An Online LLM Program: When to Consider It?

A Master of Laws (LLM) is a post-graduate law degree that gives practicing attorneys the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of law. The LLM is also required for international attorneys who want to take the bar in the United States without having to go through law school again before sitting for a state bar exam.

Since the LLM is intended for those who already have their bar card and have been practicing law, it is ideally suited for an online experience. Working attorneys don’t always have time in their schedules for regularly scheduled classes; however, online courses with self-directed asynchronous learning modules are perfect for busy lawyers and attorneys outside the country who need to study on their own schedule.

What Is an Online LLM Program?

Online LLM programs are offered fully online. Programs may have live classes that are attended via Zoom or Skype at a specific time, or they may be asynchronous, where the information is presented in a pre-recorded manner so that students can log on when they have time to complete the lectures.

An online LLM is similar to an in-person degree. Students must complete assignments in the same amount of time, and attendance is monitored through the completion of assignments. Students usually attend live chat sessions with their fellow students. Many law schools and universities offer and recommend brief in-person residencies during the term so students can meet faculty and other students.

The LLM resembles a PhD program more than an undergraduate or graduate degree since all students already have an advanced graduate degree. The typical LLM course will only have one or two required classes, and the remainder of the course will consist of electives from the upper tiers of the law school curriculum. Students and their graduate advisor will develop a program that best meets their focus area.

Only international students taking the LLM as a bar preparation class will have required classes. These students must complete classes on the U.S. legal system, the U.S. Constitution, and other bar-specific classes.

Who Are Online LLM Programs For?

The LLM program is intended for individuals who already have their Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited American law school, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), or a similar degree from another country. Non-attorneys from the United States typically do not qualify for any LLM programs in the U.S.

Online LLM programs are designed for working attorneys who want an advanced post-graduate degree that lets them specialize in a narrow practice area, usually for tax or government work. These individuals often have busy practices and need the flexibility of an online course with the ability to focus their study time without extraneous class material.

LLMs in International Law are intended for international attorneys and legal students who have a degree from a foreign institution that resembles an American JD, but which does not meet U.S. accreditation standards. Rather than force these individuals to retake their entire law degree, the LLM lets them learn the basics of American jurisprudence and so they can take the bar exam for their state.

Some foreign nations allow non-attorneys to obtain LLMs. These schools have their own set of admissions requirements, and applicants should review them carefully before applying. Also, keep in mind differences in time zones, languages, and transferability when researching these courses.

Because of the narrow focus of the LLM, non-attorneys would do better in other legal graduate programs. Other alternatives, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), are more appropriate for professionals working in legal-adjacent fields. Individuals working or planning a career in healthcare, regulatory compliance, or similar fields would benefit more from an MLS than from the narrowly focused legal degree of an LLM.

Top Specializations in Online LLM Programs

As a post-graduate degree, specializations depend on what the student wants to focus on. Most attorneys want their LLM in a niche practice area, such as tax law or patent law. Others use the degree to become administrative law judges (ALJ) in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and mediation practices.

Admissions Requirements and Application Process

Each law school has its own set of admission requirements. Students should take time to research the programs carefully and request more information from the admissions office. The information presented on the school’s website is not always current, so always contact the admissions office directly before applying.

In general, students should expect to submit:

• Transcripts from an ABA-accredited law school

Some schools want to know your school ranking or a statement from the school that rankings were not used. Official transcripts must be mailed or emailed directly from your law school.

• Official transcripts

From all other graduate and undergraduate institutions.

• Letters of recommendation

You may need two to four such letters, professional and academic.

• A personal statement

Explaining why you wish to attend the specific institution and why you are pursuing your LLM.

• CV/resume

Include any publications or academic work.

• Written statement

Some schools may request a separate written statement.

• International students

Must submit their TOEFL or proof of competency in English. Some schools make an exception for British Commonwealth nations.

Some law schools only accept LLM applications through LSAC. If you’ve applied to any school through LSAC, you may need to reopen your existing account.

Comparing Programs: What to Look For

When you start researching LLM programs, your first consideration should be the accreditation. Nearly all law schools will be ABA-accredited. If you choose a non-ABA-accredited school, be aware that financial aid may not be available through the Bar Association.

LSAC cannot accept applications from certain U.S.-sanctioned nations. American students who want to attend schools outside the U.S. (for instance, if you do not have your JD and want an LLM) should be aware of the risks of attending school in sanctioned nations, even through online courses.

Other things to consider include:

• Available courses and class offerings:

Not all schools have the same classes. For instance, Georgetown Law School only offers its Tax Law LLM online. All other LLMs must be taken in person.

• The nature and quality of the faculty:

For any post-graduate degree, students should research the professors as well as the rest of the school's qualifications.

• Options for taking the classes over a longer time frame:

Arizona’s School of Law offers students the option of attending part-time, completing the degree in two years rather than one.

College	Units	Course Details
McGeorge School of Law University of the Pacific	24-unit program	Online In-person - Transnational Business - U.S. Law & Policy - Water and Environmental Law
Georgetown Law	24-unit program	LLM in Tax Law only MSL for non-lawyers is also available
Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law	24-unit program	One- or two-year course completion  Online In-person

Career Outcomes with an Online LLM

The LLM is a post-graduate degree for individuals already employed in law or academia. Typically, individuals who get their LLM do so to enhance their employability and increase their pay scale or opportunities for promotion and job enhancement. For example, a tax attorney in a law firm might want an LLM to improve their position within the firm.

Other career options for an LLM can include:

• International Business Law:

Working with multinational corporations, trade agencies, and nongovernment organizations, negotiating contracts and business deals.

• Intellectual Property Attorneys:

IP and patent attorneys must have highly specialized knowledge of patent law in multiple countries. Enforcement of trademarks and patents in computer law is a niche market for experienced attorneys.

• Government Litigation:

Federal prosecutors, regulators, and policy analysts increasingly need highly specialized knowledge of their areas. Environmental law, biotechnology, and jurisprudence all require attorneys with extra know-how in their field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a JD and an LLM?

A Juris Doctor (JD) is a three-year graduate degree awarded after completing law school. It is sometimes called a first law degree.

A Master of Laws (LLM) is a one- or two-year post-graduate degree, earned in a course of study after law school.

Do I need a JD for an LLM?

Yes. All U.S. law schools require a JD to apply for your LLM studies. International students can attend if they have a legal bachelor’s degree, like an American JD.

Can you go to law school online in Florida?

Florida does not have any fully online accredited law schools. Some of the schools in Florida offer hybrid courses. Some classes can be taken online, but most must be taken in person.

Is an online LLM respected?

An LLM from an accredited law school is no different than any other LLM. When researching schools, always be sure they are ABA-accredited and meet state and federal standards.

Closing Thoughts

If you have your law degree and want to improve your employment position and legal knowledge in a specialized area, then an LLM is a direction you should consider. You can start by contacting your alma mater and other schools for information on their post-graduate degrees.

Admissions offices can give you additional information on requirements, financial aid, and the best programs for your particular career goals. Your state bar association and other attorney organizations can be of help as well.