The Illinois LL.M. program is designed to introduce foreign law students
to the U.S. legal system while also providing the opportunity for further study
in their own area of academic or professional interest.
Students enroll in one required class "Introduction to U.S. Law" and take their
remaining courses with J.D. students, choosing from the large selection of regular
college offerings. The LL.M. degree requires 32 credit hours and is normally
completed in one academic year. Applicants must hold a first degree in law from
an accredited institution which should be the equivalent of the J.D. or LL.B. degree.
LL.M. students work with Illinois faculty members who are at the forefront of
international legal research and scholarship, yet they find these
scholars very accessible for discussions of law topics outside the classroom.
Taking courses with J.D. students — an arrangement strongly supported
by both groups — LL.M. students make important intellectual and social
connections. Many of our LL.M. students choose to obtain a broad overview
of law and take courses in a wide variety of subjects during their program.
Others focus their study in a particular area of concentration.
Students study the American legal system, international law, and
comparative law, gaining practical knowledge that is essential in
negotiating cross-cultural transactions. We strive to have the regions of
Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America represented in each LL.M. class,
and we actively seek participation in unique and emergent legal systems
and cultures. Our LL.M. students have varying backgrounds; many are
experienced practitioners or judges; some have recently completed
their first law degree; and still others are academics seeking to
broaden their skills in teaching law. The combination of varied
experiences and strong academic credentials contributes to the unique character of each year's class.
