The Ohio State University - Moritz College of Law

The LLM program at Ohio State Moritz College of Law is designed for foreign law graduates and lawyers to advance legal education and career prospects at one of the best public law schools in the U.S. The Moritz College of Law is ranked #1 law school in the state of Ohio, the #30 law school in the country, and an integral part of U.S. top-20 public university, , The Ohio State University.

Our LLM program takes pride in providing a career-oriented curriculum to international students. With combined offerings of doctrinal courses in major legal practice areas (such as corporate law and litigation, corporate compliance, dispute resolution, and intellectual property)  and experiential learning courses (such as the Mediation Clinic, the Legislation Clinic, and the Public Interest Externship program, moot court competitions,) the program equips LLM candidates with essential lawyering skills and real-life work experience that meet the demand of the global legal market. LLM students also have the opportunity to sharpen their legal analysis, research, and writing skills through a broad array of seminar courses or working for the Ohio State Journal on Dispute Resolution or Journal of Criminal Law as an editor or author.

A flexible degree, the LLM program allows students to design their curriculum that best suits their career goals. A student may select from over 100 courses in all major areas of U.S., transnational and international law, and pursue a general curriculum or a specialized curriculum in six academic concentrations. Our most popular concentrations are Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Corporate Law, and Intellectual Property Law. Drawing upon the #1 ADR program in the U.S., our LLM program has trained high-achieving ADR practitioners and scholars in the U.S. and overseas. We also take pride in our highly ranked “specialty” programs in the country: Alternative Dispute Resolution – #1; Criminal Law – #12; Contracts/Commercial Law – #27; Constitutional Law – #21. LLM students may also choose to combine specialized subject areas with bar exam subjects to qualify to sit for bar exams in New York, Washington DC, Ohio, California, and a few other jurisdictions in the US.

Upon completion of the LLM program, LLM students may apply to transfer to the JD program and have up to 30 credits counted towards the JD degree, without having to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

LLM students typically complete 24 credits during two semesters to earn the LLM degree. LLM candidates who want to do more than one concentration or/and take more bar exam courses may enroll in a third semester to complete up to 30 credits.

Other benefits of studying at Ohio State Moritz College of Law:

• Renowned faculty specializing in cross-cutting areas of law, who are influential academics and practitioners in the US and globally. Watch this video to learn more about our faculty.
• The LLM program offers students an intimate educational experience where meaningful interaction between faculty and students is the norm. Each LLM student is matched with a Faculty Advisor who serves as both an academic and professional mentor. The Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Affairs provides one-on-one academic and bar exam advising and ensures the academic needs of our LLM students are met.  Students are offered resources and career counseling that helps them navigate the job search process post-graduation. 
• Unique networking, mentoring, and career and professional development opportunities. The “Mentoring &  More at Moritz” program and the LLM Mentoring Program provide group and individual mentoring to LLM students. LLM students will be matched with practitioners in Columbus and other cities in the US. The mentors will provide career advising, connect the mentee with potential employers, and serve as a resource for LLM students in building professional networks and relationships.
• An inspiring intellectual environment enriched by LLM alumni and students representing over 60 countries, and a vibrant campus life with 7,000 international students at OSU.

We invite you to explore the LLM experience at Moritz and watch the exciting campus life at The Ohio State University.

One of the largest universities in the U.S., Ohio State is ranked as one of the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report Ithas 13 graduate and professional programs ranked in the top 10. The Ohio State University is also ranked among the top 100+ universities by the QS World University Rankings and listed in the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The international student population at Ohio State has grown steadily since 2009 from 4,238 students to 7,000 students and ranks 14th in the nation. The campus hosts nearly 1700 visiting scholars each year.

Ohio State's Global Gateways give the university a physical presence in essential parts of the world. Gateway offices in Shanghai, China; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Mumbai, India enable the university to forge new partnerships, recruit international students, facilitate faculty research, provide new ways to partner with Ohio-based businesses, and reconnect with a growing international alumni base. Other offices plan for Istanbul, Turkey, and Warsaw, Poland. 

The Ohio State University received NAFSA's Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization in 2014, recognizing institutions for overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced by best practices in engagement, programming, curriculum/faculty development, and outreach. The Simon Award is universally considered the most prestigious award for comprehensive internationalization in the U.S.

When you become an Ohio State student, you become connected to 64,000 students and over 500,000 living alumni. Around the world, we are known as Buckeyes. We know each other as friends.

The Moritz College of law is a diverse and dynamic community of students and scholars where you can expect to take classes from faculty known nationally for their scholarship and teaching. The faculty is equally dedicated to preparing students for the legal profession and to exploring the cutting edge of their disciplines. Many of the books used by law schools across America were written by Moritz professors. They publish dozens of scholarly papers each year, which influence judges, attorneys, and other scholars. 

In addition to the moot court and clinical programs, many Moritz courses offer opportunities for experiential learning, incorporating client projects, simulations, and role-play. 

Judges, practitioners, politicians, and other experts in the law frequently visit Moritz to share their thoughts. Viewing the law from a different perspective and watching public debate helps students obtain a clearer understanding of their coursework. Almost every day during the school year, there are extracurricular activities during the lunch hour and in the evening. 

The Moritz College of Law is home to one of the nation's finest Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs and offers many opportunities for students to learn and practice ADR techniques while in law school, culminating in the Certificate in Dispute Resolution.

Over 50 student groups give students the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and develop relationships. They are organized around law practice areas, public service, affinity, and ethnicity--offering a place for everyone to get involved.

The Moritz College of Law proudly brings together students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds to learn, teach, challenge, collaborate, and work together. As a result, members of our community are uniquely ready and able to address a wide spectrum of issues facing our diverse world.

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The faculty at Ohio State Moritz College of Law empowers students to be forward-thinking scholars and practitioners. The faculty immerse students in the most pressing challenges of law and policy and inspire them to provide innovative legal solutions to global legal issues. The faculty is composed of 54 full-time professors who held leading roles at federal and state government, corporations, and global law firms before joining Moritz College of Law. The faculty body also includes award-winning authors who bring innovative research and practical experience to the classroom.

The faculty take great pride in maintaining meaningful interaction and long-lasting relationship with every student. The faculty are available during weekly office hours or by appointment to discuss course materials, provide advice on academic and career pathways in a particular practice area, and help students with networking for career and professional development. Each LLM student is also matched with a Faculty Advisor who serves as both academic and professional mentors. The faculty strive to ensure an enriching intellectual environment for LLM students where they can develop to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and dynamic legal scholars.

Admission Requirements

The LLM program is designed for students who have:

• obtained an LLB (or its equivalent) from a foreign country;
• completed, in a foreign country, the university-based legal education required to take the equivalent of the bar examination in that foreign country;
• qualified to practice law in a foreign country; or
• the equivalent thereof as determined by the LLM Admissions Committee.

Application Deadlines and Process

For international applicants:

• June 1 for Fall admission
• October 15 for Spring admission

For U.S. citizens/U.S. permanent resident applicants:

• July 15 for Fall admission
• December 15 for Spring admission

We encourage you to start your application for the Moritz LLM program early, especially to meet the deadline or priority dates for scholarship application.

All applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). To apply, please set up your LSAC account and complete the LL.M. application via LSAC’s online application portal. For detailed instructions on how to apply, please review carefully our How To Apply webpage and LSAC’s Step-by-Step Guide to apply for an LLM program.

Application Checklist:

Applicants must submit the following items:

• Application form
• Nonrefundable law school application fee ($50 for international students and $40 for U.S. citizens or permanent residents) or a fee waiver code (obtained directly from Moritz College of Law by contacting moritzllm@osu.edu). 
• Official copies of academic records (and English translations) in sealed envelopes from all previously attended academic institutions
• English scores sent from the testing agency
• Resume 
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Scholarship essay(s) if applicable

For International Students:

Annual tuition and fees*: $47,936

Health Insurance (single-student coverage for two semesters)*: $3,366

(*These costs are for 2021-2022 academic year, which may be subject to slight change for the upcoming academic year).

Estimated expense for books & supplies: $1,200 - $2,400
Estimated housing and meals: $12,142
Estimated miscellaneous expenses: $2,652

For Ohio-residents:

Students determined to be Ohio residents will pay $32,684 in tuition and fees. Learn how to apply for Ohio Residency here.

The Moritz LLM program offers multiple scholarships to enable students from all over the world to join legal studies at a world-class institution:

• Legal Leadership Scholarship (100% tuition)
• Moritz LLM Scholarship (50% tuition)
• Regional Scholarships (up to 40% tuition)

Please see Scholarships page for information on scholarship application requirements and deadlines..

Columbus is the 15th largest city in the United States, with approximately 1.9 million people in the metropolitan area. Hundreds of companies are headquartered here, including retail giants The L Brands and Abercrombie & Fitch, as well as several pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, national restaurants, publishers, banks, and insurance companies. Columbus is also home to the Ohio General Assembly, our state legislature. Many Moritz alumni live and work in Columbus at law firms, as in-house counsel for corporations, and federal, state, and local government.

People from nearly 100 countries call Columbus their home. Nearly every type of food can be found here, in our excellent family-owned restaurants and in international grocery stores that feature African, Asian, Halal, Latino, and South Asian products. In addition, we are home to synagogues and churches, mosques, and temples.

The city cheers the swift play of its professional soccer team, the Columbus Crew, and feats on ice from its professional hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. For more serene leisure activities, Columbus and surrounding areas offer miles of trails and gorges to hike, as well as rivers upon which to canoe and kayak. 

Compared to other American cities, Columbus is very affordable and boasts rental homes and apartment complexes in a variety of costs and amenities. The city has an extensive bus system that is free for Ohio State students. In addition, Columbus is within a one-day drive or a one-hour flight from 60 percent of the U.S. population. 

While Columbus affords all the advantages of a major metropolitan city, it still maintains the famous charm and friendliness of the Midwest. As a result, it’s a great place to study--and to call home.

Most graduate students opt to live in nearby apartment complexes. There are two graduate housing units on campus, each within walking distance of the Moritz College. Students can learn more about their options at https://housing.osu.edu/living-on-campus....

We understand the deep commitment necessary to leave your home country and family to spend a year in unfamiliar circumstances, while doing the hardest work of your life. Having a stimulating--yet supportive--atmosphere makes a big difference in managing stress, and in being successful. 

From airport pickup to graduation parties, the LL.M. Program staff are an integral part of the student experience. Our commitment: to help each student be successful during this challenging year of U.S. law study.

This assistance comes first in the form of formal counseling--on course selection, preparing for job opportunities, and cultural integration. It begins with a week-long, comprehensive orientation to law school life and life in the United States. It continues during our lunchtime information sessions and in one-on-one meetings throughout the year. 

It's not all business. By hosting parties in our homes, and trips to area attractions, we offer you a chance to get to know your fellow classmates in a more casual setting. Holiday dinners, barbeques, apple picking, trips to Amish Country--these are just a few of the events planned each year. These special times together create a bond between students--and staff--that lasts a lifetime.

OTHER PROGRAMS

1. The Master in the Study of Law degree (MSL) program from the OSU Moritz College of Law is designed for non-lawyer professionals whose careers interface with the law on a regular basis but where becoming a practicing attorney is not necessary. The MSL degree allows students to gain working knowledge of U.S. legal practices, laws, and regulations, understand the law’s implications for their profession, and build necessary skills to address contemporary legal issues. The MSL degree program typically attracts students currently working in a wide range of sectors, including: business, HR, healthcare, journalism and media, IT, tax and financial services, and other heavily regulated industries. These candidates mostly are looking to the MSL degrees as the next logical step to elevate their careers within their industry or organization, or in some cases to advance to another organization or industry that requires similar skill sets. The MSL curriculum is thoughtful and practical, and taught by top faculty at the nationally ranked Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University.

The MSL degree includes the following optional concentrations:

• Compliance
• Dispute Resolution·        
• Intellectual Property and Technology Law
• Legal Environment of Business
• Health Law

Application Deadlines:

• Domestic applicants (US citizens; green card holders; H1B visas or other non-F1/J1 visas):
  • Fall semester: July 15
  • Spring Semester: December 15
• International Applicants:
  • Fall semester: June 1
  • Spring semester: October 15

Visit our website for information about admissions requirements and process, program costs, academic requirements and curriculum, and program modalities and duration. Please contact us at moritzmsl@osu.edu for more information.

2.  The online program on Foundation of U.S. Law and Practice is a non-credit, non-degree program designed for law students as well as practitioners from around the globe who are interested in deepening expertise in four areas of law: corporate law, intellectual property law, international business law, and dispute resolution. The Foundation Program consists of 4 asynchronous modules that allow course takers to conveniently study and gain the needed expertise at any place and at any time of their choice. Each module is also offered in a self-paced mode that allows participants to progress through the module at whatever pace meets their own needs and is most comfortable for them. Throughout the module, course participants will interact with readings, videos, and quizzes, and more.

Participants can choose to take all four modules for a price of $500 total, or individual modules $150 each.

3. The American Law and Language Program is a non-credit, non-degree program designed to provide individuals who have studied or are currently studying law outside of the U.S. with a broad exposure to major concepts in U.S. law and American legal training. This program is a wonderful resource for incoming Moritz LL.M. students to gain hands-on preparation for their master's studies, as well as practicing attorneys, judges, business law professionals, and those preparing to join any LL.M. program in a U.S. law school.

The program is an in-person, three-week intensive program. Participants are enriched academically and culturally through approximately 70 hours of instruction, four intertwined modules: 1.) A survey of legal English and U.S. law school culture; 2.) Exposure to the foundations of U.S. law and the legal system; 3.) An overview of U.S. corporate law and practice; and 4.) Practical, hands-on lawyering skills development. Registrants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program; no academic credit toward any degree will be assigned.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has not been offered since summer 2020. However, we plan to offer the program in-person again in summer 2022. The schedule for summer 2022 will be posted as soon as the agenda is finalized.