Golden Gate University School of Law

LLM in US Legal Studies

The LLM in US Legal Studies program provides core training in United States law and comprehensive preparation for foreign attorneys and law graduates to take the state bar examination. The program also allows students to concentrate on a particular area of U.S. law. It teaches foreign-educated lawyers about the basic foundations of American law and prepares them to understand, analyze, and write about issues in American law.

Graduates of the program will understand the foundations of U.S. law, know the basics of several specific areas of U.S. law, gain strong legal analysis skills, perform effective legal research, apply legal authority to facts, and write documents in acceptable U.S. format with correct citations. They will be prepared to succeed in their electives using the approach and skills that they have learned, and at the end of their studies will be prepared to work in an American law office or similar setting as an intern/extern.

Concentrations

Students in the LLM in US Legal Studies Program can study core US law, prepare for the bar, or focus on one of these specialties:

• Corporate & Commercial Law
• Immigration Law
• Labor & Employment Law
• Litigation and Lawyering Skills
• Property Development / Real Estate Law
• US Legal Practice

For each concentration, students must successfully complete the concentration course requirements. All concentration coursework must be completed before graduation. The diploma and transcript will list all concentrations that were successfully completed.

To apply for a concentration in the LLM in US Legal Studies Program, download the application from the Law Registrar. Please note, this is in addition to the Application for Admission to the LLM Program.

Application Requirements

All applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during the admission cycle. To receive consideration by the Admissions Committee, applicants must submit their applications by the posted deadline. Applications may be accepted after the posted deadline and are reviewed on a space-available basis.

A complete LLM program application consists of the following:

• Completed and signed Application Form;
• Personal Statement;
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (C.V.);
• Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable);
• Letters of Recommendation;
• Law School Transcripts (translated if not in English);
• Interview (if applicable); and
• Non-US applicants must submit additional documents, including English proficiency demonstrated with either the TOEFL, IELTS, interview with Program Director, or waived for the exceptions.