The University of Texas School of Law

The University of Texas School of Law offers a single LL.M. degree with six different concentrations. Each degree concentration provides students with the opportunity to complete specified courses and obtain a certificate of specialization in that concentration. The LL.M. Program is flexible and allows each student to design an individual course of study tailored to their academic and professional interests. Our LL.M. concentrations are:

• Business Law
• Cybersecurity Law (ranked by LLM Guide among the top 10 LL.M. Programs for Cybersecurity Law)
• Global Energy, International Arbitration & Environmental Law (ranked by LLM Guide among the top 10 LL.M. Programs for Energy Law)
• Human Rights & Comparative Constitutional Law
• Independent Study
• Latin American & International Law
• U.S.  Law for Foreign Lawyers

The U.S. for Foreign Lawyers concentration is a flexible program that provides students with a foreign law degree the opportunity to focus on a particular area of study or gain a broad foundation in U.S. law by taking courses in a variety of areas. Students with a foreign law degree are eligible for all six concentrations. Students with a U.S. J.D. are eligible for all concentrations except the one in U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers.

For more information, visit the LL.M. Program website.

The University of Texas at Austin started with a constitutional mandate to be “a university of the first class.” Since 1883, we have been refining and updating what that means, but we have never stopped pursuing that ideal. We say, “What starts here changes the world.” But, what makes here so special?

Texas means top national programs with a public mission, an affordable cost, and a culture that welcomes talented, diverse students with unlimited potential. At Texas, we’re contributing to technological revolutions and a safer and healthier future. Here, our faculty and students are working to find energy solutions, to increase national security, and to deepen our sense of history and culture. When you place that in America’s No. 1 city to live, you have The University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to being ranked among the top 16 national law schools and among the top 5 public law schools in the nation, The University of Texas School of Law also has the most affordable tuition among the top 20 law schools in the nation. With a network of graduates 24,000-strong, whatever you want to do, wherever you want to do it, there will be a Texas Law alum ready to help. Additionally, we have an unbeatable set of 16 clinics, 16 programs and centers, 13 student-run journals, and 35 student organizations that round out law students’ legal education.

The University of Texas School of Law is situated on the northeast quadrant of main campus, a short walk to museums, two recreation centers with pools, and the football stadium. Law school facilities include two courtrooms; study lounges; state-of-the-art classrooms; a café; and the Tarlton Law Library, one of the largest academic law libraries in the world.

The Tarlton Law Library and Jamail Center for Legal Research offer course support, student guides, legal research, and student services. Students have access to a past exams database, course reserves, an exam prep guide, a study aid guide, legal writing titles, and CALI. Additionally, students have access to research guides, a team of dedicated law librarians, Bloomberg, Lexis, Westlaw, seminar papers, and law review notes.

The Law School Writing Center provides students with individualized, professional writing help at no charge. The Writing Center advises on issues of mechanics, clarity, and sentence structure. 

The Career Services Office (CSO) at The University of Texas School of Law is dedicated to helping all students at the law school, including those who are working toward their LL.M. degree. As an LL.M. student, you are welcome to meet with a career counselor to discuss your job search, have your resume (CV) and cover letters reviewed, practice interview skills, and take advantage of the many resources that CSO has to offer. 

A law school’s greatness begins with its faculty. Texas Law has one of the most talented and honored faculties in the nation, with 27 members of the American Law Institute and six members of the University of Texas’ prestigious Academy of Distinguished Teachers. Get to know all of them. 

For more information, visit Texas Law Faculty. 

"I’m a Panamanian lawyer working in a law firm in Panama City. Thanks to the Cybersecurity LLM, I have been able to assist a multinational company in adopting data privacy measures and be a panelist in cybersecurity and public policy forums. As a researcher for the Panamanian Institute of Law & New Technologies and in partnership with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, we will soon publish “Who’s Got Your Back”, a guide on mobile network operator’s information-sharing practices with governments. My favorite part of the LLM was networking! Nearing the end of my LLM, I was reflecting on this with a friend, and he told me: “The best takeaway from an experience are the relationships you make and build. The knowledge and swag are nice but that’s something else.”

Gabriel Cajiga, Class of 2021

"I specifically chose Texas Law because of its outstanding Capital Punishment Clinic Center. After graduation, I founded the Clinton Young Foundation in Austin. This nonprofit focuses on the representation of people convicted of capital murder and either sentenced to death or life in prison. Our first success was to get Clinton Young — who spent 18.5 years on Texas’ death row — out on bail after his conviction got overturned. Earning my LLM from UT has changed my life in more ways I could ever have imagined, but more importantly: it changes the lives of the people who need help. Clinton being the first one, but many more to follow!"

Merel Pontier, Class of 2020

"My year at UT still remains one of the best years of my academic career! I was surrounded by inspiring and impressive colleagues and staff that went above and beyond to support and ensure my success. It was a healthy balance of fun, hard work and bar prep!! My year at UT opened all sorts of doors I didn’t even know were possible. I am very grateful for the UT LLM program! Hook ‘em!"

Kendra Smith, Class of 2020

"On June 20, 2018, Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, appointed Francis Kaifala Head Commissioner of the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission. At Texas Law, the former Fulbright Scholar earned an LL.M. in Human Rights & Comparative Constitutional Law. In addition to being a Fulbright Scholar, Kaifala was an MD Anderson Scholar in Transnational Law in the Law School’s Institute for Transnational Law and a Human Rights Scholar in the Law School’s Rapoport Center for Human Rights & Justice."

Francis Kaifala, Class of 2018

"I am a litigation associate in Winston & Strawn's Houston office, focusing my practice on domestic litigation and international disputes. I am licensed to practice law in Texas and Mexico and have gained litigation experience in both legal systems. Prior to joining Winston, I served as law clerk to the Honorable Justice Eva Guzman at the Supreme Court of Texas and the Honorable Michael Truncale at the Eastern District of Texas, becoming the first foreign-trained attorney to clerk for the State’s highest court and first to clerk for a federal court."

Isaac Villarreal, Class of 2018

To hear from some of our recent graduates, visit the LL.M. Program YouTube Channel. 

The LL.M. Program requires applicants to have a first professional degree in law. Applicants with a foreign law degree can check the Law School Admission Council LL.M. Eligibility Chart for minimum degree requirements by country to see if they are eligible for our program. The LL.M. Program does not accept applications from graduates of online law programs or U.S. J.D. programs not approved by the American Bar Association. The LL.M. Program currently has a maximum of 50 spots for each incoming class. 

LL.M. applications must be submitted through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The application opens on September 1 and is due by March 1 for priority consideration.

All applicants must purchase the LLM Credential Assembly Service (LLM CAS). Applicants with a foreign law degree must also purchase the International Transcript Authentication and Evaluation Service (ITAES).

Sign up for a live virtual admissions information session. You will need a computer or mobile device and an internet connection to access virtual sessions. You must also download the Zoom app and create a Zoom account.

For application requirements and deadlines, visit the Application Information page on the LL.M. Program website.

Tuition at Texas Law is the least expensive among the top 20 law schools in the U.S.  Tuition and fees are set by the Texas Legislature and the UT System Board of Regents and are subject to change without notice. Tuition and fees are updated on the LL.M. Program website as they change.

The nonresident (out-of-state) tuition rate in the School of Law is $23,557 per semester for 12 credit hours. The Texas resident (in-state) tuition rate in the School of Law is $15,854 per semester for 12 credit hours. Tuition and fees are set by the Texas Legislature and the UT System Board of Regents and are subject to change without notice.

For more information, visit the Tuition, Expenses & Financial Aid page on the LL.M. Program website.

Admitted students are automatically considered for internal scholarships, and a separate application is not required. The LL.M. Program offers scholarships in amounts ranging from $500 to a limited number of Nonresident Tuition Exemption waivers each year.

Internal third-party scholarships offered by our scholarship partners exclusively for admitted and current students require a separate application and have their own internal deadline. The class becomes full very soon after the March 1 priority deadline. Do not wait until March 1 to apply, especially if you plan to apply for internal third-party scholarships with deadlines before March 1.

For more information, visit Scholarship Opportunities page on the LL.M. Program website.

We are in Austin–the Live Music Capital of the World, the fastest-growing big city in the country, and the second best city for liberals to live. Technology companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, SpaceX, and Tesla have established major operations in Austin. Boasting 400 live music venues, 100 barbecue restaurants, 200 miles of urban hike and bike trails, and 300 sunny days each year, we say that Austin is the best place in the world to be a law student.

Here is a sneak peek video of our amazing city and beautiful campus, and a little taste of what it is like to be part of our Texas Law community. At The University of Texas, we say “What Starts Here Changes the World” – and this is where it all begins.

No single housing solution exists for the Texas Law student population, but these resources will help you find a place to call home—whether you want an apartment close to the Law School with an easy commute or a house in the suburbs with a yard for the kids or dogs.

We recommend LL.M. students live as close as possible to the Law School. The Law School address is 727 East Dean Keeton St, Austin, Texas 78705. Download a UT campus map. The Law School consists of 3 buildings: Townes Hall (TNH), the Connally Center (CCJ), and Jesse Jones Hall (JON).

Searching for housing can be challenging. The Off-Campus Living Resources website offers information on housing and roommates, resources, safety and transportation, and Austin events. The Off-Campus Housing Marketplace website offers information on listings, roommates, subleases, resources, renter education, help with a landlord issue, and parking. Join the Texas Law Housing-Living in Austin Facebook group. Its purpose is to assist Texas Law students find/lease/sublease housing.

UT students can ride CapMetro buses (Austin’s regional public transportation provider) for free with their UT student ID card. If you plan to take the bus to campus, download the CapMetro app to make sure you live close to a bus stop and know when the next bus is coming.

Those who wish to drive to campus must purchase a parking permit. We are located in the heart of Austin, so parking is a challenge. Most lots are on the outskirts of campus, but UT Shuttles can get you to your campus destination with ease. UT Students can ride UT Shuttles for free with the UT student ID.

The LL.M. Program helps LL.M. students achieve their academic and extracurricular goals. Throughout the year, the LL.M. Program organizes study breaks, works closely with student organizations to plan events, and holds academic support and advising sessions. The experienced staff is available for counseling on academic and personal matters.

The Law School Is home to the Texas Law Review and 12 specialty journals that vary greatly in legal, political, and social perspectives. As an example of impact, the Texas Journal of Oil, Gas, and Energy Law has an impressive readership that reaches beyond academia, circulating among attorneys and energy industry professionals. 

Student Organizations at Texas Law run the gamut of interests, from the Chicano/ Hispanic Law Students Association and the Entertainment and Sports Law Society to Assault and Flattery (a theater group) and the Women’s Law Caucus. There are 44 organizations to choose from.