LL.M. program at Northeastern University School of Law

The General LLM

Most LLM students opt for the General Program because it provides them with the greatest flexibility to take the courses they want in pursuit of their professional interests and personal aspirations. Whether you are a US- or internationally trained lawyer looking for individualized professional growth or a candidate for a US bar exam, Northeastern’s General LLM Program offers what you need to do what you want: to advance your professional goals and to make a difference in the world.

The General LLM Program lasts 12 months. You may start in May and graduate the following May, or start in August and graduate the following August. Students who wish to start in May are encouraged to apply by February 2; students who wish to start in August are encouraged to apply by May 4.

llm-program-at-northeastern-university-school-of-law

The General LLM Program features:

A Minimum of Required Courses: LLM students who obtained their first law degree outside the US benefit from three foundational courses in legal research, legal writing, and an introduction to the US legal system, which provide the background knowledge and basic skills needed to succeed in the US law school environment and in the global practice of law.

A Maximum of Elective Courses: LLM students in the General Program enroll in regular JD courses based entirely on their personal interests and career goals, including the desire to qualify for a US bar exam. You may also focus your studies in a particular substantive area, such as corporate law, commercial law, trade law, public international law, intellectual property or international human rights.

Co-op: All LLM students in good academic standing spend a full quarter (10-11 weeks) completing a full-time legal practice experience in settings such as law firms, companies, clinics, court houses, government agencies, community organizations, NGOs and advocacy groups around the world.

Independent Research and Writing: All LLM students identify an area of law they are interested in exploring in the form of an independent research project and paper. A Northeastern law faculty member who shares your area of interest provides the necessary supervision, either in conjunction with a seminar or in the context of an independent study.

Concentrations

Each of the LLM concentrations is one-year (12-months) in length, starting and ending in August. Students are encouraged to apply by May 4.

Each of the concentrations combines a core of required courses with a diverse range of elective courses and practical legal experience. The curriculum provides students with a strong substantive foundation in the area of specialization (health policy and law/human rights/law and economic development) while giving them substantial freedom to choose their own courses and pursue their own work interests. Students also gain hands-on legal experience through “Co-op” and complete an independent research and writing project.

Health Policy and Law

The Health Policy and Law concentration is designed to meet the needs of lawyers who are working in health policy and law and hope to enhance their skills, or lawyers who wish to enter this rapidly growing field. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, public health challenges, global public health issues, and questions about bioethics, this is a burgeoning field with tremendous opportunities for those with an LLM.

Human Rights

The Human Rights concentration is designed for both US- and internationally trained lawyers preparing for careers working with NGOs, advocacy groups, community organizations, and others dedicated to supporting human rights through the legal system. Students are invited to join in the School of Law’s cooperative efforts with scholars, institutions and advocates nationally and internationally to address issues of human rights and the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights.

Law and Economic Development

Students in the Law and Economic Development concentration will have the opportunity to explore how legal professionals can participate in processes and contribute to policy choices intended to benefit their fellow citizens economically, politically, and socially.

Dual-Degree Programs

Our two-year (24-month) dual-degree programs begin and end in May. Students should apply to the LLM program by February 2.

LLM + MBA

Lawyers in a broad range of practice fields are increasingly being called upon to evidence business as well as legal training to serve the needs of their clients. The LLM+MBA dual-degree program is the ideal career path for working legal practitioners who wish to enhance their professional credentials in order to remain competitive in the current challenging global economic environment.

The calendar and curriculum of this dual-degree program are designed to ensure that students integrate their studies in law and business. Students begin with one academic quarter at the law school taking foundational courses in law and business law, then move to the business school for a full year of MBA coursework before returning to the law school to complete their LLM coursework and engage in a “Co-op” that takes full advantage of all they have learned in both schools.

LLM + MA in Sustainable International Development

Lawyers interested in international development will want to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain both a Master of Laws degree and a Master's degree in Sustainable International Development from one of the leaders in the field, the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. The program includes the opportunity to do a Northeastern law Co-op or a Heller development practicum – or both! Graduates of the program will have not only the legal knowledge and developmental expertise they need to grow their career but also have the experience in law and development to put them on the road to professional success.

The Faculty

NUSL faculty practice what they teach. In addition to being exceptional scholars and researchers -- authors of trailblazing treatises and respected reads —they are leading-edge litigators, ardent advocates, relied-on consultants and influential policy shapers. To them the Law isn’t simply an academic subject; it’s a tool that they whet and wield with authority and passion.

As engaged as they are, our faculty members—including distinguished visiting and adjunct faculty, specialists, lecturers and program managers—are available, accessible and eager to offer advice and assistance. They are passionate about teaching and take great pride in inspiring the next generation of professionals who will make their mark on the world.