Master of Laws (LLM)

The LLM (Master of Laws) Program at the William S. Richardson School of Law is a one-year course of study of the U.S. legal system. If you have a law degree, or will soon graduate with a law degree, you may apply for the Program. The Program runs from August to mid-May. Our Program will help to enhance your legal English skills and understanding of American legal culture while providing you with the opportunity to interact daily with excellent American law students and faculty in a warm and friendly environment.

Program Highlights:

• Specializations in Business, International, Environmental Law, and more.
• Opportunity to Transfer to the Juris Doctorate Program
• Networking with Top Legal and Business Leaders
• Personalized Attention for LLM Students
• Hawai‘i’s Strategic Location to Pacific Rim Countries
• Hawai‘i’s Culture, Recreation & Beauty

The William S. Richardson School of Law

The School of Law is particularly strong in environmental law as well as Pacific-Asian legal studies. It maintains a very favorable student-faculty ratio (14:1), which encourages closer interaction between teachers and students. The student body now numbers around 325 and is the most ethnically and racially diverse in the nation, drawing applicants from Pacific and Asian countries as well as from Hawai‘i and throughout the U.S. It is located in beautiful Manoa Valley on the island of Oahu, minutes from world-famous Waikiki Beach. Hawaii is one of the safest and cleanest places for students and offers an amazing diversity of cultures and cuisine to enjoy.

Flexible Curriculum in U.S. Law

Students who decide to pursue an LLM concentration in one of our areas of excellence may earn a separate certificate in addition to their diploma. We now offer LLM specialization certificates in five major areas: business and commercial law, conflict resolution, environmental law, international and comparative law, and ocean law and policy. Click here for more information about LLM Specializations: https://www.law.hawaii.edu/llm-specializations

We provide our LLM students with solid training in U.S. legal analysis. During the fall semester, all students take Introduction to American Law, a special course that emphasizes the distinctive aspects of the American legal system and approach to legal issues. In the spring semester, we offer an optional Legal Research and Writing course designed to train international students in American legal analysis and writing. LLM students may also enroll in first-year courses such as Contracts and Civil Procedure, which serve as a useful, in-depth introduction to key areas of U.S. practice.

Bar Preparation

For those planning to take the New York State Bar Examination, the Law School offers courses to meet the new requirements effective as of 2012-13. These include Introduction to American Law, Legal Research and Writing, and Professional Responsibility, so you can prepare for the NY bar examination while studying in Hawai‘i.

Courses in Other Graduate Programs

Whether or not you pursue a specialized certificate, you may enroll in courses offered by the University’s other schools and departments. You may count up to six credits (usually two courses) taken outside the Law School towards the twenty-four credits required to obtain an LLM degree.

About UH Mānoa

Founded in 1907, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi System. A destination of choice, students and faculty come from across the nation and the world to take advantage of UH Mānoa's unique research opportunities, diverse community, nationally-ranked Division I athletics program, and beautiful landscape. Consistently ranked a "best value" among U.S. colleges and universities, our students get a strong education at an affordable price.

About Honolulu, HI

Honolulu is the largest city in the state of Hawaiʻi and also home to the State Capitol. Honolulu, which means "sheltered harbor" or "protected bay," is believed to have been founded as early as 2,000 years ago. The city was firmly established as the major center for the Hawaiian Islands by the mid-1800s. Hawaiʻi became the Aloha State in 1959 when it was formally admitted to the Union as the 50th state.

Today, Honolulu is one of America's safest cities with many unique features and characteristics. It's home to America's only royal palace and is known for its tropical climate, lush green landscape, diverse population, and community spirit known as aloha.

Our Mission

The William S. Richardson School of Law is a collaborative, multicultural community preparing students for excellence in the practice of law and related careers that advance justice and the rule of law.

We develop highly qualified, ethical professionals through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service.

We embrace Hawai‘i’s diversity and values and recognize a special responsibility to our state and the Pacific region.

We lead in environmental law, Native Hawaiian law, and Pacific-Asian legal studies.

Accreditation

The William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has been accredited by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association since 1982. The Section of Legal Education may be contacted at 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610 or by phone at (312) 988-6738. The Law School has been a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) since 1989.