Top 8 LL.M. Programs in Florida

According to publication US News, the University of Florida is the eponymous state’s leading law school. The university’s Levin College of Law has a global network, externships and other experiential opportunities that give students the global perspective and hands-on experience that is essential to practicing law. Levin College runs LL.M.s in Taxation and Comparative Law. 

Florida State University in Tallahassee is the state’s second-best law school, reports US News. The College of Law is across the street from the Florida Supreme Court and a stone’s throw from the Florida Capitol government building, giving students access to leading practitioners for guest lectures and recruiting opportunities. There are a few LL.M. courses ranging from Business Law to Environmental Law and Policy. 

The University of Miami School of Law is renowned for being in an enviable beach front location where the quality of life is, needless to say, high. It’s also recognized as a business, tax planning and arbitration hub that is home to several federal agencies’ offices including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Homeland Security. The school has many LL.M.s on offer, including in Taxation, Real Estate and Maritime Law. LLM GUIDE also ranked it as a top school for Media and Entertainment Law. 

Stetson University College of Law in Tampa Bay prides itself on blending legal doctrine with practical training: it’s ranked highly for trial advocacy and third for legal writing education in America by US News. There are hundreds of clinic and externship opportunities for students, who can study LL.M.s in International Law, Advocacy and more. Graduates of Florida’s first law school have gone on to work as prominent attorneys, judges, chief executives and social actors. 

The Florida International University College of Law in Miami is one of the few public institutions in the state. It also has among the most diverse faculties, according to the Princeton Review, who enrich learning with their unique perspectives. Miami itself is also a big draw, surrounded by an ocean skyline. FIU has a general LL.M. designed for foreign lawyers who wish to work in the US. 

The Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University, runs a flexible LL.M. that can be completed online on a part-time basis, meaning students do not need to give up their job (and salary) to earn the degree. There are also a wide range of areas that students can specialize in, ranging from technology to health, intellectual property and cybersecurity law. 

The St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami was founded somewhat recently, in 1984, but has gained a good reputation for its practical and ethical focus. It recently began offering an LL.M. in Cybersecurity Law and Policy, the first of its kind in Florida. The course is delivered entirely online, a flexible way to advance a career. The school also runs a Human Rights LL.M. 

The Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, at Barry University, runs an American legal studies LL.M. program for overseas lawyers. Up to fifteen credits can be transferred to the school’s JD program, the most advanced legal degree that could set students apart on the job market. Based in Orlando, the law school also has a range of trial and moot court opportunities, so students gain practical experience.