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The Program
CWRU LL.M. Degree Options:
LL.M. in U.S. & Global Legal Studies
LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law
LL.M. in International Business Law
LL.M. in International Criminal Law
The Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree is a one-year, full-time program designed to give international students an opportunity to study the U.S. legal system and international law and trade, and to become truly capable lawyers in the 21st century's global economy. Our LL.M. students have access to 170 Juris Doctor (J.D.) courses, as well as courses designed especially for the needs of the LL.M. students. Students enrolling from 80 countries since the program was established more than 30 years ago have each year formed a close-knit community and become involved in law school activities with their J.D. classmates. LL.M. students benefit from individual attention and guidance in a family atmosphere. Our LL.M. students receive comprehensive instruction in U.S. legal research, writing, and analysis.
We offer four LL.M. programs and the Summer Language and Law Institute.
LL.M. IN U.S. & GLOBAL LEGAL STUDIES
Focus on U.S. legal research, writing, and analytical methods with a flexible curriculum to meet each student's individual career goals. Student may earn certificates of concentration in any proper subject. Certificates are commonly issued in Public International Law, International Business Law, Health Law and Intellectual Property Law.
LL.M. IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW
Focus on the doctrine and policy of U.S. intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The program is also open to foreign patent attorneys who do not have an LLB but work in IP.
LL.M. IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
Focus on academic analysis and practical applications of U.S. business law as applied to international transaction. Program is also open to foreign candidates who hold a foreign or a U.S. business degree.
LL.M. IN INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW
Gain in-depth knowledge of international criminal law and procedure, international humanitarian law and national security law.
SUMMER LANGUAGE & LAW INSTITUTE
Before your program begins, broaden and polish your English communication skills and receive an introduction to American common law practice.
LL.M. graduates may apply to transfer to our Law School's J.D. program or continue their studies in our S.J.D program.
Request more information today.
The University
At Case Western Reserve University, we're a community of innovators, knowledge-seekers and ground breakers. As a leading national research university located in the nation's #1 arts district and within walking distance of three major hospitals, we offer ample opportunities for you to excel.
With programs spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work, our research and educational opportunities allow our students, faculty, staff and alumni to tackle today’s toughest problems—and transform the future.
CWRU By the Numbers:
- 6,017 undergraduate students
- 6,184 graduate/professional students
- 121,000+ alumni worldwide
- 102 countries represented among our student body
The Law School
CWRU School of Law has been training lawyers for over 125 years. But we're not focused on the past—we know what matters most is how we prepare you for your future.
Gund Hall, home to the CWRU School of Law, is spacious, inviting, and comfortable. Throughout the building there is a feeling of openness and hospitality that enhances learning and the exchange of ideas. Students and faculty are often seen chatting over a cup of coffee on "The Bridge" or in our student lounge.
CWRU School of Law is ranked 10th in International Law (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), 11th in Health Law (U.S. News & World Report, 2023), and 10th in Practical Training (preLaw magazine, 2023).
The Faculty
Our faculty is ranked 30th in the nation in scholarly impact. They are noted experts in their fields and their first priority is the success of our students.
We have a welcoming, friendly environment that encourages collaboration between professors, administrators, staff, students and alumni. When you join our law school, you are part of our legal family.
Entry Requirements
Admission decisions for the LL.M. program are based on the ability of the applicant to thrive in a demanding academic program, as evidenced by the applicant's academic record and professional accomplishments, and on the candidate's ability to add to the richness of the academic and extracurricular program.
Applicants should have a TOEFL score of 90 or a IELTS score of 6.5. Students with lower scores can be admitted with the requirement to attend our Summer Language & Law Institute. Conditional admission is available to give students time to meet our English language requirements. We allow students to pursue their English language studies at ELS Cleveland, on the CWRU campus, completing levels 111 or 112 in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS.
Application Procedure
LLM students can start their LLM degree program in spring semester (January) or fall semester (August). The application deadline for spring semester is October 15; the deadline for fall semester is April 1. Students wishing to apply after the application deadline should reach out to llm-sjd@case.edu.
Applications are processed in order of their receipt and completion. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early during the academic year before the fall of the entry year.
To be considered as an applicant for the LL.M. program, a candidate must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers
- Official copy of transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended
- An official TOEFL or IELTS score report is required for all students whose native language is not English - except those with a degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction
- Affidavit of financial support required for visa documents, due after admission and before visa documents are issued.
Accepted applicants will be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit of $500.00 in order to secure their position in the class. The deposit is deductible from the first semester's tuition.
For more information, visit the CWRU website or reach out to the admissions team with application questions.
Phone: 216/368-2083
Email: llm-sjd@case.edu
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year is $60,800. Living expenses for students is set at $14,000. Total financial guarantee required for the I-20 student visa application comes to $74,800. Additional funding is needed for dependents if the student comes to study accompanied by spouse and children. Visa documents are handled by the university's International Student Services Office.
Financial Aid
CWRU LL.M. MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
The law school offers:
- 20% tuition merit scholarships to students who score at least 90 on the TOEFL or at least 7.0 on IELTS
- 20-40% tuition merit scholarship to students who graduate from our partner law schools
- 40% tuition merit scholarships to students who come from countries where we have two or fewer enrolled LLMs
All scholarships are awarded on the basis of the application for admission, and all the required supporting documents. There is no additional application for merit scholarships.
For additional funding, applicants are encouraged to seek assistance from their governments or other outside sources. Visit the LL.M Financial Aid & Scholarships page on our website for a database of potential sources. Students in the graduate program may also be able to earn modest amounts of money to cover additional expenses, such as books for classes, through campus jobs.
Location
Case Western Reserve University is proud to call Cleveland home. Our campus—just 5 miles east of downtown in the University Circle neighborhood—places you within easy reach of incredible research and career opportunities, not to mention outdoor attractions and lively city life.
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S.—and an especially great place for young professionals—Cleveland is a mid-sized metropolis on the shores of Lake Erie that boasts a big impact. Home to nearly 3 million people, the city gets high marks for its:
- thriving healthcare and biotechnology industries,
- lively arts and cultural scene,
- low cost of living,
- four-seasons climate, and
- wealth of natural resources.
Our neighborhood, University Circle, comprises 550 park-like acres in a vibrant urban environment. From Case Western Reserve’s location, you’re just a short walk to some of Cleveland and University Circle’s most outstanding destinations:
- the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall,
- the Cleveland Museum of Art,
- the Cleveland Botanical Garden,
- the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland or
- the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Accommodation
LL.M. students live in apartments on or near the campus. Living expenses in Cleveland are very affordable in comparison to other major cities in the U.S. There are ample housing opportunities within walking distance to the law school. Housing information is sent to the students upon receipt of the deposit. Assistance is given to students to find suitable housing.
Student Life
Want to be involved outside the classroom—and maybe even gain some hands-on experience? We offer a wide range of 30+ law student organizations where you can get active in the areas that interest you most.
LL.M.students participate in many activities, and the program provides mentors from the J.D. student body who assist LL.M. students and plan social activities in and out of the law school.
J.D. students also serve as peer academic tutors.
Summer Program
The Summer Language And Law Institute
The Summer Language and Law Institute is an intensive four week training experience exclusively for foreign legal professionals and students. The Language and Law Institute is designed (1) to introduce you to the practice and study of law in the U.S., (2) to provide you with a practical introduction to U.S. legal research and analysis, and (3) to improve your English language skills through an integrated English for Legal Purposes program. The training experience emphasizes reading, analysis, research, writing, and comprehension skills necessary to participate in legal discourse.
In some cases, completion of the Language and Law Institute will be a requirement for admission to our LL.M. program.
Programs at Case Western Reserve Law
Full-Time
- Program only available to foreign graduates.
- A three-year program, jointly offered with China's Southwest University of Political Science & Law (SWUPL).
- Students spend two years in Chongqing, studying international law and Chinese commercial law, followed by a third year at CWRU studying advanced commercial law.
- Graduates earn two Masters degrees from both SWUPL and CWRU.
Discussions About Case Western Reserve Law (20)
New PostPrograms at Case Western Reserve Law
Full-Time
- Program only available to foreign graduates.
- A three-year program, jointly offered with China's Southwest University of Political Science & Law (SWUPL).
- Students spend two years in Chongqing, studying international law and Chinese commercial law, followed by a third year at CWRU studying advanced commercial law.
- Graduates earn two Masters degrees from both SWUPL and CWRU.
- This three-week summer program is aimed at improving English communication skills and introducing participants to American common law practice.
- Offered in-person to students admitted to the LLM program at CWRU School of Law.
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