LL.M. in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers

The Master of Laws (LL.M.) 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. LL.M. students join a student body drawn from diverse legal cultures and learn from faculty who are experts in both United States and international law.

LL.M. 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 LL.M. 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 LL.M. 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 Requirements

U.S. Law LL.M. candidates must have earned a first law degree from their home jurisdiction.

In addition, students for whom English is not a native tongue are required to have a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 100 (Internet-based), a C1 Pass on the ILEC, or a 7.5 on the IELTS. (The TOEFL code for the law school is 6929-03.)

Candidates must submit: (1) an application which includes two brief essays; (2) an application fee; (3) two recommendation letters; (4) official academic transcripts in English with class rank from all schools attended even if no degree awarded; (5) indication of English-language proficiency, as described above. 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. You may apply via LL.M. Online Application.

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