LL.M. for Foreign Lawyers

The University of Minnesota Law School’s LL.M. Program provides foreign lawyers with a rigorous academic experience, exposing them to a broad array of legal skills and knowledge. Our LL.M. graduates leave the program better equipped to meet the heavy demands of legal practice in an increasingly globalized world. LL.M. students add to the diversity of ideas and experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Each LL.M. student selects courses based upon area of interest. Upon arrival, LL.M. students meet with the Director of International Programs to develop an individual academic plan. Students may focus on international business transactions, intellectual property, human rights, or the practice of U.S. common law. Once an academic plan is established, LL.M. students enroll in courses with upper division J.D. students, providing the maximum opportunity for dialogue and discussion with faculty and U.S. students.

Academic Year/Requirements

LL.M. students must successfully complete 24 credits over the academic year. There is no thesis requirement, but students must take one seminar course that is graded based on a substantial writing project. Each LL.M. year begins the first week in August and ends with a graduation ceremony in mid-May.

Concentrations

The Law School is pleased to provide LL.M. students with the opportunity to receive a certificate of concentration in Health Law and Bioethics, Human Rights, and Labor and Employment Law. To receive a certificate of concentration (and a notation on the transcript), students must successfully complete 12 credits of coursework within the concentration.

Introduction to American Law

The academic year for LL.M. students starts in August, a month before the first semester of law classes begins. During August, LL.M. students take an intensive three-week Introduction to American Law course, which familiarizes LL.M. students with American civil and criminal procedure, constitutional law, basic legal research and writing skills, and other preparatory background information for Law School courses.

Mentorship Program

Each LL.M. student is paired with a second-year or third-year U.S. law student. Throughout the year, the mentor helps familiarize the LL.M. student with U.S. culture and the Law School.

LL.M. Legal Research and Writing and Judicial Observation

The Law School provides two semester courses specific to LL.M. students. The first course, LL.M. Legal Research and Writing, helps foreign lawyers improve their English writing proficiency, undertake U.S. legal research and draft American-style legal memoranda. The second course, LL.M. Judicial Observation, pairs foreign lawyers with local judges during the second semester, providing an opportunity for students to experience the American legal system firsthand.