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Residential LLM, MLS, JSD Programs

Shape the future of law.

Step into a community of world-class faculty and exceptional colleagues, where advanced legal study transforms law in practice.

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WashU Law Campus

Where legal expertise reaches new heights.

Our graduate and international law degree programs bring together accomplished legal minds ready to push boundaries. Through specialized study and global exchange, you’ll master advanced legal concepts while building the creative approaches that distinguish exceptional legal leaders.

Professor teaching WashU Law students
For Internationally-Trained Lawyers

Take your practice to the next level.

Deepen your legal knowledge in high-demand specializations or create a customized curriculum that aligns with your goals. These advanced law degree programs build on your legal foundation, enhance your expertise, and expand your opportunities.

Customized Master of Laws (LLM)

Master of Laws (LLM) With Specialization in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

LLM in IP & Technology Law

LLM in Taxation

LLM in U.S. Law

Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD)

Two-Year LLM for International Lawyers

Beyond Your Degree

Broaden Your Experience

Participating in our lawyering skills competitions is an excellent way to develop professional practice and courtroom skills. The competitions, which are held throughout the academic year, are: Client Interviewing and Counseling Competition; Motions Practice Competition; Trial Advocacy Competition; and Jessup International Moot Court Competition. Learn more about WashU Law’s award-winning competitions here.

LLM students have the opportunity to participate in U.S. legal scholarship as advisors to our Global Studies Law Review, a student-edited legal journal focusing on works by renowned international, foreign, and comparative law scholars. Read articles and essays from recent issues here

WashU Law has federal, state, and local courts all within 20 minutes of campus. With the Judicial Experiential Learning Program, you have the opportunity to visit courts and watch many types of legal proceedings. 

One of the best ways to form relationships with your classmates is joining student groups and organizations. WashU Law is home to many diverse student groups formed around practice interests, affinity groups, and hobbies. Learn more about the Student Bar Association organizations here.

WashU Law campus
For Non-JD Students

Legal knowledge for non-lawyers.

Gain essential legal understanding to advance your career without a JD degree. Our programs provide practical legal training for professionals across industries who need to navigate complex legal environments in their work.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS)

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) Certificates

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Beyond the Classroom

Connect theory with professional practice.

Immerse yourself in a thriving intellectual community through dynamic events, career resources, cutting-edge research, and faculty expertise. Build the professional networks and scholarly foundation that define exceptional legal careers at WashU Law.

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Career Center

Library & Research Resources

Faculty Scholarship & Media

Financial Support

We believe in rewarding academic excellence.

We provide financial support through merit scholarships, need-based grants, and funding options to make legal education accessible and affordable.

Scholarships & Fellowships

Tuition & Financial Aid

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St. Louis Forest Park
Visit Us in St. Louis

Experience our creative legal community.

WashU Law is nestled in WashU’s St. Louis campus, on the edge of Forest Park. We’re positioned at the heart of America, where diverse perspectives converge and legal opportunities span multiple jurisdictions.

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Student Voices

Hear from our community.

  • 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.
    Marsha Clarke
    JD 2013, NDR LLM 2015
  • I love WashU Law, 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.
    Xiangyuan Yu
    U.S. Law LLM 2019
  • 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.
    Frederike Wilhelmi
    IP & Tech LLM 2010
  • The professors I’ve had at WashU Law are not only experts in their field, but are also so invested in my success inside and outside the classroom. They are always willing to meet with me and help me better understand the class material, prep me for interviews, and discuss my career path.
    Sarah J. Tietz
    JD 2019
FAQs

Your tuition and scholarship questions answered.

Tuition for the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), the Master of Legal Studies in Taxation (Tax MLS), the Master of Laws in Taxation (Tax LLM), and the Master of Laws in U.S. Laws (LL.M. in U.S. Laws) programs for the 2025-2026 academic year is US $3,033 per credit. 

There are 24 credits required to complete each program, and total tuition cost for each degree is US $72,792. This total tuition cost is not due upfront. Tuition payments are broken down by term. Students are only responsible for paying for the courses in which they are enrolled for the term. Please note that tuition costs are subject to change at the discretion of the university. Tuition rates typically increase on an annual basis during the summer term.

For online student tuition questions contact Allison Roberts, Assistant Director of Distance Education.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal financial aid programs, which include federal student loans. We encourage candidates to apply for financial aid as early as possible. You must be registered for a minimum number of credits in order to qualify for financial aid on a term basis. Students who choose to take a less accelerated path toward completion of the degree should be aware that this will impact federal financial aid eligibility.

If you plan to apply for financial aid to help fund your online studies at WashU, you will need to complete the following steps, or download the WashU Law Federal Student Aid Checklist (PDF, 120KB):

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Include the WashU school code, which is 002520. The FAFSA must be completed each academic year in order to remain eligible for federal student aid.

Sign your FAFSA application electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. The U.S. Department of Education recently replaced the federal PIN with a new login system. You will be asked to create a new FSA ID when logging in.

Evaluate your need for additional funding through sources such as a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan from the Department of Education or alternative loans from various private lenders.
Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan Program, or any additional private/alternative loan, you may need to review credit reports for potential issues. Contact any of the following credit bureaus for information: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.

To apply for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, complete the credit application PLUS loan request online.

Upon admission to a program and successful completion of both the federal requirements and the WashU Law Supplemental Form, you will receive an award letter via email from a WashU financial aid representative.

For your loan to be officially disbursed, you must sign your award letter and return it to Carrie Burns, Director of Financial Aid and Student Life.

After signing your award letter for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, complete the Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) online.

If approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, complete a separate MPN for this loan.

If declined for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you can reapply with a co-signer (endorser) or appeal the denial through the Department of Education.

Scholarships are available to admitted students. Availability of scholarships as well as amount awarded may vary based on cohort and program of choice. To learn more about available scholarships contact your admissions counselor.

International candidates should explore funding options in their home countries. While some companies may not advertise that financial support is available, many employers offer tuition benefits, including tuition reimbursement and low-cost loans. Candidates should schedule a conversation with their employer to discuss their professional development goals. Based on each candidate’s country of residence, they may also have access to education loans through private lenders.

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The requirements for WashU Law’s LL.M., JSD, and MLS degrees are not designed to satisfy the legal education requirement to sit for the bar exam in any state. Receiving an LL.M., JSD, or MLS degree alone will not satisfy state bar eligibility requirements. Most U.S. states require a J.D. degree from an ABA-approved law school to be eligible for professional licensure. Some states allow students who completed their legal education in a foreign country to take the bar exam, subject to certain conditions, which can include an LL.M. degree at an ABA-approved law school. Foreign-trained LL.M. students who intend to take a U.S. bar exam should review the applicable rules and regulations to determine whether they meet the requirements to obtain professional licensure in a specific state. The National Council of Bar Examiners’ Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements provides details and contact information for state bar authorities.

This disclosure does not guarantee that any particular state licensure or certification entity will approve or deny your application.