American Law for Foreign Lawyers, LL.M.

Saint Louis University's one-year master's degree for foreign law graduates provides an introduction to U.S. law. The main feature of SLU's LL.M. (Master of Laws) program for foreign lawyers is its attention to the individual needs of its students. Each LL.M. student is partnered with a faculty member who guides class selection and professional goals. Students also receive intensive academic support services, assistance locating housing and orienting to the SLU School of Law community.

Students in SLU's LL.M. program have access to top-tier faculty and leading scholars, practitioners and employers. 

Curriculum Overview

LL.M. students complete 24 credits of coursework over two semesters, generally in the fall and spring, with the opportunity to continue through the following summer to complete a thesis. Students choose from the full range of courses and seminars offered at SLU LAW. They may select up to three credits of courses from the University's Chaifetz School of Business, College for Public Health and Social Justice, or 44 other graduate programs.

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Students are required to complete a three-credit course in legal research and writing and a foundation course in a common law subject such as contracts, torts or property. Additionally, LL.M. students produce a written work, such as a seminar paper or a directed research paper. LL.M. students may elect to write an LL.M. thesis for six credits. No more than eight of the 24 credits may consist of an LL.M. thesis, seminars or research papers.

Careers

Career opportunities include:

• Private Law Firms
• In-House Counsel
• Government/Service
• Nonprofit Organizations
• International Organizations

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed a first degree in law from a university or law school outside of the United States that qualifies for bar admission in their home country may apply to this program.

Application Requirements

• Application
• Transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Résumé
• Personal statement

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

• Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
  • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
  • Practical laboratory work
  • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
  • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
  • Any honors or degrees received.
• WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
• In order to be issued an I-20 for your F-1 visa application, students must submit financial documents. Proof of financial support that must include:
  • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
  • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University

Application Deadlines

Though applications may be considered until March, it is recommended that students apply by mid-December for the following fall semester.

Review Process

Applications to both LL.M. programs are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Tuition

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are many resources to assist students in financing a legal education, including scholarships, loans and work opportunities.

Financial aid award letters for new students are mailed beginning on March 1 of each year.

Although a FAFSA is not required to receive merit-based aid, it should be completed if you plan to seek eligibility for federal aid programs like federal direct loans or federal work-study. Saint Louis University’s school code is 002506.

Accreditation 

Saint Louis University School of Law has been continuously accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) since December 1924. The accrediting body is the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.

1. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the American legal system.
2. Graduates will be able to demonstrate an effective ability to resolve legal issues.
3. Graduates will be able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to clients and other audiences in a variety of legal contexts.
4. Graduates will be able to research effectively and efficiently.
5. Graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in additional skills that are essential for effective lawyering.
6. Graduates will be able to exemplify SLU LAW’s mission.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.