In the dynamic world of law, where regulations shift and cases evolve, staying at the forefront of the field is an ongoing challenge. For working legal professionals, it can be a challenge to balance the demands of a legal career with the pursuit of knowledge. That is where Executive LL.M. programs come into their own.
These programs cater to the unique needs of those who are already deeply entrenched in the legal profession. With a focus on real-world applicability and the ever-evolving demands of legal practice, they provide a pathway for legal professionals to enhance their expertise and broaden their horizons.
So, what are the benefits and potential that these programs hold for working legal professionals?
“The LL.M. degree has become the new MBA, and for experienced legal professionals seeking career progression or a comprehensive update in their specialized fields, the Executive LL.M. represents the perfect program, both from the content and format perspective,” says Soledad Atienza Becerril, the dean of IE Law School in Madrid, Spain.
IE runs an Executive LL.M. degree, a joint program between IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in the US. The program integrates advanced Common Law courses, along with curriculum components in business administration, technology and other skills. “Graduates acquire a comprehensive toolkit that allows them to move forward in their careers, equipped with an understanding on how to utilize technology to foster innovation within the legal field,” Becerril says.
Balancing work and learning
A central part of the Executive LL.M. program is that it caters to the busy schedules of working professionals. “The Executive LL.M. has been designed considering the needs of its participants: lawyers with tight schedules and relevant professional commitments. It is a blended program that offers two face-to-face and two online periods,” explains Becerril.
“The face-to-face periods, one in Madrid and one in Chicago, allow participants to attend sessions whilst benefitting from valuable networking and cultural experiences. On the other hand, the two online terms provide combine synchronous and asynchronous sessions, allowing participants to fully engage in the academic experience while continuing their legal practice simultaneously,” she adds.
There is a growing demand for Executive LL.M. programs. The IE Law School and Northwestern Pritzker School of Law joint program has been growing steadily in recent years, with 39 participants coming from 18 different countries from all around the world. It is one of many options that exist at law schools around the world.
Another is the Executive LL.M. degree in U.S. Law, offered by the the University of Connecticut School of Law in the US, through a partnership with the Hallym University Graduate Studies in Seoul, South Korea. This collaboration enables students to concurrently pursue the Executive LL.M. program and the two-year Master’s in Global Legal Practice at Hallym University. Graduates of this combined program may qualify to take the bar exam in certain U.S. states.
The Executive LL.M. program consists of 24 credits, delivered both online and in-person through teaching during evening hours to provide flexibility for working professionals. The curriculum includes two mandatory two-credit courses: “United States Law and Legal Institutions” and “United States Law and Legal Institutions: Research and Writing”.
The typical program duration is about two years and it’s an increasingly popular option for busy working lawyers. “Demand for the Executive LL.M program has evolved as legal professionals seek career advancement, specializations, networking opportunities and global partnerships. The demand for diverse legal perspectives has increased interest in the program,” says Yan Hong, the Director of Graduate Programs and Admissions UConn School of Law.
Realizing career aspirations
So what career opportunities and advancements can graduate of Executive LL.M. programs expect in the legal field? “The program prepares our graduates for international corporations. Graduates can tailor their Executive LL.M. to their career goals,” Hong says. “Potential career prospects and advancements include specialized expertise in U.S. law, advancement in current legal position, cross-cultural legal practice with bar eligibility, teaching and academia, in-house counsel, networking opportunities and so on.”
At IE, the professional trajectory of the Executive LL.M. graduates is quite diverse. “Some alumni have advanced within their original law firms and currently hold positions as partners or managing partners. Meanwhile, others have established their own legal practices, and a portion have transitioned into roles as in-house counsel,” says Becerril.
“The program serves as a catalyst for lawyers seeking to progress within their current organizations or law firms, as well as those aiming to embark on new career paths within different companies, institutions, or law firms. The network that the participants join, one with top international legal practitioners from around the world, is key to the development of their careers,” she adds.
So whether you’re an experienced attorney, in-house counsel or a legal consultant, Executive LL.M. programs can empower you to excel in your career.
