Laws (Global Legal Studies), LLM
International, United States, foreign, law
A global perspective and cross-cultural skills are becoming increasingly important for those who want to be effective leaders in law and policy. You can apply what you have learned in international law to a range of jobs related to policymaking, business, criminal justice, economic development and human rights.
The LLM program allows one year of post-JD study tailored to the scholarly and practice interests of participating students.
The program draws on the unique focus of the international and transnational legal expertise in global health, the environment, human rights, trade and emerging technologies. The program emphasizes transdisciplinary study and links rigorous legal training with the research and scholarship drawn from political science, policy studies, anthropology and sustainability.
Students can take a wide variety of courses on international topics, such as international environmental law, international human rights law and international institutions. These include business-related courses such as international contracts, international taxation, international commercial arbitration and international business transactions.
Students who participate in externships gain practical experience that makes them more competitive for jobs at home and abroad. ASU Law can place every eligible enrolled student into an externship at organizations in Arizona or Washington, D.C., such as the U.S. State Department, the World Bank, International Rescue Committee, the Department of Homeland Security and Human Rights First. The opportunity for students to network with international decision-makers, opinion leaders and top practitioners is further amplified through ASU's large presence in Washington, D.C.
Students can develop professionally by engaging with globally minded leaders in the legal, government and business communities. For instance, the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations hosts events and other forums for select students to engage with prominent leaders and practitioners on trending international issues.
Each year, the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law holds a workshop with the American Red Cross on international humanitarian law that brings students, members of the military and community leaders together to learn more about the principles governing armed conflict.
- College/school:
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
The program is designed to be completed in one academic year (nine months) on a full-time basis but may also be pursued on a part-time basis. A degree program candidate must complete 24 credit hours of coursework. A candidate may elect either to write a master's degree portfolio paper or to complete an applied project. Required coursework includes two of the following courses: LAW 615 Public International Law (3) An international student whose initial law degree is not from a U.S. law school is required to take the following course: LAW 596 Professional Legal Writing (3) The remaining credit hours are generally obtained from the list of elective courses in international law.
LAW 691 Seminar: International Institutions (2)
LAW 709 International Human Rights (2-3)
LAW 768 International Business Transactions (2-4)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a Juris Doctor degree in the U.S. or a law degree at a foreign institution that would qualify them to practice law or pursue license to practice in that country.
All applicants must submit:
- completed LLM application form
- official transcripts
- resume, not exceeding three typed pages
- statement of interest, not exceeding 1,250 words (double-spaced typed pages)
- two letters of recommendation
- writing sample
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants should see the College of Law website for acceptable TOEFL scores and additional information for foreign-educated applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to apply electronically through https://www.lsac.org.
Transcripts and letters of recommendation or evaluations must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service and are provided to the ASU College of Law by LSAC. Transcripts are required from all institutions attended, and transcripts showing that the bachelor's degree and law degree were conferred must be included.
Admission to the program is competitive. Selection is based on academic background and potential, diversity of experience and background, career experience and ambitions, strength of experience related to the program sought, space and resource limitations in the law school and other factors.
Potential applicants should see the program website for application deadlines.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9% between 2020 and 2030. The Master of Laws degree can lead to a number of opportunities in the legal profession at large, helping current lawyers advance in their careers by refining their leadership skills, becoming fluent with advanced terminology, developing a keen sense of professionalism, and learning how to navigate an ever-changing global environment.
Career examples include:
- chief executive officer or legal officer
- global litigation director
- judge
- law firm partner or administrator
- law school professor
- private banker (international)
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
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BCLS 420
llmasu@asu.edu
480-965-1474
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
