ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offers a one-year Master of Law (LL.M.) degree in American Law for foreign law graduates. The main feature of the LL.M. program is its attention to the individual needs of its students.
After an introduction to U.S. law, the curriculum allows each LL.M. student to work with a faculty advisor to design a course of study meeting the studentβs personal goals and interests. Students also receive intensive academic advising, writing support services, assistance in locating housing and aid in acclimating to ΘνΓΓΙη LAW.
Our highly qualified students are offered a comprehensive curriculum with significant coursework opportunities in international and comparative law, health law, employment law, business, commercial and tax law, criminal litigation, civil litigation, urban development, immigration, land use and environmental law and intellectual property.
Opportunities are also available for coursework at ΘνΓΓΙη's Chaifetz School of Business, College for Public Health and Social Justice or 44 other graduate programs.
ΘνΓΓΙη LAW may award partial or full-tuition scholarships to incoming students based on academic credentials, career achievements and need.
LL.M. students complete 24 credit hours of coursework over two semesters, generally in the Fall and Spring, with the opportunity to continue through the following summer to complete a thesis. Each year the fall semester begins in August and ends in December; the spring semester starts in early January and ends in May. Students choose from the full range of courses and seminars offered at ΘνΓΓΙη LAW. Students may select up to 3 credit hours of courses from ΘνΓΓΙη's Chaifetz School of Business, College for Public Health and Social Justice or 44 other graduate programs.
LL.M. students are required to complete a 3 credit hour course in legal research and writing and a foundation course in a common law subject such as contracts, torts or property. Additionally, LL.M. students take at least 2 credit hours for which they produce a written work, such as a seminar paper or a directed research paper. LL.M. students may elect to write an LL.M. thesis for 6 credit hours. No more than 8 of the 24 credit hours may consist of an LL.M. thesis, seminars, or research papers.
Students seeking the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers have the opportunity to choose an area of focus to concentrate their legal studies on while at ΘνΓΓΙη LAW. While the tracks are not mandatory, they are designed specifically for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers degree program and are advised in cooperation with the program director.
I: Commercial and Business Track (8 credit minimum)
Adviser: Michael Korybut
Business Associations (4 credits)
Contracts I (3 credits)
ONE COURSE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
Entrepreneurship Law (3 credits)
Negotiations (2 credits)
Secured Transactions (2 credits)
Securities Regulation (3 credits)
Taxation (3 credits)
The Commercial and Business Law Track requires a total of at least 8 credits. Additional commercial and business law designated courses will count toward the track, based on availability and approval by the adviser.
II: Health Law Track (8 credit minimum)
Adviser: Amy Sanders
Required Courses:
Health Care Law (3 credits)
Administrative Law (3 credits)
The Health Law Track requires a total of at least 8 credits. In addition to the courses
listed above, a student may choose an additional 2 credits of health law designated
courses. Any additional health law designated course will count toward the track,
based on availability and approval by the adviser.
III: Intellectual Property Track (6 credit minimum)
Adviser: Yvette Liebesman
Required Courses:
Intellectual Property Survey (3 credits)
The Intellectual Property Track has a 3-credit minimum from the following courses
based on availability and approval by the adviser. The following courses have been
approved as electives for the Intellectual Property Track but may not be offered every
year:
Anatomy of a Patent (2 credits)
Copyright (3 credits)
Intellectual Property Law Research (1 credit)
Patent Law (2 credits)
Seminar: Emerging Health Technologies: Innovation, Law and Policy (2 credits)
Seminar: International Intellectual Property Law (2 credits)
Seminar: Intellectual Property and Creative Businesses (2 credits)
Seminar: Intellectual Property and Global Entrepreneurship (2 credits)
Seminar: Law and Regulation of Science (2 credits)
Sports Law: Labor Wrangling (2 credits)
Trademark and Unfair Competition (3 credits)
IV: Labor and Employment Track (8 credit minimum)
Adviser: Marcia McCormick
TWO COURSES OUT OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED:
Employment Discrimination (3 credits)
Employment Law (3 credits)
Labor Law (3 credits)
The Labor and Employment Law Track has one course out of the following or any other
labor and employment law course based on availability and approval of adviser:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (2 credits)
Business Associations (4 credits)
Contracts I (3 credits)
Employee Benefits Law (3 credits)
Negotiations (2 credits)
Seminar: Employment Law (2 credits)
Workersβ Compensation (1 credit)
V: Taxation Law Track (6 credit minimum)
Adviser: Kerry Ryan
Required Course:
Taxation (3 credits)
ONE COURSE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
Corporate Taxation (3 credits)
International Taxation (3 credits)
Partnership Taxation (3 credits)
Many of our LL.M. students have chosen to sit for the bar exam. ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offers various bar exam preparation workshops and offers detailed guidance on how to take the bar successfully.
LL.M. students who wish to satisfy the New York State Bar Skills and Values Requirement under Pathway 1, should complete the courses listed in ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law's Pathway 1 Certification. ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law has developed a plan identifying and incorporating into its curriculum the skills and professional values that, in the school's judgment, are required for its graduates' basic competence and ethical participation in the legal profession, as required by ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law School Standard 302(b), (c) and (d), and has made this plan publicly available on the law school's website on the following link, ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law New York Bar Skills and Values Requirement Pathway 1 Certification.
Step 1:
Download a printable application form, or .
Step 2:
Applications cannot be considered for admission until the following official materials and supporting documents are received:
- An official diploma from each postsecondary school the candidate has graduated from, including English translations. Academic transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the appropriate head of department of the candidate's university. All such translations must be on official university letterhead. They should also identify which academic courses mentioned in the transcripts were counted toward earning the Degree in Law, including specifications as to whether the degree was obtained at the graduate or undergraduate level.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes inside the candidateβs admission packet (if mailed) or via email to the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu). If sent via email, letters of recommendation should come directly from the recommender (NOT forwarded from the applicant) with the email subject line, βLL.M. Admissions: Letter of Recommendation for [APPLICANT NAME]β. The letter can be included as an attachment with proper letterhead or be incorporated in the body of the email. Letters of recommendation from college instructors who are familiar with the applicant's academic work are preferred. Recommendations from employers, supervisors and associates are welcome for those candidates who have practical experience and have been away from the classroom for a period of time. See application form for a list of questions which may be helpful for your recommender to provide us with useful information.
- A written personal statement. The personal statement may contain information about important factors, achievements, concerns or plans that the candidate would like to bring to the attention of the admissions committee. This is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their unique personality. As such, the statement should reflect the candidate's own writing style in 1200 words or less. Candidates should pay close attention to details such as clarity of thought and expression.
- A current rΓ©sumΓ©/C.V.
- Official IELTS/TOEFL Score. Official TOEFL Scores should be sent to ΘνΓΓΙη Law (institutional
code 6629). We accept a minimum score of 85 for the internet-based exam, 223 for the
computer-based exam and 563 for the paper-based exam. ΘνΓΓΙη Law also accepts an IELTS
score of at least 6.5.
- Note: If the applicant's first law degree was in English, applicant may request for the Admissions Committee waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.
Step 3:
Submission Requirements:
- If sending via email, include the complete application form and supporting documents requested in Step 2 as attachments to the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu).
- If sending via mail, include the complete application form and supporting documents
requested in Step 2 in one packet.
Mailing Details: ATTN: Assistant Director for International Students
ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law
100 N. Tucker Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri 63101
U.S.A.
Financial arrangements for funding a course of study in the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program must be made well in advance of commencing studies at ΘνΓΓΙη Law. Please review link below to get a sense of the investment: Information regarding tuition and fees, living expenses and other costs
If you need assistance with financing your educational expenses, there are three potential
avenues of funding to explore: (1) private scholarships for international students,
(2) private student loans, and (3) federal student loans. Review the eligibility criteria
for each funding source below by clicking on the link below to determine eligibility.
Information regarding financial arrangements for international students
Candidates who apply for ΘνΓΓΙη LAW sponsored scholarships will receive notice of financial awards with their admissions decision.
Admitted students will receive assistance in applying for a student visa, locating housing, and becoming oriented with ΘνΓΓΙη Law. Information about the visa application process can be found here. Admitted students will be contacted by the Assistant Director for International Students via email with a list of trustworthy housing options that vary in cost and distance from the Law School. Shared student housing accommodations (off campus) may also be an option based on interest and availability. Admitted students will also receive information on public transportation services, public safety resources, local markets and stores, as well as entertainment options nearby.
Applications for the LL.M. program are accepted on a rolling basis beginning September 1 of each year for admission in the Fall of the following academic year. Applications for the academic year should be submitted by March 10 to ensure that visa paperwork can be processed in time for admission in the fall. Applications will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee until ALL required materials stated in the βHow to Applyβ tab are received by the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu).
What is an LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Program?
The ΘνΓΓΙη LAW LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers is a masterβs degree program
aimed to provide specialized legal training for people who hold a first degree in
law (J.D., LL.B. or equivalent). Students benefit not only from working with ΘνΓΓΙη Lawβs
outstanding faculty, but also by establishing professional relationships with other
LL.M. students from around the world. Our LL.M. is designed to allow students to have
more flexibility in creating a curriculum that matches their interests and experiences.
Students have the opportunity to choose a βtrackβ or an area of focus to concentrate their legal studies while at ΘνΓΓΙη Law. While the tracks are not mandatory, they are designed for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers degree program and are advised in cooperation with the program director. We offer a commercial and business law track, health law track, intellectual property track, labor and employment law track, and taxation law track.
Who is eligible for admission?
Our LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program accepts both domestic and international
students, however it is only open to foreign law school graduates. Applicants must
have completed a basic law degree from a recognized college, university, or law school
outside the United States. Students must have excellent academic records and strong
professional and/or academic recommendations. Professional experience and demonstrated
leadership skills will also be considered in admissions decisions.
Application Process
How do I apply?
Download a printable application form and complete the requirements outlined above under the βHow to Applyβ tab or apply
online through .
How much is the application fee?
We do not require an application fee for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers
program.
Is the LSAT test required for the LL.M. program?
No, the LSAT test is not a requirement for admission to the LL.M. program.
How long is the LL.M. program?
The LL.M. program is a two-semester, 24-credit hour program that starts in the fall
semester (start date in early August) and concludes in the spring semester (graduation
date in late May).
Do you allow transfer credits from previously completed law degrees into the LLM program?
No, students must complete at least 24 credit hours at ΘνΓΓΙη LAW to obtain the LL.M.
degree.
Do you require an evaluation of documents of international applicants?
We require a certified English translation of all documents that are in a foreign
language, including but not limited to diploma(s), transcripts, rΓ©sumΓ©/C.V., etc.
Can students send the application and the required documents by email?
Yes, students can send the application and the supporting documents via email to the
Assistant Director for International Students, Mariajose Ortiz (mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu). Please note, an official copy of the studentβs transcript must be turned in or
mailed to ΘνΓΓΙη LAW upon matriculation into the program.
How and where should I send the recommendation letters?
Recommendation letters MUST be sent directly from the recommender to the Assistant
Director for International Students, Mariajose Ortiz via email at mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu or via post. Mailing Details:
ATTN: Assistant Director for International Students
100 N. Tucker Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri 63101
U.S.A.
Do I need to take an English language proficiency test?
International students whose native language is not English and did not receive a
bachelor's degree or graduate degree where the language of instruction was in English,
are required to take an English proficiency test.
What is the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS score for direct admission?
An 85 TOEFL score or a 6.5 IELTS score are the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS scores
for admission.
Do you accept Doulingo English Proficiency Exam?
No
How long will it take to process my admission application?
The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and makes admission decisions within
two to four weeks upon receiving the complete application.
What concentrations or tracks does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer for LL.M. students?
ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offers 5 tracks for the LL.M in American Law degree:
- Business and Commercial Law Track
- Health Law Track
- Labor and Employment Law Track
- Intellectual Property Law Track
- Taxation Law Track
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer a part-time LL.M. in American Law program?
No
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer an online LL.M. in American Law program?
No, ΘνΓΓΙη LAW does not offer any online programs.
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer deferred admissions?
Yes, we can defer your admission for up to two years.
Financial Aid and Living Cost
What is the tuition for the ΘνΓΓΙη LAW LL.M in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program?
Please refer to the βCost of Attendance and Financial Arrangementsβ tab above.
What other costs can I expect during my study at ΘνΓΓΙη LAW?
Please plan for book expenses, health insurance, housing and food, and other miscellaneous
expenses. See the βCost of Attendance and Financial Arrangementsβ tab above for further
information and figures.
When is the tuition payment due?
Tuition must be paid a week before the start of the program. However, payment plans
may be arranged with the guidance of the Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
& Financial Education.
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer wire transfers to pay for tuition from a country outside of the
United States?
Yes, international students can pay their tuition from their home country using Flywire.
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, international students are eligible for merit-based and need-based scholarships.
Please visit the International Scholarships resource page linked here for more information on types of aid and how to apply.
Can international students apply for a loan in the United States?
To apply for a federal loan through the Free Application for Federal Aid (βFAFSAβ),
the student must be a permanent legal resident or a U.S. citizen. However, there are
private banks that give loans to international students. The Assistant Director of
Student Financial Services & Financial Education, Jessica Seavers (jessica.seavers@slu.edu) can serve as a resource for navigating loan options.
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW have on-campus housing?
No, there is no on-campus housing for law students. However, the Assistant Director
for International Students provides admitted students with a list of trustworthy housing
options that vary in cost and distance from the Law School. Shared student housing
accommodations (off campus) may also be an option based on interest and availability.
Admitted students interested in shared student housing options should indicate their
preference when committing to the LL.M. program.
The Bar Exam
Can international students take the bar exam?
Each state sets its own standards for admission of attorneys. Please refer to the
National Conference of Bar Examiners Jurisdiction Information page linked for more information.
Many of our LL.M. graduates have successfully sat for various bar exams, including the New York Bar exam and the Missouri Bar exam. The New York State Board of Law Examiners lists the relevant requirements .
Does ΘνΓΓΙη LAW provide bar preparation resources, classes, and workshops?
Yes, ΘνΓΓΙη LAW provides students excellent resources and Bar preparation programs free
of charge through our Academic Resource Center.
In February 2020, the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar released a comprehensive set of data on Bar passage outcomes for ABA-approved law schools. ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law had a passage rate of 97.96% while the national average was 89.5%. This puts ΘνΓΓΙη LAW at 14 out of the 198 U.S. law schools, coming in just behind Harvard and New York Law and just above Cornell University.
Visa and Immigration Law Issues
All international students are subject to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
regulations. For questions on getting a visa, students should rely on the ΘνΓΓΙη Office of International Services.
When will I receive my I-20?
After the ΘνΓΓΙη LAW Admissions Committee grants you admission into the LL.M. program,
the ΘνΓΓΙη Office of International Services will begin the visa application
process. Once you show proof of all relevant visa documents and financial information,
the Office of International Services will generate your I-20.
After completing the LL.M., can I stay in the summer to work?
Yes, U.S. immigration law currently permits F-1 student visa holders, who were continuously
enrolled in an LL.M. program for two semesters, to apply for post-graduate Optional
Practical Training (βOPTβ). The Optional Practical Training allows F-1 students to
remain in the U.S. for up to one year to undertake law-related, paid or unpaid, employment.
"ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law's LL.M. degree program gave me a thorough understanding
of how the American legal system works. It also gave me the opportunity to form the
necessary professional relationships to start my legal career in St. Louis. One of
the great strengths of the program is the close professor-student interaction, which
always made me feel that the faculty truly cared about my professional success."
Gustavo Arango ('05)
Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri
"Iβm BΓ©atrice from Mauritius Island and I pursued my legal studies in France, England,
and the U.S. Iβm currently living and working in St. Louis at Charter Communications
Inc. Getting my LL.M. at ΘνΓΓΙη LAW was definitely a great decision. The curriculum was
comprehensive and provided a nice overview of American law and the common law system.
The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and understanding. Not only was it
good for my career, but I also made some lasting friendships with my classmates.
BΓ©atrice Zdrodowski (Lasse) ('14)
Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri
"I really enjoyed my time at ΘνΓΓΙη School of Law. It was a great
opportunity to further my education. The faculty and staff members were very nice
and made LL.M students feel very welcome. The classes were very interesting and the
professors were always there to answer my questions. Being part of ΘνΓΓΙη's LL.M program
was a rewarding experience and prepared me for the NY Bar exam."
Souhella Makouri ('15)
Attorney in New York City, New York
Armenia | Israel | Russia |
Azerbaijan | Kazakhstan | Serbia |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Korea | South Africa |
Canada | Kyrgyzstan | Spain |
China | Mauritius | Sri Lanka |
Columbia | Mauritania | Sweden |
Croatia | Moldova | Taiwan |
Denmark | Nepal | Tajikistan |
Eritrea | Nigeria | Tanzania |
France | Pakistan | Thailand |
Germany | Poland | Ukraine |
India | Romania | Uzbekistan |