LL.M. in American Legal Studies

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Applying to the LL.M.

See application deadlines and processes for applying on the applying to the LL.M. page.

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The LL.M. in American Legal Studies is a degree for internationally trained lawyers. American trained lawyers are not eligible.

This degree satisfies the U.S. legal education requirement for the LL.M. graduate to sit for the Texas, California or New York Bar exams. Some jurisdictions require additional components, such as pro bono service, and each candidate is responsible for determining those requirements as set by each state.

Why an LL.M.?

Twenty-four credit hours are required to earn the LL.M. in American Legal Studies. Students have two years to complete the degree, but can complete the program in two semesters of full-time study. Candidates for the bar are strongly encouraged to investigate the requirements for the bar and to enroll in the courses that will be tested.

Two unique features of the program offered by St. Mary’s Law include:

Access to bar prep courses, which must be taken outside of the 24-credit-hour requirement
Access to online course content for self-prep purposes

LL.M. versus J.D.

The LL.M. degree in American Legal Studies is a nine-month program with global credibility. It is open to students who have finished a law degree either in the United States or in a foreign country.

LL.M. stands for Legum Magister, which is more commonly called Master of Laws. It contains two “L”s due to its Latin origins, where the second “L” makes the first “L” plural.

J.D. programs are the standard degree typically earned to sit for a bar exam to become a practicing lawyer. J.D. programs typically span three years of full-time study.

International Students

International students must study on a full-time basis. Foreign nationals who must maintain student visa eligibility must enroll in a minimum of 10 credit hours per semester during the regular academic year (Fall and Spring). Ten hours is also considered full time for purposes of financial aid eligibility.

The School of Law is a member of the International Association of Law Schools and the International Academy of Comparative Law (Académie Internationale de Droit Comparé).

American Legal Studies LL.M. Courses

Required Courses

Introduction to the American Legal System
Legal Research and Writing
Two courses from the following list:
- Civil Procedure
- Contracts
- Criminal Law
- Property
- Torts
- Constitutional Law

Program planning templates can be requested from the Graduate Law Coordinator.

Other courses and seminars offered in the LL.M. program in American Legal Studies include:

Professional Responsibility (Required for the bar)
Evidence
Sales/Secured Transactions
Oil and Gas
Deceptive Trade Practices
Immigration Law
Business Associations
Patent and Copyright Law

LL.M. Course Descriptions