University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

UCLA School of Law uses an interdisciplinary approach to legal studies, with a dynamic, flexible curriculum that appeals to a range of interests. The LL.M. curriculum includes attendance in upper division law school classes. LL.M. students have the option of pursuing general studies or specializing in fields such as: Media, Entertainment, and Technology Law and Policy; International and Comparative Law; Environmental Law; four Business-related tracks (Business Law, Bankruptcy, Securities Regulation, and Tax); Human Rights; Critical Race Studies; Public Interest Law and Policy; Law and Philosophy; and Law and Sexuality. With the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee, students may also develop their own specializations. These optional specializations permit LL.M. students to intensively study particular topics while at UCLA.

Twenty-two semester units of class credit, over two semesters, are required for the LL.M. degree. Except for a short summer orientation course from students who do not hold a prior U.S. law degree, there are no required courses for LL.M. students.

UCLA School of Law has a reputation for excellence throughout the world. Consistently ranked in the top tier of law schools in the nation, ours is the premier law school in southern California. And, as judged by academic peers, the university itself consistently ranks in the top half-dozen in the country. The university boasts 13 schools and colleges, 69 departments, and 19 libraries. UCLA School of Law offers more than 200 challenging and diverse courses and programs on issues that impact all aspects of law in today's world.

UCLA's law faculty has a world-class reputation for scholarship. We're unique, however, because these leading scholars also seek to foster an encouraging and supportive learning environment. Our distinguished faculty prepare students for outstanding careers in transactional and litigation practices, government, academia, business, international law, public policy and public interest. Because of this exceptional academic preparation and our reputation for excellence, those who join us can look forward to a promising future for themselves -- and for those whom they will represent, teach and inform.

UCLA seeks to admit students of outstanding intellectual ability who will bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to the classroom. All applicants must hold or obtain a first law degree prior to commencing the LL.M. program in order to be eligible for consideration. In evaluating each application, the Graduate Studies Committee places substantial weight on demonstrated excellence in prior law study. We also examine other factors of applicants' accomplishments as well as their potential for professional achievement as revealed through letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, personal interests and prior legal (or law-related) experience.

To submit an application for admission to the UCLA LL.M. Program, please visit http://www.law.ucla.edu/llm during the September through early February application period. The application must be completed online via LSAC LL.M. CAS, and requires basic data regarding your career interests, academic qualifications, and references. After completing the online application, you will be prompted to upload your résumé/CV and personal statement, and to submit your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS score (as applicable) by postal mail to LSAC.

Los Angeles provides a rich and distinctive environment, with a multitude of opportunities for civic and community involvement. Those of us who work and study in Los Angeles have a hard time understanding why people go anywhere else. In fact, UCLA's colors were chosen to represent regional attributes: blue to symbolize the ocean and local wildflowers, and yellow to reflect "the Golden State," the California poppy and sunsets. Our lush, sprawling campus is ideally located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city, just 15 minutes from the beach and 5 minutes from Beverly Hills. In addition to having what might be the best climate on earth, Los Angeles is a dynamic, cosmopolitan cultural center of more than ten million people. Our arts and entertainment offerings rival any in the world. Why wouldn't you choose Los Angeles?

UCLA law students are among the best and brightest in the world, and together they make up a diverse, close-knit community. They come from a range of nationalities and backgrounds, offering fresh perspectives both inside and outside of the classroom. Whether at an academic lecture or one of our LL.M. social events, you're sure to make friends that will last a lifetime.

The academic year begins in mid- to late August with a Fall semester of 13 weeks. Our LL.M. Program commences one to two weeks earlier than regular law school classes with a special introductory course and orientation program.