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.
Most LLM students at Duke are professionals with two or more years of professional experience in various legal settings. Many have worked as associates at large law firms, judges, prosecutors, academics, members of government ministries, corporations, and financial institutions. The LLM program usually includes a small number of talented, recent law graduates with strong academic credentials. All LLM students have graduated from law schools outside the U.S.
Duke Law’s LLM curriculum provides the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system. LLM students are welcome to make selections from the large number of courses that fit their career goals and intellectual interests. 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, Nicolas School of the Environment, or the Sanford School of Public Policy.
Duke Law LLM Experience
At Duke Law School, students and faculty experience and contribute to academic rigor in an interdisciplinary environment that supports and values creativity and innovation. 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.
Life at Duke Law is centered on the shared commitment to becoming lawyers and professionals in a tight-knit, collaborative, and friendly environment.
If you are looking for an American city with nationally recognized restaurants, vibrant startup culture, abundant entertainment, and easy access to the beach, mountains, and top notch hiking, Durham is the place for you.
You’ll experience the famous “southern charm” and hospitality that is unique to this region of the U.S. It is no wonder Raleigh-Durham area is ranked as one of the best and most affordable places to live in America.
There are so many reasons why our students love Durham and Duke; we just picked 10 of them.
Most Duke LLM students who choose to take a U.S. bar examination take the New York Bar Exam. Duke's curriculum allows 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, Illinois, Georgia, Texas and Washington State.
LLM Curriculum Overview
The LLM curriculum allows students to explore the U.S. legal system from a comparative law perspective, while promoting rigorous, innovative and interdisciplinary study of the areas of law most relevant to student interests. Duke Law also offers four certificate programs for LLM students to deepen their research and career interests.
Career and Professional Development Resources
The Career & Professional Development Center has outstanding resources for international students. In addition to individualized career guidance, Duke Law provides a curriculum of programs for LLM students to facilitate success in various legal careers in the US and abroad. LLMs at Duke also benefit substantially from the willingness of alumni and Law School faculty to offer career advice and assistance.
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.
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"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