For International Lawyers

Online Master of Laws (LLM)

Master the U.S. legal system with access to our distinguished faculty, vibrant student community, and global alumni network through our online LLM degree program.

Program Overview

Our esteemed faculty personally designed this program for international students and lawyers seeking a fundamental understanding of the U.S. legal system. Students will develop the skills to research, write, and communicate like a U.S. lawyer and earn a degree from a top U.S. law school without having to relocate or leave their current job. Upon graduation from the program, students may be eligible to sit for the bar examination in California.

Curriculum

The Online LLM in U.S. Law curriculum is designed for international lawyers looking to build a foundation in U.S. law as well as communicate and research like a U.S. lawyer. The same expert faculty that teach on campus also lead our online courses. Classes learn using the discussion-based Socratic method, the preferred method of instruction in U.S. law schools.

Degree Requirements

The LLM is a 24-credit legal studies program that students can complete in as little as 18 months.

All LLM students will:

Complete two required courses: Introduction to U.S. Law & Methods and Legal Research and Writing
Take either Contracts, Property, or Torts
Tailor their coursework to their academic and career goals by selecting from a variety of elective courses.

Academic advisors are always available to help students decide on the best courses for their career aspirations.

Why WashU Law?

Our online LLM program connects you to the prestige and professional network of a top-ranked U.S. law school while accommodating your international career and life commitments. You’ll gain credentials recognized by employers worldwide—opening doors to practice in one of the world’s largest legal markets.

FAQs

Your questions answered.

LLM stands for Legum Magister, a Latin term that translates to “Master of Laws.”

The two most common law degrees in the United States are the LLM and the JD degree. Foreign lawyers seeking a working knowledge of U.S. law typically pursue an LLM in U.S. Law, whereas domestic law students who want to become practicing lawyers typically pursue a JD.

LLM

Typically completed in one year of full-time study, LLM programs are ideal for law school graduates (JD or equivalent) and attorneys who want to specialize in a specific area of law. International attorneys with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), for example, often pursue an LLM in U.S. law as a shorter path to taking the exam and becoming a practicing attorney in the United States or to have greater understanding of U.S. law while practicing in their home countries.

JD

Typically completed over three years, JD programs prepare students to practice law in the United States. JD students learn research and writing methodologies, build the analytical and practical skills to assess a client’s legal problems, and prepare to advise or represent a client in dispute resolutions. JD students must pass their state bar exam to begin practicing law.

An LLM is roughly the equivalent of a master’s degree in law. It is not equivalent to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

The LLM is ideal for international lawyers who want to expand their mastery of U.S. law and become practicing attorneys without having to pursue a full three-year JD degree in the United States.

WashU Law’s online LLM graduate program is 24 credits, with costs per credit hour being $2,917.

Students can complete WashU Law’s 24-credit LLM program in as little as 18 months.

Students who complete our online LLM degree may be eligible to sit for the bar exam in California.

International students and practicing lawyers can further their legal education with an LLM in U.S. law. Knowledge and experience gained over the course of earning these credentials grants graduates greater insight into U.S. legal practices and standards, granting a competitive edge to those who practice law in the United States and abroad.

Our program attracts students from a variety of backgrounds with different career goals and legal interests. The LLM program prepares students to leverage knowledge of U.S. law on the job and equips them to advance their careers in a variety of ways.

These include:

Practicing law in the United States
Working in international law firms
Practicing at home with greater insight into American Law

International students and lawyers who complete our program enjoy working both in the U.S. and abroad with a richer understanding of the U.S. legal system. This specialization provides a solid foundation for industries and fields like:

Environmental law
International business law
Comparative law
Human rights
Intellectual property law

In addition to preparing students for the bar examination in California State, our LLM program helps students advance their careers through personalized career guidance and networking opportunities with our community of accomplished alumni who live and work all over the world.

Anyone can apply for part-time enrollment into our programs. However, none of our online law programs accept transfer credits.

Summer Application Deadline: May 5, 2025

Summer Semester Start Date: June 2, 2025

Fall Application Deadline: Aug. 11, 2025

Fall Semester Start Date: Sept. 8, 2025