Top LL.M. Programs for Business Law 2023

The demand for people with LL.M.s in Business Law are on the rise: Global companies are navigating geopolitical and financial tumult, so the demand for lawyers who understand business law is on the up. But with ever more savvy clients demanding more service for their money, competition for work is also heating up.

A formal qualification—be it an LL.M. or another type of degree—in business law can help you stand apart from the pack. ‘Business law’ includes a broad range of topics, including but not limited to contracts, securities, finance, intellectual property and employment law. 

A number of top law schools around the world – mostly in the US but in Europe and Asia Pacific too – offer such programs, either as entire LL.M.s or as certificate programs within their generalist LL.M. courses.

Here are the top 10 law schools for business law. 

New York City, New York 2325 Followers 1651 Discussions
NYU

The prestigious NYU School of Law does not have a specific LL.M. in Business Law, but it’s reputation in this area is very strong. It claims to have the most extensive range of business offerings in legal education, with strong programs in corporate law and specialized programs for business leaders. Being located in the heart of the world’s financial center does not hurt, either.

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Hamburg, Germany 111 Followers 51 Discussions
Bucerius

Offered in corporation with the globally-ranked WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, Bucerius’ Master of Law and Business focuses entirely on the creation and development of a business. This means that students see the legal and business implications involved in an enterprise, from the ground up. Students can choose one of two degrees: an LL.M. or a Master of Law and Business (MLB).

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London, United Kingdom 859 Followers 958 Discussions
LSE

LSE’s London location means that students can see, first-hand, the intersection between business and law. Taking advantage of this prime location, the school offers an LL.M. in International Business Law, which explores topics in competition law, corporate governance, international tax systems, and other areas. The program leverages insights from LSE’s many research centers, like the Centre for Risk and Regulation, the European Institute and the Suntory and Toyota International Centre for Economics and Related Disciplines.

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New York City, New York 1607 Followers 1069 Discussions
Columbia

Columbia Law School also benefits from being based in the Big Apple, close to Wall Street and the myriad technology, media and fashion companies in the city. Columbia strives to prepare LL.M. students for business leadership roles in academia, the judiciary, business and corporate practice, public service, and human rights advocacy. The curriculum can be customized to facilitate a wide range of business law studies. 

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Washington, District of Columbia 1216 Followers 976 Discussions
Georgetown

Georgetown Law also has a strong reputation for business law. Students in the LL.M. can take courses to gain a deeper understanding of how law shapes trade, finance and markets. They can earn certificates in international arbitration and dispute resolution and world trade organizations studies, too. 

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Berkeley, California 1390 Followers 617 Discussions
Berkeley Law

LL.M. students at Berkeley Law in California can earn a business law certificate as well. This sets them up for careers in professional practice, as legal advisors to businesses, NGOs and to government entitles. What’s more, there are eight additional units categorized as business law in the LL.M. syllabus. 

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Durham, North Carolina 468 Followers 318 Discussions
Duke

LL.M. students at Duke University’s prestigious School of Law can take a certificate in course in business law. They learn from scholars and practitioners who are leaders in their fields. The course is offered in partnership with Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, a multidisciplinary partnership that reflects a world where law and business are ever more entwined. 

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Toronto, Canada 276 Followers 150 Discussions
UofT

Canada’s University of Toronto Faculty of Law runs a highly rated LL.M. with a concentration in business law. Students learn about how law and regulation impacts business in Canada and globally. The University is home to the Capital Markets Institute, where a large faculty body give students good access to tutorage.

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Nashville, Tennessee 166 Followers 145 Discussions
Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s LL.M. program offers a unique Law & Business track, which looks at important business law topics such as securities, finance, and accounting. The school is ranked by US News as one of the top law schools in the US for business / corporate law.

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Singapore, Singapore 334 Followers 237 Discussions
NUS

National University Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Law offers an LL.M. in International Business Law taught jointly with East China University of Political Science and Law. The course is taught in English in Singapore and in Shanghai. 

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About LLM GUIDE's Lists

These unordered lists were compiled by LLM GUIDE's editors, taking to account existing rankings and other factors. Read more on the Methodology page

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