LLM in American Law

The LLM in American Law Program is specifically designed to prepare internationally trained lawyers for the challenge of global practice. In this program, students are fully integrated into BU Law’s JD classes, where they sit side by side with American students being trained in the tradition of US legal education. Students not only learn the substance of US doctrine in virtually any area of interest—intellectual property, international business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and alternative dispute resolution, to name only a few—they also learn something equally important: how US lawyers are trained to analyze legal questions and advocate on their client's behalf.

Why BU Law?

Boston University School of Law is one of the nation’s top law schools with a history of excellence dating back to 1872. Our faculty are consistently recognized for exceptional teaching, preeminent scholarship, and transformative mentorship. With more than 25,000 alumni living in all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the world, our graduates have access to a vast global network that contributes to their professional success. The BU Law complex, comprised of the state-of-the-art Sumner M. Redstone Building and adjoining 17-story tower, is located in the heart of Boston overlooking the Charles River.

Academics

The coursework at BU Law is undoubtedly demanding. But the rewards are equally impactful. With celebrated, accomplished faculty members as guides, challenge yourself by selecting from more than 200 courses and seminars that may prepare you for a variety of areas of practice—one of the deepest law school curricula in the nation. U.S. News & World Report has ranked several of our programs among the best in the country, including Health Law (#5) and Intellectual Property (#11). You can also keep sharpening your expertise in one of four LLM programs, 16 dual degree offerings, or several certificate programs. Or gain international exposure in one of 20 study abroad programs in 18 locations around the world. In other words, BU Law offers no shortage of opportunities for you to grow—as a lawyer and a person.

Diversity at BU School of Law

Open to everyone since the ’70s. The 1870s.

Since our founding in 1872, Boston University School of Law has offered legal education to all qualified students without regard to race, gender, or religion. In fact, we were one of the first to do so long before most schools—which is why many of our students have gone on to become “firsts” in their fields.

A network of support

BU Law’s commitment to a diverse student body begins well before you arrive on campus and extends far beyond graduation.

• Before school : You’ll be connected with an upperclassman during the summer who can answer any questions you may have. Then you can choose to attend Be Yourself Orientation , a two-day series of welcome events for students of color, those that identify as LGBTQIA, and their allies prior to general orientation.
• As a student : You’ll find a well-developed system of support and mentorship to help you through your time in law school. Just a few of the people acting as resources for you include:
• Faculty : In addition to your faculty advisor, who will help guide you in academic and professional decisions, you’ll be matched with a faculty mentor with common personal or career-related interests. You may also have the opportunity to act as a research assistant for or co-author a paper with a professor whose particular academic pursuits align with yours.
• Administrators : Dean Onwuachi-Willig holds regular town halls, office hours, and other informal get-togethers as a platform for your voice. The Associate Dean for Equity, Justice & Engagement facilitates faculty hiring and training aligned with our institutional values for equitable educational experiences. The very accessible Student Affairs Office offers numerous resources, both academic and personal, to support law students. And BU Law’s designated Director for Student Diversity, Equity & Engagement, is dedicated to cultivating a community that welcomes diverse individuals and a wide range of beliefs, ideas, and opinions. Meet the Director of Diversity, Equity & Engagement.
• Upper-level students : BU Law is known for its exceptionally friendly community, and upper-level students are the driving force behind this reputation. Be it your official student advisor or an older student who, unprompted, emails you notes when you miss class, 2 and 3Ls look out for you, which not many law schools can say.
• Student organizations : BU Law has more than 30 student organizations—including twelve affinity groups—focused on personal issues, professional or special interests, and social pursuits. These groups often hold networking events with professionals in the community and alumni, which brings us to…
• Alumni : BU Law’s network of nearly 25,000 alumni practicing in various fields around the globe is the ultimate career resource. You’ll be paired with an alumni mentor as a 1L to immediately benefit from the guidance and career advice of someone practicing in a field, sector, or geographic location of interest to you.
• While job hunting : The Career Development & Public Service Office (CDO) will work closely with you to identify your career path and the steps you need to take to prepare for it. Your career advisor, an attorney who formerly practiced in the area of law in which you are interested, will introduce you to our robust recruiting programs, our vast alumni network, and the many other career resources available to you as a BU Law student.
• As an alum : Support doesn’t stop at graduation. Not only will you have a tremendous professional network of BU Law alumni, but the CDO also continues to support graduates in their career searches, and programs like Loan Repayment Assistance Program offer loan forgiveness for alumni practicing in the public sector.