An LLM in American Law gives internationally trained lawyers a chance to study US law in depth, expand global legal credentials, and, in some states, meet the requirements to take the bar exam.
With dozens of programs available across the country, selecting the right LLM depends on your goals, areas of interest, and preferred academic environment. Below are ten well-regarded programs worth considering:
| Law School | Duration | Select Program Highlights |
| Yale Law School | 1 academic year, full-time | Ideal for those pursuing legal academia; options for interdisciplinary study; a small and highly selective program. |
| Stanford Law School | 1 academic year, full-time | Specialized LLM tracks that encourage intellectual depth; intimate track-specific cohorts; access to Silicon Valley networks. |
| Harvard Law School | 1 academic year, full-time | Customizable study plans with broad subject access; highly international, medium-sized cohort. |
| Columbia Law School | 1 academic year, full-time & separate executive track | Large program with strong emphasis on practical training; many clinical opportunities and externships benefiting from NYC location. |
| University of Chicago Law School | 1 academic year, full-time | Emphasis on interdisciplinary scholarship and legal theory; small cohort with student-defined specializations. |
| NYU School of Law | 1 year full-time or 2+ years part-time | Broad elective offerings and practical training opportunities; interdisciplinary course options; very large and highly international cohort. |
| Penn Carey Law (UPenn) | 1 academic year, full-time + required pre-term session | Strong professional orientation with Wharton certificate option; customizable curriculum; relatively small cohort. |
| University of Virginia School of Law | 1 academic year, full-time | Small program with full, integrated access to the JD curriculum; college-town feel and experience. |
| Berkeley Law (UC Berkeley) | 1 academic year, full-time & separate executive track | Consistently high-ranked tech and IP focus; strong social justice and clinical emphasis; attention to CA & NY bar eligibility. |
| Duke Law School | 1 academic year, full-time | Interdisciplinary tracks; well-established entrepreneurship and IP training; small cohort and program reputation for career support. |
Why Pursue an LLM in American Law?
For foreign-trained lawyers considering further legal education, an LLM in American Law can serve a variety of academic and professional goals. While individual outcomes vary, the degree can offer several potential benefits:
- Study US Law in Context: Completing an LLM in the US allows students to study the American legal system where it is practiced, often through programs designed specifically for international lawyers.
- Strengthen Legal English Proficiency: Many students use the LLM to strengthen their legal English – an asset for working in international or US-facing legal environments.
- Obtain a Widely Recognized Credential: A US LLM is recognized in many jurisdictions and reflects training in one of the world’s most influential legal systems.
- Pursue US Bar Eligibility: Certain US states permit foreign-trained lawyers to sit for the bar exam after completing their degree. Eligibility requirements vary by state and program, so prospective applicants should confirm details early in the process.
- Expand Your International Legal Network: Top US LLM programs attract lawyers from across the globe, offering opportunities to build lasting international connections and access alumni networks.
- Support International and Interdisciplinary Careers: Graduates may go on to work in areas such as corporate law, international arbitration, compliance, or public policy, where knowledge of US law is relevant.
Career Paths Following an LLM in American Law
A US LLM can facilitate professional pathways in both domestic and international settings. Graduates pursue roles in legal practice, public policy, and interdisciplinary fields where a working understanding of US law is relevant.
Here are some potential career pathways:
- US Legal Practice
In certain US states, an LLM can qualify foreign-trained lawyers to sit for the bar exam and begin practicing law. This path may be well suited for those pursuing a long-term legal career in the United States. Graduates following this route often seek employment at international law firms, in corporate legal departments, or as litigators in state or federal courts. - International Trade & Tax Law
In the global marketplace, many companies require legal experts who understand US trade regulations and tax codes. With an LLM focused on American law, graduates may be better positioned to advise multinational corporations, startups, and government entities on issues related to compliance, customs law, and cross-border transactions. - NGOs, Government & Public Policy
Certain graduates pursue roles in policy advocacy, human rights law, and international development. These individuals often gravitate to Washington and New York – NGO hubs where organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations (among many others) attract international talent. With a US legal education, you’ll be better equipped to contribute to global policy discussions and draft international legal frameworks. - Finance & Corporate Compliance
Financial institutions and regulatory bodies often require deep knowledge of US legal and compliance frameworks. An LLM in American law can position graduates to pursue roles in compliance, risk analysis, or legal advisory. This is particularly true at banks, fintech startups, and multinational corporations with US market exposure. - Legal Academia & Research
Some students pursue a US LLM to support their academic or research ambitions. For certain scholars, an LLM in American law can provide a valuable foundation for further study. Established academics may also seek an LLM to deepen their expertise or advance research projects within their specialization. - Non-Traditional Legal Careers
Law intersects with many industries, including journalism, healthcare, consulting, public administration, and tech. Earning an LLM in American Law can open pathways to roles in regulatory affairs, policy analysis, legislative consultancy, tech innovation, and privacy and data governance. These career paths often appeal to individuals interested in intersectorial work that has broad societal impact.
Whether you intend to sit for a US bar exam or use your LLM to broaden your professional opportunities internationally, the degree – when pursued strategically and with realistic goals – can serve as a helpful tool for career advancement. It often signals working knowledge of the US legal system and the ability to navigate complex, cross-border legal environments.
Ready to Apply?
An LLM in American Law can significantly shape the next phase of your legal career, but admission to top programs requires more than strong academic and professional credentials.
If you are seeking expert guidance on applying to competitive US LLM programs, Fortuna Admissions offers tailored support. We assist you in crafting a clear application strategy, refining your personal statement, and identifying schools that align with your background and goals.
Get started with Fortuna Admissions today.
