Master of Laws, LLM
The Master of Laws (LLM) program is your gateway to a thriving legal career, either in the U.S. or abroad. The program equips students with a strong grounding in U.S. legal systems and the practical skills needed to pursue roles across a wide spectrum of legal fields.
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Deadlines and application instructions for the general Master of Laws (LLM).
USF's Program
Study in the heart of San Francisco, a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and legal opportunities. USF’s Master of Laws (LLM) program is open to students who hold a JD, LLB, or equivalent first degree in law or students who are qualified to practice law outside the U.S. As an LLM candidate, you will learn alongside both JD and LLM students, providing you with a broad network and a rich learning environment. Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll build connections with both your classmates and your professors.
With USF’s LLM program, you can customize your learning based on your areas of interest and career goals. Choose from USF’s wide range of elective courses and bar exam subjects, including business law, international and comparative law, labor and employment law, public interest, and more. Together with your dedicated academic advisor, craft a curricular plan that fits your needs. USF’s expert faculty will guide and mentor you as you dive into your chosen coursework. In addition to traditional classroom learning, gain practical, hands-on experience through USF’s International Human Rights Clinic, Immigration Clinic, and Criminal & Juvenile Justice Clinic (TBD), as well as through a range of externships.
LLM Grad Makes Global Leap
With four years’ experience as legal counsel for a Moscow publishing company, Margarita Zakiyan LLM ’07 knew she wanted to continue focusing on intellectual property law. But she also knew she wanted to expand her knowledge base in that area and eventually work for a large international company.
“Working at Google means working on the most cutting-edge tech issues, things that are developing day-to-day,” Zakiyan says.
More Reasons to Join Us
- Study in the center of San Francisco, minutes from the Civic Center, where LLM students attend hearings at the California Supreme Court.
- Get hands-on training through externships in leading Bay Area law firms and businesses, and in USF’s in-house law clinics.
- Benefit from individual counseling with faculty and career planning services.
- Network with USF alumni mentors who are attorneys practicing in a variety of legal fields, from technology to business and beyond.
- Prepare to take the Bar Exam and practice in the U.S., or use your LLM to enhance your expertise and credentials for work in your home country.
- Secure housing in the law school’s residence hall.
My USF LLM was the turning point in my path to an international law career. Going to Geneva with the International Human Rights Law Clinic was an opportunity to put into practice the theory I learned in the classroom. I also acquired negotiation skills that I use on a daily basis.”
Laura Rivera Marinero ’09 Democratic Governance Coordinator, United Nations Development Program, El Salvador
LLM Programs
Kendrick Hall, 230
San Francisco, CA 94117