM-degree graduates to sit for the bar examination if their first degree in law was earned outside of the United States. Each of the 50 US states sets its own criteria for bar admission. International lawyers are responsible for contacting the appropriate state's board of law examiners directly to obtain specific information. The website of the National Conference of Bar Examinerslinks to an alphabetical listing by state of US bar admission offices.

Is financial assistance available for international students pursuing an LLM degree in the United States?Non-US citizens are not eligible for federal or state funding for study in the United States. However, some law schools may offer full or partial scholarships to international students, and some universities may offer graduate teaching assistantships. Check each school's website for more information.International students are advised to contact various employers, government agencies, foundations, and organizations within their own country to inquire whether any scholarship or grant aid is available for studying outside of their country.

Degrees Other Than a JD and Bar AdmissionIn order to obtain a license to practice law in the United States, all candidates must apply for bar admission through a state board of bar examiners. Although this board is ordinarily an agency of the highest court in the jurisdiction, occasionally the board is connected to the state's bar association. The criteria for eligibility to take the bar examination or to otherwise qualify for bar admission are set by each state, not by the ABA or the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.In order to sit for the bar examination, most states require an applicant to hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school that meets established educational standards. A JD earned at an ABA-approved law school meets the educational requirements in every jurisdiction in the United States. For those individuals who have not earned a JD degree from an ABA-approved law school, bar admission authorities have developed varying requirements and criteria to ascertain if such individuals meet the minimum educational requirements for bar admission. In most jurisdictions, individuals who lack such a JD will find that they do not satisfy the minimum educational requirements for bar admission and are ineligible to take the bar exam. In some of the remaining states, graduates of foreign law schools will find that additional schooling such as an LLM is required, and a few others recognize with regularity the sufficiency of a specific foreign legal education. A number offer an alternative licensure mechanism known as a Foreign Legal Consultant, which is a limited license to practice. And finally, some jurisdictions will allow individuals to be eligible for admission without examination under certain conditions if they have been admitted to the bar in another US jurisdiction.In the past few years, there has been a large increase in the number of graduates from schools located outside the United States enrolled in advanced degree programs (such as the LLM). Upon graduating, many of these individuals return to their home country without seeking or obtaining bar licensure in the United States. However, an increasing number of these individuals seek to be admitted to a state bar.Unlike the JD degree bestowed by an ABA-approved law school, which carries the indicia that the holder of that degree has completed a course of study imparting standards entitling him or her to engage in the practice of law, advanced degree programs at ABA-approved law schools are not regulated, and thus, not "approved." As a result, such degrees vary in content and rigor. In other words, the

American Bar Association does NOT accredit degrees of any kind other than the JD.It is the position of the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association that no graduate degree in law (LLM, MCL, SJD, etc.) is or should be a substitute for the first professional degree in law (JD), and that no graduate degree should substitute for the JD in order to meet the legal education requirements for admission to the bar.As a result of the variance in state bar admission rules, the ABA strongly encourages individuals to contact the state board of bar examiners in the state(s) in which they are interested in being admitted to ascertain its requirements to sit for the bar examination. Contact information for all the state board of bar examiners is available at Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and in the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements   (PDF) .

ENGLISH PROFICIENCYMost law schools will ask applicants for whom English is not their native language to take a standardized test such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It is your responsibility to identify which of the schools of interest to you require this test. Each school sets its own standard for required minimal scores on the tests. LSAC will accept score reports for either TOEFL or IELTS exams. LSAC will include your score(s) in your LLM credential evaluation upon receipt of an official score report from the testing service. It is your responsibility to learn from each law school of interest to you how old a score may be to remain acceptable.LSAC has arranged with ETS to receive your TOEFL score(s) electronically. This is only possible if and when you supply ETS with LSAC's institution code, 8395, at the time you place your order for a copy of the score report to be sent to LSAC. You may be asked to choose a department code as well. Any department code will do, regardless of the corresponding department name, as long as you use institution code 8395.LSAC has also arranged with IELTS to receive scores electronically. LSAC only accepts scores submitted for electronic download. No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted. An institutional code is NOT required. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system. All IELTS centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution.LSAC cannot accept paper copies of score reports from applicants. Law schools participating in LLM CAS will accept your results as part of your LLM law school report, so there is no need to have additional copies sent to the participating law schools.It is important that you enter your test information on the English Proficiency page of your online account. We are unable to process IELTS scores without this information; also, TOEFL scores are matched to your account more quickly when we have this information.Once LSAC receives a TOEFL or IELTS score, it cannot be deleted or replaced. There are no exceptions. If we already have a score on file for you, and you take the test again and have the new score sent to us, we will include both scores in your law school report. The new score will not replace the previous score, no matter how long ago the previous score was reported. LSAC will include on your law school report all English proficiency scores we receive.If we receive your TOEFL or IELTS score(s) after your law school report has been completed and/or released to a participating law school, we will update your report to reflect your TOEFL/IELTS results free of charge. The updated report will automatically be forwarded to the school(s) that previously received your report.

Estudios en Derecho en los Estados UnidosResumen:

En los Estados Unidos, el estudio formal en derecho solo está disponible a nivel de postgrado. Para asistir a una universidad de leyes en los Estados Unidos, el estudiante debe de tener por lo menos un título universitario. Por lo tanto, los estudiantes con un nivel A o Scottish Highers no pueden ingresar a una universidad en derecho en los Estados Unidos sin antes haber obtenido un título universitario. Las universidades pueden ofrecer licenciaturas en campos relacionados al estudio de derecho (ej. Licenciatura en Humanidades con especialidad en Leyes y Sociedad) o carrera de pre-derecho, pero dichas licenciaturas no son suficientes para ejercer la abogacía en los Estados Unidos o en el Reino Unido.

Títulos que se ofrecen:

Los títulos en derecho más comunes que ofrecen las escuelas de derecho en los Estados Unidos son el Doctorado en Derecho (JD) y la Maestría en derecho (LLM). El título profesional de Doctorado en Derecho es para aquellos quienes desean ejercer la abogacía (o trabajar dentro del campo legal) en los Estados Unidos. Por lo tanto, los programas JD se enfocan principalmente en Derecho Estadounidense. El título LLM generalmente es para los abogados colegiados que desean seguir estudiando en un área o campo en particular del derecho. Por favor tenga en cuenta que para ejercer la carrera de leyes en los Estados Unidos, primero debe de pasar el examen profesional y estar facultado legalmente para trabajar en los Estados Unidos.

Los títulos que se otorgan a nivel doctorado son Doctor en Ciencias Jurídicas (SJD o JSD, por sus siglas en inglés) y Doctor en Estudios de Derecho Comparado (DCL, por sus siglas en inglés). Estos son los títulos en derecho más avanzados y por lo general están previstos para aquellos que aspiran a una carrera académica en el campo legal.

La mayoría de las escuelas de derecho también ofrecen la opción de doble titulación en varias disciplinas. Los títulos más comunes son JD/MBA o un JD/MA o JD/MSc en campos tales como relaciones internacionales en economía, orden público o ciencias políticas. La doble titulación le tomará más tiempo en terminar que el título JD solo debido a los requisitos adicionales de titulación, pero menos que si toma las dos licenciaturas por separado.

Estructura del Programa JD:

El primer año de estudio está relativamente estructurado con módulos obligatorios como procedimiento civil, leyes constitucionales, contratos, derecho y procesos penales, método legal, redacción legal, derecho de propiedad y ley de lesiones

personales. El primer año también puede incluir juicios simulados en donde los estudiantes pueden discutir casos uno contra el otro.

Durante el segundo y tercer año de estudio, los cursos pueden incluir evidencias, litigios civiles, impuestos, testamentos y fideicomisos, derecho administrativo, corporativo comercial, familiar, ambiental e internacional. Aunque el diseño de JD no permite mucha especialización, los estudiantes tienen más libertad durante los últimos dos años para elegir cursos optativos en su campo de interés.

Con frecuencia existe la posibilidad de obtener habilidades profesionales después del primer año a través de cursos clínicos o pasantías externas, permitiéndoles a los estudiantes trabajar con clientes reales o simulados. Estas oportunidades varían de una escuela de leyes a otra, pero por lo general son en forma de clínicas reales en el lugar de trabajo que tratan con casos de menor importancia, puestos laborales externos en un despacho de abogados o en una agencia pública o un curso en trabajo clínico simulado. Los estudiantes obtienen experiencia profesional realizando prácticas laborales o pasantías durante el verano.

Estructura del Programa LLM:

Los programas de titulación LLM se pueden adaptar individualmente para satisfacer los intereses de los candidatos y generalmente requieren de una tesis o de un componente de investigación independiente. Los programas LLM por lo regular constan de un año y pueden ofrecer concentraciones en campos específicos como impuestos, leyes internacionales y ley comparada. Algunas de las escuelas de leyes también ofrecen programas LLM como Ley Comparada de los EE.UU. o Estudios de Derecho diseñados para proporcionarles a los licenciados en derecho extranjeros una perspectiva del sistema legal de los Estados Unidos.

Eligiendo una Escuela de Leyes:

Para poder ejercer como abogado en los EE.UU., muchos estados requieren que el candidato posee un título JD de una escuela de leyes que haya sido aprobada por el Colegio de Abogados de los Estados Unidos (ABA, por sus siglas en inglés). El Consejo del ABA de la Sección de Educación Legal y Admisiones a la Barra es reconocido por el Departamento de Educación de EE.UU., como la agencia de acreditación para los programas profesionales JD. El Colegio de Abogados de los Estados Unidos no acredita los programas profesionales JD. Las escuelas de leyes no acreditadas por ABA solo califica a los asistentes para practicar en el estado en donde se encuentra ubicada la escuela; por consiguiente, los licenciados de escuelas no acreditadas por ABA frecuentemente tienen dificultad para obtener su licencia para ejercer la abogacía en otros estados. La lista de escuelas aprobadas por ABA se encuentra en: http://oficialguide.Isac.org

Si usted planea ejercer la abogacía en los Estados Unidos, asistir a una escuela reconocida con una reputación académica sólida y un alto nivel de prestigio puede hacer la diferencia en su currículum al solicitar un empleo. Además, ser parte de la

red de egresados de una escuela en particular, le puede proporcionar oportunidades de creación de redes conforme avance en su carrera. Por lo tanto, al elegir una escuela de leyes y en particular, un programa JD, los estudiantes deben de investigar cuidadosamente la reputación académica de la institución y consultar las clasificaciones como US News y World News.

Al elegir un programa de leyes, los futuros estudiantes deberán considerar las oportunidades para especializarse en áreas legales específicas. Los sitios web de las escuelas de leyes deben describir detalladamente el plan de estudios del programa JD o LLM. Para los estudiantes JD, es importante elegir una escuela en el estado en que desee tomar el examen de la barra y ejercer la abogacía.

Al elegir un programa de leyes, también es recomendable sopesar factores tales como el tamaño del grupo, entorno, ubicación, financiamiento, descritos en el Estudio de Postgrado –Eligiendo un Programa de Titulación de Postgrado en el sitio web www.fulbright.co.uk

Solicitud de admisión de las escuelas de leyes en los EE.UU.:

La admisión a las escuelas de leyes en Estados Unidos es extremadamente competitiva, especialmente para los solicitantes extranjeros. El criterio de admisión incluye:

Cursos de pregrado y postgrado (según aplique) La puntuación del Examen de Admisión a la Escuela de Leyes (LSAT, por sus

siglas en inglés) para el solicitante JD

2 – 3 cartas de recomendación

Declaración de Intenciones

Currículum y/o muestras de redacción de un texto para algunas escuelas – se tomaran en cuenta las actividades extracurriculares y experiencia laboral previa durante el periodo de admisión.

Entrevista para algunas escuelas

Arreglos financieros (es probable que se les pregunte a los solicitantes que proporcionen información acerca de cómo planean financiar su educación legal)

En cuestión de cursos previos, los programas JD no requieren que los solicitantes realicen una licenciatura en un tema en particular o que hayan tomado cursos específicos. En lugar, hacen énfasis en la importancia de una educación estricta e integral con experiencia en diferentes disciplinas.

Los estudiantes deben elegir una especialización de pregrado de acuerdo a sus intereses; es posible adquirir el conocimiento y las habilidades necesarias para ser admitidos en un programa de leyes a la vez que se especializan en un tema no

relacionado. Sin embargo, para tener éxito en una escuela de leyes, usted deseará desarrollar habilidades como el pensamiento crítico, resolución de problemas, lectura analítica, comunicación verbal y escrita y habilidades generales de investigación. Los futuros candidatos a la escuela de leyes también querrán obtener un entendimiento básico en ciertos temas, como historia de los Estados Unidos, teoría política, ética, y teorías de justicia, economía, comportamiento humano y relaciones internacionales.

Por favor tenga en cuenta que algunos programas LLM solo admitirán a los solicitantes internacionales que ya hayan obtenido una licenciatura en leyes y que estén calificados para ejercer en su país de origen. Otras universidades de los EE.UU., no requerirán una licenciatura en leyes siempre y cuando el solicitante esté calificado para ejercer en un país con derecho común y, en algunos casos, posee algunos años de experiencia laboral. Los requerimientos de admisión deberán estar fácilmente disponibles en los sitios web de la escuela de leyes.

También es importante que los solicitantes JD estén enterado qué los oficiales de admisiones clasifican LSAT entre los tres principales factores. Los estudiantes deberán tomar el LSAT en la primavera de su penúltimo año de estudios de pregrado. También es importante considerar que los solicitantes LLM pueden requerir el examen GRE, el cual representará un role ligeramente menor en la selección que el LSAT para los solicitantes JD.

Reuniendo los requisitos para ejercer leyes en los Estados Unidos:

Para poder ejercer como abogado en los Estados Unidos, además de estar facultado legalmente para trabajar en los Estados Unidos, uno primero debe de ser admitido a la barra de abogados de un estado en particular. Esto involucra pasar el examen de la barra en el estado y cualquier otro examen requerido por los examinadores estatales de la barra. Muchos estados solo permiten que un estudiante tome el examen si la escuela de leyes donde obtuvo su grado JD ha sido aprobado por ABA. Los estudiantes que han terminado un LLM pueden calificar para tomar el examen de la barra en New Hampshire, Nueva York, Virginia, Carolina del Norte y California. El criterio para ser elegible para tomar el examen de la barra o de otra manera calificar para ser admitido en la barra es establecido por la asociación estatal de la barra. Póngase en contacto con la asociación del estado al que usted pretenda ejercer la abogacía para obtener información acerca de las fechas de examen y sitios. Puede encontrar un listado de las asociaciones estatales de la barra en el sitio web de ABA en http://www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html

Además del examen estatal de la barra, 47 estados también requieren el Examen Multiestatal de la Barra (MBE, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Examen Multi-estatal de Responsabilidad Profesional (MPRE, por sus siglas en inglés). Otros exámenes multi-estatales incluyen (Examen de Ensayo Estatal (MEE, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Examen de Desempeño Multi-estatal (MPT, por sus siglas en inglés). El proceso para obtener la licencia también incluye la evaluación del carácter y capacidad del solicitante para involucrarse en el ejercicio legal.

Es importante que esté enterado que ni el grado JD, ni pasar el examen estatal de la barra lo faculta para trabajar en los Estados Unidos (Al solicitar la visa de estudiante, un estudiante debe de demostrar que tiene la intención de regresar a su país de origen después de terminar su titulación).

Georgetown? ¿Harvard? ¿Oxford? ¿Qué programa LL.M podría estudiar? Estudia el programa que

tú elijas!

¿O quizás estás pensando en solicitar un programa JD? Descubre cómo Ivy Admissions

puede ayudarte a preparar una excelente solicitud sin necesidad de estresarte, y acceder al

programa LL.M o JD de tus sueños.

Ivy Admissions puede ayudarte a través de nuestro exclusivo sistema de asesoría en cuatro

fases, diseñado para servirte de apoyo en cada uno de los pasos del proceso de admisión.

Desde la elección del programa que mejor se ajusta a tu perfil y expectativas, hasta el envío de

los resultado de LSAT y TOEFL, la redacción de un gran application essay, y el máximo

aprovechamiento de tus recomendaciones, Ivy Admissions puede situarte en la dirección

correcta hacia la universidad de tus sueños.

El proceso de admisión no tiene por qué ser insuperable si los planeas con tiempo. Ivy

Admissions puede ayudarte a hacerlo desde el principio hasta el final.

 Fechas Importantes a tener en cuenta en el proceso de admisión.

 Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre los exámenes de acceso y cómo prepararlos.

 Dónde puedes encontrar los mejores libros.

 LL.M vs. JD: ¿Cuál es la diferencia y cuál es mejor para ti?

 Conoce más acerca de nuestro sistema de asesoría en cuatro fases.

Nuestros asesores académicos están a tu disposición para ofrecerte más información. También

puedes acceder a ella a través de nuestra página web de servicio integral para clientes,

disponible en exclusiva para clientes de nuestro servicio de Asesoría Académica Ivy

Admissions. Contacta con nosotros o regístrate para conocer más a fondo nuestro servicio.

LL.M vs. JD

Antes de solicitar la admisión a cualquier facultad de derecho, es importante saber qué

requisitos académicos necesitas. La mayoría de los solicitantes internacionales han completado

la carrera de Derecho, y por tanto pueden ser candidatos a un programa LL.M.

Ivy Admissions puede ayudarte a clarificar esta decisión, y nuestros asesores académicos

cuentan con amplia información y experiencia para trabajar en tu solicitud y conseguir tu

objetivo, ya sea un LL.M, JD o cualquier otra opción.

El LL.M es un programa de postgrado en leyes reconocido internacionalmente, y que se obtiene

tras haber completado un programa académico de normalmente un año. En el ámbito jurídico, es

el equivalente a un MBA. Muchas firmas de abogados se inclinan a seleccionar candidatos que

posean este título, ya que indica que se trata de abogados con una sólida formación jurídica y

capaces de desenvolverse en un entorno legal internacional. Muchas facultades de Derecho

podrían considerar admitir a estudiantes de postgrado que hayan obtenido el equivalente al JD

fuera de los Estados Unidos, aunque algunos programas especializados en el sistema legal

americano no. Muchas otras facultades requieren un conocimiento del sistema que está basado

en el English common law, también conocido como derecho civil. En los Estados Unidos, los

programas de postgrado en leyes constituyen diferentes variaciones de LL.M, M.C.L y S. J. D.

No existe la licenciatura de Derecho en los Estados Unidos, por tanto, ningún estudiante puede

esperar estudiar Derecho sin haber completado una licenciatura previamente. Los requisitos

básicos de admisión para las facultades de derecho americanas son un título de licenciado en

cualquier campo, y el examen de ingreso a la facultad de derecho LSAT (The Law School

Admisión Test). La Licenciatura en Derecho en los Estados Unidos se denomina the Juris Doctor

(JD), y requiere tres años de estudio normalmente. El programa JD implica la realización de

cursos de derecho civil americano y derecho mercantil e internacional. Los estudiantes

extranjeros que estén considerando cursar el JD, deben tener en cuenta que este programa se

centra en la preparación para la práctica jurídica en los Estados Unidos.

Exámenes de Acceso

La mayoría de los programas de Derecho JD requieren la realización tanto del LSAT como del

TOEFL. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los aspirantes a programas LLM que cuentan con experiencia

y formación en el campo jurídico, están exentos de realizar el LSAT, aunque en muchos casos el

TOEFL sigue siendo obligatorio. Ivy Admissions puede ayudarte a decidir qué exámenes

necesitas hacer y cuáles deberían ser tus objetivos de admisión en la universidad que elijas

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission

to all 202 law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). It measures

reading and verbal reasoning skills to help law schools decide if a candidate is ready for a JD

program.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) mide la habilidad verbal de hablantes

no nativos de inglés para entender y comunicarse en inglés norteamericano en un contexto

académico a nivel universitario. Más de 4.300 universidades, colleges, escuelas profesionales e

instituciones educativas requieren los resultados obtenidos en esta prueba.

Puedes obtener información más detallada sobre cada uno de estos exámenes a través de

nuestro equipo de Asesoría Académica o a través de nuestra página Web de servicio integral

para clientes, disponible en exclusiva para clientes de Ivy Admissions. Contacta con

nosotros o regístrate para conocer más acerca de nuestro servicio.

Informarte sobre cómo Club Ivy / Hiedra Centers pueden prepararte para estos importantes

exámenes.