U.S. Legal Studies for Foreign Attorneys Graduate Program

The U.S. Legal Studies for Foreign Attorneys LL.M. Program Admits Students in September, January, and May.

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This program has received ABA acquiescence and Higher Learning Commission accreditation approval.

Program Overview

The U.S. Legal Studies for Foreign Attorneys LL.M. program is intended for well-qualified lawyers and law graduates from countries outside the United States who desire to immerse themselves in the study of the common law and then plan to return to their country to practice law.

Students in the U.S. Legal Studies LL.M. are in residence for one year studying full-time for three consecutive semesters. Students may begin in September, January, or May. An option available to students is to participate in Cooley's six week summer foreign study program in Toronto, Canada.

The 24 credit degree blends common law subjects with elective courses chosen by the student. LL.M. students choose 12 credits from common law courses typically studied during the first year of law school – contracts, property and torts. In addition, they study U.S. constitutional law and legal research in classes specifically designed for foreign attorneys. The final required course is international law. The remaining six credits consist of elective courses from Cooley's curriculum chosen by the student and approved by the director. The elective credits can also be earned in the Toronto program by taking courses with an international and comparative focus taught by Canadian lawyers.