American University (AU) - Washington College of Law (WCL)

American University Washington College of Law offers nine LL.M. programs that are 24 credits and generally take one calendar year to complete. The Law School also offers the LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law which is a two-year program offered both online and in residence during the summer semesters.

The LL.M. in Advocacy offers an opportunity for law graduates at any stage in their career to advance their legal advocacy skills. LL.M. students enhance their technical trial skills, learn new litigation strategies and tools, master courtroom technology, and focus on the application of professional ethics in the pretrial and trial settings. The Program offers students the option to earn credits through legal scholarship, externships and co-teaching activities.

The only program of its kind, the LL.M. in Gender, International and Comparative Law equips its LL.M. graduates with the legal and policy skills needed to address challenges facing women and LGBTQ people worldwide. In addition to studying the legal and social structures shaping the day-to-day lives of women and LGBTQ persons, students explore recent developments in the protection of basic rights taking shape around the world.

The LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology presents a unique opportunity to study with one of the nation’s largest Intellectual Property faculties and student bodies through our top ranked IP Program. The IP program has a particular emphasis on international and public interest law, led by our path-breaking Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP).

The LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law* is among the few LL.M. programs in the U.S. that trains lawyers to become arbitration practitioners. The LL.M. responds to law firms’ demands for lawyers with special expertise in arbitration. The faculty are accomplished arbitrators, practitioners, academics, and representatives from arbitral institutions. The direct interaction with this exceptional faculty enables students to build valuable professional relationships.

The LL.M. in International Business and Trade Law provides lawyers with in-depth knowledge and practical legal skills in international trade law and policy. Students also acquire knowledge of the broader legal framework that regulates other aspects of cross-border transactions. Graduates with this expertise will have a competitive advantage, and be readily prepared to work in major trade and business practice areas.

The LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law* addresses the need for specialized training in international human rights law in the United States and around the world. The Program brings together a prestigious group of AUWCL and international faculty, including more than 40 world-renowned experts, strategically positioning the LL.M. as one of the top programs in the world.

El LL.M. En Derechos Humanos Y Derecho Humanitario aborda la necesidad de capacitación especializada en derecho internacional de los derechos humanos en los Estados Unidos y en el mundo. El LL.M. es un programa de maestría híbrido, con componentes residenciales y virtuales en línea, lo que permite un plan de estudios de alta calidad en un formato flexible y conveniente. Los estudiantes interactúan con más de 40 expertos.

The LL.M. Program in International Legal Studies (ILSP LL.M.) offers one of the largest international law curricula in the U.S., with over 100 specialized courses in various areas of international law. A very flexible degree program, the ILSP LL.M. allows students to elect any classes, and design individual curriculum that tailors to their interests and career goals. The program also offers optional specializations along with the LL.M.

The LL.M. in Law and Government prepares students for leadership at the intersection of U.S. law and public policy. Designed for either domestic or international law graduates with a strong interest in U.S. government and politics, the degree prepares students to solve today’s most complex public policy issues, mastering the theories, political forces, and institutional realities that define public law.

The LL.M. in Legislation focuses on high-demand skills such as legislative and regulatory drafting, legislative and regulatory negotiation, and statutory interpretation. The curriculum includes legislation and statutory interpretation, legislative drafting, legislative negotiation, constitutional powers of the presidence, election law, campaign finance, legislative process, political process, government oversight, and legislative lawyering.

**Online and hybrid track options available

If your aspirations also involve fields outside the law, you can pursue dual joint degrees that we offer with two professional schools at American University: the Kogod School of Business (LL.M/MBA) and the School of Public Affairs (LL.M./MPP and LL.M./MPA).

With a Master of Laws from American University Washington College of Law, you’ll be better prepared to Champion What Matters anywhere in the world. You’ll learn at a top law school that stands at the crossroads of global and U.S. law in Washington, D.C., interact with renowned faculty that help you accomplish your personal goals, and experience one of the most exciting professional and intellectual adventures of your life.

American University Washington College of Law’s LL.M. Programs are world-renowned, with students from 50+ countries attending each academic year and boasting over 4,000 alumni. As an LL.M. student, you will experience a vibrant academic environment under the guidance of world acclaimed faculty. Our LL.M. degrees are designed for both foreign and domestic law graduates and feature an online, hybrid, or in-person curriculum of specialized law courses and experiential learning opportunities. This is your time to build a global network in close proximity to Capitol Hill and the international organizations in Washington, DC. 

Founded on the principles of humanity, diversity, and equal rights, the law school's students, faculty, and alumni incorporate these values into everything they do within its walls and around the globe. We offer more than 25 specialized programs including international law, human rights, law and government, intellectual property, business, and gender studies. Our location in Washington, DC, opens up extraordinary internship and employment opportunities within branches of government, international organizations, private and public interest law firms, and nongovernmental organizations. What's more, you'll be surrounded by a community of students and faculty that encourages and inspires one another.

American University Washington College of Law offers a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Our faculty members take great pride in developing good working relationships with students and are available to discuss course materials as well as questions related to the study of law in general. Whether you need assistance with registering for courses, searching for an internship, or finding your niche in the city, the faculty and staff are here to help you.

Our faculty members are leading practitioners and scholars in their field. The program incorporates a rich array of law courses and seminars with experiential learning and special events which allow our students to interact and network with our esteemed faculty, international attorneys, diplomats, business leaders, and policy makers.

See the entire law school faculty at: www.wcl.american.edu/faculty.

For all LL.M. programs, applicants must:

1. Hold a Juris Doctor (JD) from a US law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) or from a foreign law school with equivalent standards.

2. Submit a completed application form along with supporting documents before the application deadline.

3. International applicants must provide proof of competency in English.

Applicants to the LL.M. in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law are expected to have two years of prior experience in the legal profession.

For specific details on all requirements (i.e., application deadlines, minimum English test scores, etc.), please visit the Office of Graduate Admissions website. 

*Prospective students must apply directly to the specific LL.M. Program in which they are interested.*

Applicants should submit the following:

- Application Form
- $55 Application Fee
- Official Proof of Competency in English (for non-native speakers) sent from testing agency
- Official Copies of Academic Records
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
 

The cost of attendance (including tuition and fees) can be found here: https://www.wcl.american.edu/school/admissions/finaid/llm/cost/

Alumni Fund Scholarship provides a 100% tuition scholarship offered to students in the LL.M. in International Legal Studies; LL.M. in International Business & Trade Law; and LL.M. in Gender, International & Comparative Law.

Arcadia Fellowship in International Copyright provides a 50-100% tuition scholarship and a paid research position within The Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP) offered to students in the LL.M. in Intellectual Property and Technology.
 

AUWCL Global Talent Development Scholarship provides a 50% tuition scholarship offered to students in the following LL.M. programs: International Legal Studies; International Business and Trade Law; International Arbitration and Business Law; Gender, International and Comparative Law.

AUWCL-OAS Scholarship provides 50% tuition scholarships to students who are from OAS member states, except the United States, and are not current OAS-AUWCL scholarship recipients in the LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law.and the LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

Civil Society Leadership Award (CSLA) provides fully funded master’s level scholarships at a network of universities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, including American University Washington College of Law. The program aims to support individuals who demonstrate both academic and professional excellence and have potential to become civil society leaders in their home communities. For more information on how to apply, visit the CSLA Website or email csla@infoscholar.org.

Information Justice Fellowship provides a 50% tuition scholarship and a research or practical skills internship and faculty mentor for a small group of outstanding applicants to the LL.M in IP & Technology.

Inter-American Human Rights Competition Scholarship provides a 50% tuition scholarship o a former participants (Judge, Team Member, Observer, Trainer or Court Official) of the Inter-American Human Rights Contest for two students in the LL.M. in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.

Inter-American Moot Court Scholarship provides a 100% tuition scholarship to students in the LL.M. in International Legal Studies.
International Arbitration Special Merit Scholarship provides a 100% tuition scholarship to students in the LL.M. in International Arbitration and Business Law.

LL.M. Fellowship in Law & Government is designed for exceptional students passionately committed to their field of specialization. Successful applicants will have an exemplary academic background and a demonstrated potential to excel in the LL.M. program. The fellow will enroll in the 24-credit LL.M. program and will receive a number of benefits, including a partial scholarship.

Merit Scholarships are offered to students with strong academic performance in law school, and/or prior legal work experience.
Summer Program Scholarship provides a 50% tuition scholarship to students who have participated previously in one of AUWCL's Summer Programs.

More details on our scholarship opportunities: https://www.wcl.american.edu/academics/degrees/llm/how-to-apply/scholarships/
 

Our location and diverse student body create possibilities from the first day you step onto our campus. Washington, DC opens up unparalleled opportunities as the site of the branches of government, administrative agencies, international organizations, think-tanks, lobby groups, and numerous public interest and non-governmental organizations you will find many of our graduates serving in all of them. Our students take advantage of the many opportunities to learn side by side with more than 180 practicing attorneys from around the world.

The students at American University Washington College of Law come from all over the world. Each year we have over 200 lawyers representing over 50 countries in the LL.M. programs. The diverse faculty and student body offers many opportunities for students to thrive academically and socially. Each semester the LL.M. programs plan many events, discussions, and conferences that allow students to not only socialize, but network with faculty members and legal professionals in the field.

LL.M. Board: Each program offers the opportunity for students to join the LL.M. board, a group of students who plan social events and conferences. The students on the LL.M. Board are a great resource for our newer LL.M. students, and the events planned by the LL.M. board offer great ways to meet friends.

For over 20 years, American University Washington College of Law has been training upper-level law students and practitioners in emerging legal fields. Participants can select from 50+ courses offered by our nationally ranked programs and internationally recognized institutes.

The short specialized courses are a great way to dive deeper into a specific subject and gain a certificate of attendance, academic, or CLE credit.

CERTIFICATES

Specialty Certificates are offered upon completing courses of a practice area. You can also choose courses from multiple practice areas.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

U.S. Law Students: earn academic credit while simultaneously completing DC-based summer internships. 

US & International Practitioners: deepen your expertise, expand your networks and earn a Certificate of Attendance or Completion. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credit is also available to US attorneys. 

International students: experience American-style law school learning, including the opportunity to stay on campus and earn a certificate of attendance or Completion.

More on summer programs: https://www.wcl.american.edu/academics/summer-programs/dc/

LL.M. English Pathway Program

The Washington College of Law and the English Language and Training Academy (ELTA) at American University offer a unique opportunity for students interested in improving their English skills prior to their LL.M. coursework. The LL.M. Pathway Program is a one-semester program designed to assist international students in gaining the requisite English proficiency to be successful in their LL.M. studies.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION

Applicants to our LL.M. programs who are otherwise admissible but who do not meet our minimum requirement of English proficiency scores may be evaluated for enrollment in the LL.M. Pathway Program.  Applicants must meet the following criteria:

A first degree in law from a foreign law school with equivalent standards to ABA-accredited U.S. law schools

Sufficient academic and professional rigor for a post-graduate degree, through letters of recommendation and personal statement

Minimum TOEFL score of 75 or minimum IELTS score of 6.0

A completed LL.M. program application with supporting documents submitted before the application deadline

CURRICULUM

Students in the LLM Pathway Program will spend one semester at ELTA and enroll in four (4) courses. Upon successful completion of the Pathway Program with a grade of "B" or better in all four courses, students will automatically progress into their chosen LLM program at WCL without retaking the TOEFL or IELTS.

More on the LL.M. ELTA Pathway Program: https://www.wcl.american.edu/academics/degrees/llm/llmpathway/