Researching LL.M. Programs II: Factors to Consider

Here is Part 2 of Matthew’s article on researching LLM programs:

After you’ve narrowed your search for U.S. LL.M. programs somewhat,
you’ll need to thoroughly examine the different schools and programs.
The following is a list of factors you might use to determine which
schools or programs offers the best fit with your background and
goals.

Admission requirements: The elite law schools all have similar
requirements for admission to their LL.M. programs, but slight
differences may be important (e.g., two schools might both require a
score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT, but one might require a minimum of 25
on each of the four test areas, and the other may have no such
restriction). Some schools may consider applicants whose TOEFL scores
are slightly lower than the standard, but require those applicants to
take a summer English course if accepted. Other schools will simply
not make such considerations.

Programs: In addition to LL.M.s, many schools are offering M.C.L.
(Master of Comparative Law) programs and other alternative degrees and
certificates. Some schools offer dual programs (such as Georgetown
University’s M.I.A./LL.M. – MIA stands for Master of International
Affairs -, and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business and
Law Certificate).

Tracks and concentrations: Many schools offer only one LL.M. for
international students, and give students basically free reign to
decide which courses to take to to gain the required number of
credits. Other schools offer tracks or concentrations. A “track” can
mean a “course work only” track versus a “thesis” track, but it can
also mean “major”, i.e., a focus on a certain area of law like
corporate governance, environmental law, or taxation. If your purpose
in taking an LL.M. is to increase your knowledge in one specific area
of law, you may want a school that allows you to focus on that area
and that will recognize it as a concentration on your degree. Also, if
a school offers a concentration in a certain area, it is a good
indication that the program is strong in that area.

Research and writing: Most schools require a certain amount of
research and writing as part of the degree, but check that the
requirements and limits are compatible with your interests and goals.
In many programs you can choose a longer or a shorter research
project, or choose to omit the project. If there is a certain faculty
member you would like to work with on a research project, you will
need to check whether the school will allow this and whether the
professor is open to the idea.

Extra-curricular/co-curricular activities: Some schools offer LL.M.
students workshops (not for credit) on legal practice or law teaching
led by J.S.D. students or faculty. Some offer externships that can be
undertaken during the LL.M. (for example, Columbia offers externships
in arts law and to the United Nations). Some schools encourage LL.M.
students to work as research assistants to faculty members,
participate in community programs, or take part in student government.

Courses in other subjects: Do you have an interest in taking one or
more courses outside the law faculty during your LL.M.? Many schools
will allow this (e.g., Northwestern allows LL.M. students to take up
to two courses at Kellogg for credit toward the degree), but check the
limits and details.

Alternative formats: While most LL.M. programs require attendance on
campus on a full-time basis at least from September until April of the
following year, many schools are now offering different formats. The
University of California, Berkeley, offers a summer program where
international students may earn an LL.M. by attending two 10-week
summer sessions over two years. Northwestern offers an executive LL.M.
through its partnerships with universities in Seoul, Madrid and Tel
Aviv. In this 12 month course, classes are offered only in evenings
and on weekends to allow students in those locations to continue to
work full time while studying. NYU now offers an executive LL.M. in
taxation which can be taken almost entirely on-line, and which may
also be taken on a part-time basis over a maximum of 5 years.

-Matthew

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