Syracuse University College of Law

Students in the LL.M. and Two-Year Accelerated J.D. programs may tailor their educational experience to meet their professional goals and interests through a variety of courses and specializations.

LL.M. in American Law
Syracuse Law's LL.M. in American Law is a 24-credit program. Students may enroll in either the fall or the spring semester, and will complete their program over the course of one academic year. LL.M. students are provided with personalized academic advising, a Faculty Adviser, a Faculty Mentor, and peer mentors to assist in selecting from more than 100 courses in substantive legal topics as well as specializations including Intellectual Property & Technology Commercialization Law; International & Comparative Disability Law; International Business Transactions, Corporate, & Commercial Law; International Human Rights Law & International Criminal Practice & Procedure and National Security & Counterterrorism Law.

Our LL.M. program is designed to offer foreign legal professionals the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of U.S. laws and the American legal process. Students have come from Spain, South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Syria, Kenya, Nigeria, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia, Trinidad, and other regions of the globe to deepen their knowledge of the American and international legal systems.

The ability to refine your English-language skills, tailor your studies, engage with internationally-known faculty, and receive personalized academic and career counseling are just some of the attractive and unique features of our program.

Accelerated Two-Year J.D. Program
Our accelerated Two-Year J.D. program is for foreign law graduates who want to gain a deeper understanding of the American legal system and plan on practicing law in the United States.

The Two-Year J.D. program is open to individuals with an undergraduate degree in law (i.e., Bachelor of Laws or LL.B. degree) from a foreign legal education institution. Candidates will be able to transfer up to 29 course credits to satisfy one-third of the College's requirements for a J.D. degree. Ideal candidates possess competitive undergraduate academic performance, professional experience, and highly proficient English-language reading, writing and speaking skills.

During the first year of the program, students participate in J.D. orientation and enroll in the First Year Curriculum of the J.D. program. In the second year, students complete the Upper Level J.D. requirements, the writing requirement, and additional electives to achieve the minimum 87 credits necessary to obtain the J.D. degree.

Due to the accelerated nature of the Two-Year J.D. Program for Foreign Law Graduates, students are encouraged to spend their time engaging in subjects tested on the bar examination (i.e. Evidence, Business Associations, Family Law, etc.). Each student will receive personalized academic advising from our Assistant Dean of Student Life to select courses. Students may pursue Clinic and Externship opportunities during the summer between the first and second year of the Two-Year J.D. Program subject to additional per/credit tuition costs, similar to other students in the J.D. program.

Syracuse University College of Law allows students to create a future that combines law with any number of specialized fields, carving a professional niche that matches their strengths, passions and talents. And, students get to enjoy all the benefits of a forward-thinking law school with a rich tradition in the heart of a leading university.

In fall 2014, the College of Law opened its new building dedicated to legal studies, Dineen Hall. This distinctive five-story, 200,000 square-foot facility combines the latest in educational technology with an emphasis on collaboration through many open spaces. The building includes a 530,000-plus library, 400-seat ceremonial courtroom and more.

Approximately 600 J.D. and LL.M. students are enrolled at Syracuse University College of Law. Our diverse student body attracts students from across the United States and 19 foreign countries.

Syracuse Law's LL.M. in American Law offers exposure to American law and the U.S. legal system while allowing students to enroll in courses alongside our J.D. students in order to promote the rich of exchange of ideas.

Our accelerated Two-Year J.D. program is for foreign law graduates (i.e., Bachelor of Laws or LL.B. degree) who want to gain are interested in the American legal system and plan on practicing law in the United States.

Members of the faculty are committed teachers, distinguished scholars, and experienced lawyers. Most have practiced law before their academic careers and some still practice in their particular areas of expertise. They engage in scholarly research and publication to remain current in, and contribute to, the theory and practice of law. They are strongly committed to blending legal theory with skills training. A number of professors possess other graduate degrees and teach courses that combine law with such fields as public administration, finance, health care, social psychology, and economics.

Candidates for admission to the LL.M. in American Law program must hold a law degree (LL.B. or undergraduate degree in Law) from a foreign institution, and must submit the application materials below:

• Application for Admission (LSAC.org or through the College of Law Website)
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Color Copy of Passport Face-Page
• Transcripts from your Bachelor's-level degree*
• Proof of English Proficiency** (Recommended range of TOEFL of 90+ or IELTS of 6.0+)

*If educational transcripts need to be translated into English, you need to provide a "certified" translation. A translator does not need to be "certified" or "sworn" in order to provide a "certified translations". A certified translation is any translation performed by someone other than the candidate, accompanied by a signed statement attesting that the translation is accurate and complete to the best of the translator's knowledge and ability. Any translator or translation company may "certify" a translation. 

**The LL.M. Admissions Committee offers conditional admission to applicants who require additional English-language instruction at Syracuse University’s English Language Institute (ELI) before starting the LL.M. program. While no TOEFL/IELTS score is required for admission, candidates must be proficient in English and are recommended to demonstrate the equivalency of a 90+ TOEFL score or a 6.0 IELTS score. Visit our website for details.

Visit our website for more information. Candidates can check the status of their recently-submitted application by clicking here. 

Visit our website for the most up-to-date tuition and fees information. Syracuse and its surrounding communities enjoy a cost-of-living that is much lower than many other cities; and it is therefore able to offer affordable housing, as well as local transportation, restaurants, and recreation at very reasonable costs.

Syracuse Law offers LL.M. Merit Scholarships to select candidates. These scholarships typically range in amount between 10% - 50% of LL.M. program tuition.

Visit our website for information on scholarships, loans and partnerships.

Syracuse, located in the center of New York State (approximately 250 miles from New York City), offers the amenities found in a major metropolitan center in a smaller, more manageable setting. The 200-acre University campus is located within the city, meaning many activities are within a short distance. The area offers year-round outdoor recreation, diverse cultural offerings and many civic engagement opportunities

Syracuse offers a robust community and a wealth of cultural activities. The area is situated among some of New York State's most spectacular scenic and recreational areas. Explore the city-campus Connective Corridor of art museums, downtown farmer's markets, and diverse cultural restaurants' all easily accessible through University-sponsored transportation. And if you feel like staying on campus, our intellectual community attracts some of the most relevant names in music, dance, theater, poetry, and sculpture.

The region's transportation is serviced by Syracuse's Hancock International Airport, along with the Amtrak train station, Greyhound bus station, and the local Centro city bus service.

The Offices of Student Affairs and International Programs, and our many student organizations host a variety of programs, workshops, social events, sporting activities, community service activities, pro-bono opportunities, and professional development activities for students to fully engage in the University and greater Syracuse communities.

When students aren't studying, they spend time cheering for one of Syracuse University's Division I sports teams playing at the Carrier Dome, just steps away from the College of Law. The area is also home to breathtaking scenery, state parks, and rural landscapes, as well as a variety of museums, music venues, and restaurants featuring ethnic and farm-to-table quality dining.

Students who wish to refine and develop their English-language skills before pursuing their LL.M. in American Law may enroll in intense English-language training at Syracuse University's English Language Institute (ELI).

ELI offers premier language instruction to students from around the world, in all proficiency levels, before they begin their academic program on campus. Courses are offered in the Fall semester, Spring semester, Summer Session 1, and Summer Session 2 (when ELI offers the Legal English summer course).

The Legal English Summer Session provides a foundation in legal terminology and language usage in listening, speaking, reading, legal research, and writing. The course provides twenty-five instructional hours per week.