LLM, MLS, JSD Programs Overview - WashULaw

Take your career to the next level

Apply to one of our outstanding LLM, MLS, or JSD programs today and learn from world-class faculty while interacting with exceptional colleagues and taking advantage of unique learning opportunities outside the classroom. Learn more about WashULaw graduate law programs with our Virtual Tour.

Select a program that fits your background

Programs for International Lawyers Programs for US-Trained Lawyers Program for Non-JD Students Online Programs

Programs for International Lawyers

LLM for International Lawyers

Designed for law students who are interested in increasing their knowledge of the United States or international law. Optional certificate programs allow specialization.

LLM in Specialty Areas

WashULaw offers LLM degree programs for International Lawyers concentrating on Negotiation & Dispute Resolution (NDR) or IP/Technology

Two-Year LLM for Foreign Lawyers

A two-year graduate degree program designed to provide intensive support in Legal English combined with law classes and immersion into the local legal community.

Juris Scientiae Doctor (JSD)

Designed for attorneys pursuing a career in academia, policy, or scholarly legal research focused on exceptional candidates with a sophisticated scholarly focus.

Programs for US-Trained Lawyers

US-Trained LLM in Taxation

Designed to provide comprehensive and specialized training to lawyers and law school graduates who plan to specialize in tax.

US-Trained LLM in IP/Technology Law

This program allows students to study introductory and advanced intellectual property and technology law and to scrutinize the politics affecting those areas of the law under the guidance of leading scholars in the field.

US-Trained LLM, Negotiation & Dispute Resolution

Practicing lawyers can further their careers as effective and skilled negotiators, advocates, mediators, arbitrators, policymakers, and business leaders in national and international arenas.

US-Trained LLM, Customized

The customized LLM offers students the opportunity to earn an advanced law degree with a focus of their own choosing.

Program for Non-JD Students

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

This program allows non-lawyers to take a broad range of law courses to develop a general understanding of the legal system or specialize in a particular area of the law.

Certificates for MLS Students

Students in the MLS Program have the opportunity to pursue a certificate in a specialty area as part of the MLS degree program.

Professional Institute (Lawyers and Non-Lawyer Professional)

This series of professional education programs allow lawyers and non-lawyer professionals to acquire new skills and explore timely issues over the course of two weekend sessions.

Online Programs

Online Master of Legal Studies

Designed specifically for non-lawyers and professionals looking to build their knowledge of the U.S. legal system to better perform their law-related tasks at work. Skills are applicable across a variety of industries.

Online LLM for International Lawyers

Designed for international lawyers who would like to improve their understanding of U.S. law in order to practice law in the U.S. or to work at an international law firm.

Online Tax LLM

Designed for lawyers and law school graduates who want to specialize in tax law and solve complex tax problems. Graduates will be prepared to assist individuals and organizations in all major areas of tax.

Online Dual LLM for International Lawyers

Offers foreign-trained lawyers the chance to earn an LL.M. in U.S. Law from Washington University School of Law and an LL.M. in Transnational Legal Practice from Tecnológico de Monterrey. Graduates will be prepared to practice law on a global landscape.

Graduate Student Spotlight

Graduate Student Spotlight

Marsha Clarke
JD ’13, NDR LLM ’15

"The NDR LLM program at WU prepared me for a variety of career paths both here in the US and overseas. I am far more skilled - and far more marketable – as a result of my added degree."

Xiangyuan Yu
US Law LLM ’19

"I love WashULaw, not only because it boasts world renowned experts dedicated to teaching, but also because it pays great attention to students' career development, for which I'm very grateful."

Frederike Wilhelmi
IP & Tech LLM '10

"The Copyright and Trademark Practice classes were amazing. I learned the ins-and-outs of IP law from successful practicing attorneys! I enjoyed learning about the U.S. legal system, and through discussions with professors and fellow students, I realized that similar policies can be advanced in different ways."

WashUlaw students enjoy the reading room.

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Professional Development, Licensure, and Bar Examinations