LLM Degree
The Master of Laws (LLM) program at Duke Law School is designed to introduce graduates of foreign law schools to the legal system of the United States and to provide the opportunity to take advanced courses in specialized areas of the law.
LLM students are welcome to make selections from the large number of courses represented in the curriculum. With the exception of two required courses, all classes are taken with JD students. Students may also take courses in other parts of the university, such as the Fuqua School of Business or the Sanford School of Public Policy.
Most LLM students at Duke are professionals with two or more years of experience at well-known law firms. They are also judges, prosecutors, academics, members of government ministries, corporations, or financial institutions. The LLM program usually includes a small number of talented, very recent law graduates as well.
Duke Law LLM Experience
Duke LLM students describe their experiences in Duke Law courses, on campus, and in Durham and North Carolina.
Duke Law offers more than 200 courses to LLM students in areas such as business law, human rights, and criminal law.
The vibrant community of more than 12,500 Duke Law alumni can be found in 109 countries around the world.
Duke is a research university with interdisciplinary programs that foster collaboration across academic programs.
If you are looking for an eclectic, comfortable, American city with great restaurants, abundant entertainment, and easy access to the beach, mountains, and parks, Durham is the place for you.
The city and surrounding areas have a high concentration of researchers from around the world who work for one of the area’s many universities or high-tech companies. You’ll experience the famous “southern charm” and hospitality that is unique to this region of the United States. And Durham is ranked as one of the best and most affordable places to live in America.
U.S. Bar Examinations
Most Duke LLM students who choose to take a U.S. bar examination take the New York Bar Exam. Duke's curriculum is specifically designed to allow you to sit for the New York Bar, assuming your previous legal education meets some basic requirements such as the appropriate length of time of study. We are committed to supporting students interested in taking a U.S. bar examination and have outlined strategies for LLM students while at Duke Law. Duke Law’s LLM curriculum is also designed for students seeking eligibility for the California Bar for those not admitted to law in their home jurisdictions. LLM students have access to and are advised on NY Bar Skills Competency Requirements, Courses Eligible for the NY Bar, the Pro Bono Program and other resources outlined in the Employment and Bar Admission FAQs. Other bar exams that may be available to LLM graduates from Duke include: Illinois, Georgia, Washington State, Texas and Washington, D.C. For a comprehensive list of all U.S. jurisdictions and their admission requirements relating to graduates of foreign law schools, please refer to the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements. Also review the FAQ's document.
Applicants to Duke Law's LLM and SJD programs may begin submitting applications on September 1. The application deadline for the LLM program is February 1. The application deadline for the SJD program is March 1.
Duke's curriculum is specifically designed to allow you to take the New York Bar exam, assuming your previous legal education meets some basic requirements such as the appropriate length of time of study. Our curriculum also meets the requirements for students seeking bar eligibility in other states, such as California and Texas.
"The LLM program taught me the basic structure and interesting dynamics of the U.S. legal frame-work and inspired and cultivated my intellectual curiosity to learn more about it. Even with a few years under my belt as a practitioner, the program solidified my expertise in international business law and greatly enhanced my legal career."
— Shinichi Yoshiya, Executive Director, Head of Regulatory Affairs for Japan and APAC, Morgan Stanley