LLM for International Lawyers
Law is increasingly practiced on a global scale, with attorneys that understand how the laws of their home country and that of the U.S. intersect.
Outstanding lawyers from over 45 countries have chosen NORTHAMPTON to boost their career with a master’s degree. One-on-one academic and career counseling, supportive faculty, and access to worldwide legal networks are just a few benefits of our LLM Program for International Lawyers. And your educational experience will be enhanced by your immersion with U.S. students.
As a NORTHAMPTON student, you will study with leading practitioners in the same classes as your U.S. peers. You may choose to complete one of two tracks:
TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS
Designed for foreign lawyers who seek to develop an expertise in American law, the rigorous curriculum immerses you in the foundations of U.S. law and legal thought and provides a thorough training in legal skills critical to advising clients in the U.S. or globally. The students in this track plan to sit for a bar exam and/or stay in the US to practice.
TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS
Designed for students interested in private and public international law, you may earn a focus certificate in any of NORTHAMPTON’s specialty areas, all of which include strong international and comparative components: arbitration, mediation, negotiation; business and corporate; child and family; competition; health; human rights; intellectual property; tax; or trade law. Under the guidance of our engaged international faculty, you also may develop your own focus to match your academic interests and professional goals.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Upon graduation with an LLM from NORTHAMPTON, you will possess the following knowledge, skills, and professional values:
In the Immersion in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers program, you will demonstrate:
A foundational understanding of the U.S. legal system and the U.S. substantive and procedural law relevant to your specialty focus
Familiarity with the rules of professional ethics
An understanding of U.S. legal discourse, case analysis, and legal reasoning
In the International Law with a focus program, you will demonstrate:
A foundational understanding of international law from a U.S. perspective and the U.S. substantive and procedural law relevant to your specialty focus
A familiarity of cultural issues raised in international and U.S. law
An understanding of U.S. legal discourse, case analysis, and legal reasoning
You will be able to:
Use U.S. legal authority and perform legal analysis and problem-solving methods employed by U.S. lawyers
Demonstrate proficiency in Legal English, in both written and oral communications
Communicate effectively on sophisticated legal topics, both orally and in writing
Market your professional skills
Demonstrate professionalism consistent with the U.S. legal profession’s values and standards
You will be prepared to exercise the professional and practical skills that are essential for effective and responsible participation in the legal profession.
56
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN THE LAST 6 YEARS
91%
BAR PASSAGE RATE
3
NUMBER OF TIMES LISTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL JURIST FOR BEST LAW SCHOOL EXPERIENCE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL LLM PROGRAM
CURRICULUM
You can choose to start the program in the fall term (late August) or spring term (mid-January). The program is designed to be completed within one year, but you may choose to complete the program part-time over two years.
You will enroll in two mandatory classes that are designed exclusively for all international LLM students to introduce core concepts of the U.S. legal system and legal research and writing methods. We work with you to choose which courses suit your academic interests and professional goals best.
TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS
TRACK 1: IMMERSION IN U.S. LAW FOR FOREIGN LAWYERS
The curriculum for Track I is designed to include the core courses currently required by the New York State Board of Law Examiners for foreign lawyers obtaining an LLM degree. While we provide you with the required courses to satisfy the eligibility and admissions requirements to sit for New York’s bar exam, we make no representation or guarantee that any student or graduate of our LLM Program for International Lawyers will be qualified or eligible to sit for the New York or any other state bar examination.
REQUIRED COURSES
Introduction to U.S. Law and the Legal System
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers I
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers II
Professional Responsibility
Six credits of subjects tested on the New York bar examinations:
Administrative Law
Advanced Business Organizations, Including a Comparative Perspective
Advanced Civil Procedure
Agency and Partnerships
Business and the Law
Business Organizations
Child, Parent and State
Civil Procedure
Conflict of Laws
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure: Adjudication
Criminal Procedure: Investigation
Estates
Evidence
Family Law
Federal Courts
Property
Real Estate Transactions
Remedies
Sales
Secured Transactions
Torts
Unincorporated Business Organizations
ELECTIVE COURSEWORK
You may complete nine credits of course work. You may select from over 250 courses and seminars offered each year. We recommend that you focus on additional subjects tested on the bar exam.
TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS OPTION
TRACK 2: INTERNATIONAL LAW WITH A CERTIFICATE FOCUS OPTION
In Track 2, you will enjoy flexibility in designing your own curriculum to match your academic interests and professional goals. You must complete the required courses and at least 7 credits in international law and 7 credits in any specialty area.
REQUIRED COURSES
Introduction to U.S. Law and the Legal System
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers I
Legal Research and Writing for Foreign Lawyers II
ELECTIVE COURSEWORK
You may complete 18 credits of elective coursework, tailored to match your interests and career goals:
International law, 7 credits
area of focus courses, 7 credits
additional courses, 4 credits
Degree Requirements
To earn your degree, you must complete 24 credit hours of coursework, while maintaining the GPA requirement.
FEES
The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable