American University
Washington College of Law

 
American University Washington College of Law is a dynamic law school at the center of policy, business, and all things international. We are a law school of over 1,700 JD, LL.M., and SJD students who Champion What Matters.

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 20 specialized programs including international law, human rights, law and government, intellectual property, business, and gender studies, as well as nationally recognized clinical and trial advocacy programs.

Our location in Washington, D.C. opens up extraordinary internship and employment opportunities within branches of government, international organizations, private and public interest law firms, and non-governmental organizations. What’s more, you’ll be surrounded by a community of students and faculty that encourages and inspires one another.

Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programs
American University Washington College of Law offers three LL.M. programs that are 24 credits and generally take one calendar year to complete, in addition to various dual joint degree options:

LL.M. in International Legal Studies
With students from over 50 countries, the International Legal Studies Program is one of the top LL.M. programs in the United States and has been at the forefront of international legal education for over 25 years. The flexible curriculum includes 8 different areas of specialization ranging from human rights to intellectual property to business and trade. Our students learn from leading professors and practitioners, intern with global organizations and law firms, and have the opportunity to work on research and writing projects. The ILSP is currently the only program in the United States to offer a dual LL.M./MBA degree.

 LL.M. in Law and Government
The Program on Law and Government offers both new and experienced attorneys the opportunity to develop their existing areas of legal expertise, to chart out new professional terrains, to do serious scholarly research and writing, and to achieve hands-on experience in the field of American law and government. The Program has propelled in exciting and dramatic ways the careers of law firm partners and associates moving into public life, government attorneys changing disciplines, young lawyers preparing for careers in public service or academia, and attorneys seeking the intellectual community and support to develop original scholarly work for publication.

 LL.M. in Trial Advocacy
The Trial Advocacy Program is an opportunity for law graduates at any stage in their career to advance their legal advocacy skills. LL.M. students will 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 Advocacy LL.M Program is part of the Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program, which champions experiential learning in advocacy.

Dual Joint Degree Options
If your aspirations also involve fields outside the law, you can pursue dual joint degrees that we offer with three professional schools at American University—the School of International Service (LL.M./MIS), the Kogod School of Business (LL.M./MBA), and the School of Public Affairs (LL.M./MPP and LL.M./MPA).

Entry Requirements
For all three LL.M. programs, applicants must:
1. Have completed a law degree at a U.S. law school accredited by the American Bar Association, or at a foreign law school with equivalent standards.
2. Submit a complete application form before the specified programs deadline.
3. Provide proof of competency in English (non-native English speakers only).
4. Meet visa requirement (international students only).

For specific details on each LL.M. program’s entry requirements and application procedures (i.e., application deadlines, minimum English test scores, etc.), please visit each programs direct admission website.
• LL.M. in International Legal Studies
• LL.M. in Law and Government
• LL.M. in Trial Advocacy

Scholarship Opportunities
All three LL.M. programs offer Tuition Remission Scholarships. These partial tuition grants, usually 2 to 8 academic credits, are available for a limited number of LL.M. students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.

The LL.M. in International Legal Studies offers 5 Full Tuition Scholarships: ILSP Alumni Fund. The Alumni Fund Scholarship is awarded to newly admitted fall semester students who display rigorous academic dedication to the advancement of issues in international law (applicants for the spring term are ineligible. The ILSP can only grant these scholarships to our LL.M. students who are eligible to receive an I-20 from the university and who maintain legal immigration status as an F-1 visa holder. Visit the International Legal Studies Scholarship site for detailed information on how to apply.

Contact
LL.M. in International Legal Studies
To learn more, visit the LL.M. in International Legal Studies site, email llminfo@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4110.

LL.M. in Law and Government
To learn more, visit the LL.M. in Law and Government site, email lawandgov@wcl.american.edu or call 202-274-4268.

LL.M. in Trial Advocacy
To learn more, visit the Advocacy LL.M. Program site , email elippy@wcl.american.edu, or call 202-274-4145.

General Web Site