If you’re considering an LL.M. degree, it’s important to know that the way these programs are taught is changing. It’s no longer just about burying your nose in books and mastering legal theory. More and more, LL.M. programs are shifting their focus toward experiential learning. Think legal clinics, moot courts, and clerkship opportunities.
What’s driving this change, and why should it matter to you?
For a long time, LL.M. programs were all about deep dives into complex legal concepts. And while that’s still a big part of the curriculum, there’s a growing recognition that understanding the law on paper isn’t quite enough. Law schools are placing a sharper focus on the importance of real-world experience, and that’s where experiential learning comes into play.
Take legal clinics, for example. These aren’t just mock exercises; they’re opportunities to work on actual cases under the supervision of experienced attorneys. Participants interact with clients, draft documents, and even argue in court. It’s a way to take what you’re learning in the classroom and see how it applies when the stakes are real.
“Through experiential learning opportunities, students can grasp how the academic concepts learned in class apply to the real world. Experiential learning also enhances students’ learning through fun, creative, and hands-on work, adding an extra layer to their LL.M. studies,” says Alexandria Sellers, manager of international law programs at the University of Miami School of Law.
The Rise of Moot Courts and Clerkships
Moot courts have long been a staple in law schools, but their role in LL.M. programs is growing. These simulated court proceedings give students the chance to practice advocacy skills in a competitive environment. It’s one thing to know the law, but another to argue it effectively—and moot courts are a safe space to hone those skills.
“Moot court programs help students learn how to litigate a case by acting as counselors and advocating different sides of a case,” says Sellers. “Students develop advocacy techniques and hone analytical, research, and writing skills, making them more well-rounded candidates for post-graduation employment.”
Miami Law offers an International Moot Court Program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., which allows students to represent the university in legal competitions around the world.
Sellers adds that, for international students looking to work in the U.S. after graduation, moot courts help students become exposed to a different legal system and culture, which can help enhance their career prospects.
In addition to moot courts, many law schools offer clerkships that are becoming more integrated into LL.M. programs. Clerkships provide hands-on experience, often within the judicial system, providing an insider’s view of how courts operate. A clerkship means working closely with judges and getting a feel for the day-to-day realities of legal practice, which can be invaluable when you step into your career.
“Clerkships allow students to apply legal concepts and theories learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios, solidifying their understanding and making the learning process more effective,” says Val Myteberi, associate dean of graduate and international programs at Cardozo Law School in New York.
“They can develop essential legal skills that include writing, negotiation, client interviewing, and courtroom advocacy, which are not only important for passing exams and the bar, but are also critical in building a successful legal career,” says Myteberi.
Through experiential learning opportunities such as these, she adds, students can connect with legal professionals, build relationships, and create networks that can be valuable in their future careers.
Why Experiential Learning Can Boost Your Legal Career
Simply put, the legal job market is more competitive than ever. Employers aren’t just looking for candidates who can recite case law—they want lawyers who can hit the ground running. Experiential learning opportunities are a chance to build a portfolio of real-world experience that sets you apart from the competition.
Moreover, these experiences can help you figure out which area of law you’re truly passionate about. Maybe you think you’re set on corporate law, but a clinic in public interest law opens your eyes to a new path. The more hands-on experience you get, the more informed your career choices will be.
Elise Luce Kraemer, assistant dean of graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, says that LL.M. candidates are best advised to think about experiential learning as broadly as possible. “Clinics, bootcamps, and skill-focused classes should be considered along with co-curricular and pro bono work as opportunities to gain practical experience during the LL.M.,” she adds.
So as you explore LL.M. programs, pay close attention to the experiential learning opportunities they offer. Whether it’s legal clinics, moot courts, or clerkships, these experiences can prepare you for the realities of legal practice in a way that traditional classroom learning alone can’t.
