University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law

McGeorge School of Law Dean Michael Hunter Schwartz talking with students

Students earn an LLM degree after completing 24 units of study, full-time or part-time. Students can complete the program in either one or two years.

LL.M. in Transnational Business Practice

The LLM in Transnational Business Practice trains lawyers to practice in the field of international business law. The degree further prepares lawyers for a career in the global economy. Students have the opportunity to extern with a domestic or international law firm for class credit.

LL.M. in U.S. Law & Policy

The U.S. Law and Policy Program is designed specifically for foreign lawyers or graduates with a non-U.S. law degree. This is an ideal degree for those who wish to work in the U.S. or take a bar exam.

LL.M. in Water & Environmental Law

The LLM in Water & Environmental Law Program emphasizes interdisciplinary natural resources classes; simulations and case studies; a robust field placement experience; and advanced substantive law course work. Students have the option to take courses online or in-person.

Students earn a JSD degree after completing 12 units of study, full-time or part-time. Students can complete the program in either two or three semesters.

J.S.D. in International Legal Studies

The Doctor of Juridical Science degree in International Legal Studies is designed to provide in-depth coverage of specialized areas of international and comparative law. It is an ideal degree for students who have already earned an advanced law degree and wish to do intensive, in-depth work in a specific topic in International Legal Studies.

J.S.D. in International Water Resources Law

The Doctor of Juridical Science degree in International Water Resources Law is designed for those who have already earned an LL.M. and wish to do intensive, in-depth work in the law of international freshwater resources. It is an ideal degree for students interested in going into academics or in working on the development of international water policy at the highest levels.

McGeorge School of Law educates lawyers for large and small law firms, government agencies and corporate legal departments in California, across the United States, and around the world. This has been our hallmark since 1924, and is truer today than ever before. McGeorge offers many LL.M. programs and two J.S.D. programs designed to meet the needs of today's lawyers practicing in a global economy.

As the world grows smaller yet more complex, McGeorge responds by rigorously training our students for leadership positions in the global economy of the 21st century. Our success is built on a distinguished faculty, high quality students, committed and involved alumni, and a beautiful, spacious campus with state-of-the art classrooms and student facilities.

Why choose McGeorge? Because you will be prepared for a successful career anywhere.

The library at McGeorge School of Law.

From your first day of class to your first day on the job, your experience at McGeorge will be the foundation of your legal education and career. Your first day will also be the start of personal growth and lifelong connections that speak uniquely to the McGeorge experience. McGeorge School of Law’s LLM in Transnational Business Practice and LLM in Water & Environmental Law degree programs both made National Jurist’s Honor Roll for 2021-2022.

McGeorge has a green and spacious environment designed to provide a total-immersion legal education. At 13 acres, it is one of the largest law-only campuses, yet we define ourselves as a friendly learning community. Why? Because although you will find big resources here, from high-tech classrooms and mock courtrooms to one of the largest legal libraries in California, you will also find a collegial atmosphere and small, intensive classes, taught by renowned professors who care about your legal education and your future success in law.

At McGeorge, you will join a close-knit family of supportive staff and faculty, students and alumni, advisors and mentors that will be with you every step of your law school journey. We take great pride in the collaborative campus community and environment that we have carefully built over many decades. Our student-centered approach on both a personal and professional level has helped transform our students year-after-year into the best professionals that they can be.

Distinguished Professor Stephen McCaffrey

At McGeorge School of Law, you will be taught by distinguished and internationally recognized faculty from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our 35+ full-time faculty bring an incredible depth of knowledge and mastery of the law to the classroom. Dozens of seasoned adjunct faculty contribute to our academic rigor with high-level, real-life expertise and experiences in all areas of law.

As scholars and leaders in their disciplines, McGeorge faculty are influential experts regularly called upon for comments on a variety of legal concerns. They are recognized around the world for their valuable contributions to law, diplomacy and human rights. Students at McGeorge also connect one-on-one with faculty through research and teaching assistant positions.

Our longest continually serving faculty member, retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy has taught at McGeorge in various capacities for more than four decades. Even after his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, Kennedy has continued his involvement with McGeorge and its summer Salzburg program.

Our faculty’s experience, knowledge and background in the legal profession is varied and extensive. Their depth of real-world experiences and careers in the legal field include:

• Judges
• Fortune 500 Companies
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Clerkships for U.S. Supreme Court
• Large & small law firms
• Nonprofit Sector
• Politics and Legislative Offices

McGeorge School of Law’s alumni network has more than 14,000 alumni. Engaged and involved, the McGeorge alumni family spans all 50 states and 43 countries, and represents a broad range of legal careers, following both traditional and non-traditional paths. Yet, what our alumni share is their lifelong commitment and allegiance to McGeorge School of Law.

This sense of pride and connection means that year-after-year, alumni have remained an integral part of the McGeorge experience, serving as mentors, guest lecturers, supporters and overall career connectors for every new class of students. From judges to CEOs, law firm partners to start-up tech legal counsels, from leading prosecutors to public defenders, to private practitioners or legal advocates, our alumni’s breadth of careers and experiences run the gamut.

Applicants for admission to the LL.M. & J.S.D. programs must present evidence of:

• Graduation from a school of law approved by the American Bar Association; or
• Admission to the bar of a state in the United States; or
• Graduation from a faculty of law in a foreign country whose educational authority has authorized that faculty to issue degrees in law.

There are no prerequisite courses for the LL.M. programs.

Visit our website go.mcgeorge.edu/llm-jsd. You can contact an admissions representative by email at graduatelaw@pacific.edu or by phone at 916-739-7019.

The cost of attendance listed below is an estimate and reflects a budget for a nine (9) month academic year. Tuition and Fees are subject to change based on approval by the Board of Regents. The cost per unit is $1,411 or $16,932 per semester on a full-time basis.

Your legal education is an investment in your future. The Financial Aid Office is committed to providing students with financial aid resources to meet the educational costs of pursuing their legal future. Our goal is to ensure excellent customer service with accurate and timely delivery of financial aid funds.

Tower Bridge in Sacramento

California's capital is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Known for its natural beauty as the "City of Trees" and its leading role in the Farm to Fork movement, Sacramento has more than 300 sunny days per year, pristine lakes and rivers, leaf-shaded neighborhoods with bike paths, art galleries, professional sports teams, recreation, nightlife, amazing food, and a historic-meets-new culture. Sacramento is a diverse community that is among the top three places where Millennials are moving.

Time magazine labeled Sacramento the most integrated major U.S. city. Forbes calls it the 11th best place in the country to start a business or career. And it is ranked as the fourth best place for running by Runner's World and the seventh fittest city in the nation, according to Men's Fitness.

McGeorge is located in one of the more affordable cities in California to attend law school. With the cost of living 14% lower than other urban areas in the state, you can graduate with less debt and enjoy all the region has to offer. From its growing music and art scene to museums and historic sites, Sacramento is a city buzzing with things to do. Aptly called America’s farm-to-fork capital, the city delivers on its culinary roots — from chef-inspired restaurants to tasty downtown breweries. Its many sports teams make catching a game an easy pursuit, just as outdoor activities are all year-round in idyllic weather.

McGeorge School of Law’s Sacramento campus offers a variety of on-campus housing opportunities in order to provide an invaluable scholarly experience. Living on-campus makes life at McGeorge very convenient. Studios, single, and double apartments are available for students.

Located in the heart of the California state capitol, our on-campus residential community is the best way to fully participate in academic life. We firmly believe that by living on campus you can maximize your time for more faculty interaction, enhanced learning, and social growth.

With more than 40 organizations, there are many opportunities to meet, connect and share experiences with other students. Student organizations play an integral role in the campus environment and educational process for law students at McGeorge and the many events hosted annually directly enhance academic and career preparation, cultural awareness, public service, leadership skills and networking opportunities.

Students are able to meet people with similar interests, organize meaningful activities, and have plenty of opportunities to network.