LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers

LL.M. students complete 24 credit hours of coursework over two semesters with the opportunity to continue through the following summer to complete a thesis. Each year the fall semester begins in early August and ends in December; the spring semester starts in early January and ends in May. Students choose from the full range of courses and seminars offered at SLU LAW. Additionally, students may select up to 3 credit hours of courses from Saint Louis University's Chaifetz School of Business, College for Public Health and Social Justice or 44 other graduate programs. 

LL.M. students are required to complete a 3 credit hour course in legal research and writing and a foundation course in a common law subject such as contracts, torts or property. Additionally, LL.M. students take at least 2 credit hours for which they produce a written work, such as a seminar paper or a directed research paper. LL.M. students may elect to write an LL.M. thesis for 6 credit hours. However, no more than 8 of the 24 credit hours may consist of an LL.M. thesis, seminars, or research papers. 

Students seeking the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers have the opportunity to choose an area of focus to concentrate their legal studies on while at SLU LAW. While the tracks are not mandatory, they are designed specifically for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers degree program and are advised in cooperation with the program director.

I: Commercial and Business Track (8 credit minimum)

The Commercial and Business Law Track requires a total of at least 8 credits. Additional commercial and business law designated courses will count toward the track, based on availability and approval by the adviser. Adviser: Michael Korybut

Required Courses:
Business Associations (4 credits)
Contracts I (3 credits)

One course from the following:
Entrepreneurship Law (3 credits)
Negotiations (2 credits)
Secured Transactions (2 credits)
Securities Regulation (3 credits)
Taxation (3 credits)

II: Health Law Track (8 credit minimum)
The Health Law Track requires a total of at least 8 credits. In addition to the required courses listed below, a student may choose an additional 2 credits of health law designated courses. Any additional health law designated course will count toward the track, based on availability and approval by the adviser. Adviser: Amy Sanders

Required Courses:
Health Care Law (3 credits)
Administrative Law (3 credits)

III: Intellectual Property Track (6 credit minimum)
The Intellectual Property Track requires a total of at least 6 credits. In addition to the required 3 credit course, a 3 credit minimum from the following courses have been approved as electives for the Intellectual Property Track. Approved courses may not be offered every year and are subject to approval by the adviser. Adviser: Yvette Liebesman

Required Course:
Intellectual Property Survey (3 credits)

Approved Courses:
Anatomy of a Patent (2 credits)
Copyright (3 credits)
Intellectual Property Law Research (1 credit)
Patent Law (2 credits)
Seminar: Emerging Health Technologies: Innovation, Law and Policy (2 credits)
Seminar: International Intellectual Property Law (2 credits)
Seminar: Intellectual Property and Creative Businesses (2 credits)
Seminar: Intellectual Property and Global Entrepreneurship (2 credits)
Seminar: Law and Regulation of Science (2 credits)
Sports Law: Labor Wrangling (2 credits)
Trademark and Unfair Competition (3 credits)

IV: Labor and Employment Track (8 credit minimum)
The Labor and Employment Track requires a total of at least 8 credits. At least two courses from the required courses listed below and one course from the approved courses list or any other labor and employment law course offered. Approved courses may not be offered every year and are subject to approval by the adviser. Adviser: Marcia McCormick

Required Courses:
Employment Discrimination (3 credits)
Employment Law (3 credits)
Labor Law (3 credits)

Approved Courses: Alternative Dispute Resolution (2 credits)
Business Associations (4 credits)
Contracts I (3 credits)
Employee Benefits Law (3 credits)
Negotiations (2 credits)
Seminar: Employment Law (2 credits)
Workers’ Compensation (1 credit)

V: Taxation Law Track (6 credit minimum)
TheTaxation Law Track requires a total of at least 6 credits. In addition to the required 3 credit course, one course from the approved courses list. Approved courses may not be offered every year and are subject to approval by the adviser. Adviser: Kerry Ryan

Required Course:
Taxation (3 credits)

ONE COURSE FROM THE FOLLOWING:
Corporate Taxation (3 credits)
International Taxation (3 credits)
Partnership Taxation (3 credits)

Many of our LL.M. students have chosen to sit for the bar exam. SLU LAW offers various bar exam preparation workshops and offers detailed guidance on how to take the bar successfully.

LL.M. students who wish to satisfy the New York State Bar Skills and Values Requirement under Pathway 1, should complete the courses listed in Saint Louis University School of Law's Pathway 1 Certification. Saint Louis University School of Law has developed a plan identifying and incorporating into its curriculum the skills and professional values that, in the school's judgment, are required for its graduates' basic competence and ethical participation in the legal profession, as required by ABA Standards and Rules of Procedure for the Approval of Law School Standard 302(b), (c) and (d), and has made this plan publicly available on the law school's website on the following link, Saint Louis University School of Law New York Bar Skills and Values Requirement Pathway 1 Certification.

Applications cannot be considered for admission until the following official materials and supporting documents are received:

Step 1:

Apply online through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Step 2:

• An official diploma from each postsecondary school the candidate has graduated from, including English translations. Academic transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the appropriate head of department of the candidate's university. All such translations must be on official university letterhead. They should also identify which academic courses mentioned in the transcripts were counted toward earning the Degree in Law, including specifications as to whether the degree was obtained at the graduate or undergraduate level.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes inside the candidate’s admission packet (if mailed) or via email to the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu). If sent via email, letters of recommendation should come directly from the recommender (NOT forwarded from the applicant) with the email subject line, “LL.M. Admissions: Letter of Recommendation for [APPLICANT NAME]”. The letter can be included as an attachment with proper letterhead or be incorporated in the body of the email. Letters of recommendation from college instructors who are familiar with the applicant's academic work are preferred. Recommendations from employers, supervisors and associates are welcome for those candidates who have practical experience and have been away from the classroom for a period of time. See application form for a list of questions which may be helpful for your recommender to provide us with useful information.
• A written personal statement. The personal statement may contain information about important factors, achievements, concerns or plans that the candidate would like to bring to the attention of the admissions committee. This is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their unique personality. As such, the statement should reflect the candidate's own writing style in 1200 words or less. Candidates should pay close attention to details such as clarity of thought and expression.
• A current résumé/C.V.
• Official IELTS/TOEFL Score. Official TOEFL Scores should be sent to SLU Law (institutional code 6629). We accept a minimum score of 85 for the internet-based exam, 223 for the computer-based exam and 563 for the paper-based exam. SLU Law also accepts an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
  • Note: If the applicant's first law degree was in English, applicant may request for the Admissions Committee waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

Step 3:

Submission Requirements:

• If sending via email, include the complete application form and supporting documents requested in Step 2 as attachments to the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu).
• If sending via mail, include the complete application form and supporting documents requested in Step 2 in one packet. Mailing Details: ATTN: Assistant Director for International Students
  Saint Louis University School of Law
  100 N. Tucker Boulevard
  Saint Louis, Missouri 63101
  U.S.A.

Financial arrangements for funding a course of study in the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program must be made well in advance of commencing studies at SLU Law. Please review link below to get a sense of the investment: Information regarding tuition and fees, living expenses and other costs

If you need assistance with financing your educational expenses, there are three potential avenues of funding to explore: (1) private scholarships for international students, (2) private student loans, and (3) federal student loans. Review the eligibility criteria for each funding source below by clicking on the link below to determine eligibility. 
Information regarding financial arrangements for international students

Candidates who apply for SLU LAW sponsored scholarships will receive notice of financial awards with their admissions decision.

Admitted students will receive assistance in applying for a student visa, locating housing, and becoming oriented with SLU Law. Information about the visa application process can be found here. Admitted students will be contacted by the Assistant Director for International Students via email with a list of trustworthy housing options that vary in cost and distance from the Law School. Shared student housing accommodations (off campus) may also be an option based on interest and availability. Admitted students will also receive information on public transportation services, public safety resources, local markets and stores, as well as entertainment options nearby.

Applications for the LL.M. program are accepted on a rolling basis beginning September 1 of each year for admission in the Fall of the following academic year. Applications for the academic year should be submitted by March 10 to ensure that visa paperwork can be processed in time for admission in the fall. Applications will not be reviewed by the Admissions Committee until ALL required materials stated in the “How to Apply” tab are received by the Assistant Director for International Students (Mariajose Ortiz: mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu).

What is an LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Program?
The SLU LAW LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers is a master’s degree program aimed to provide specialized legal training for people who hold a first degree in law (J.D., LL.B. or equivalent). Students benefit not only from working with SLU Law’s outstanding faculty, but also by establishing professional relationships with other LL.M. students from around the world. Our LL.M. is designed to allow students to have more flexibility in creating a curriculum that matches their interests and experiences.

Students have the opportunity to choose a “track” or an area of focus to concentrate their legal studies while at SLU Law. While the tracks are not mandatory, they are designed for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers degree program and are advised in cooperation with the program director. We offer a commercial and business law track, health law track, intellectual property track, labor and employment law track, and taxation law track.

Who is eligible for admission?
Our LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program accepts both domestic and international students, however it is only open to foreign law school graduates. Applicants must have completed a basic law degree from a recognized college, university, or law school outside the United States. Students must have excellent academic records and strong professional and/or academic recommendations. Professional experience and demonstrated leadership skills will also be considered in admissions decisions.

Application Process

How do I apply?
Download a printable application form and complete the requirements outlined above under the “How to Apply” tab or apply online through Law School Admissions Council (LSAC).

How much is the application fee?
We do not require an application fee for the LL.M. in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program.

Is the LSAT test required for the LL.M. program?
No, the LSAT test is not a requirement for admission to the LL.M. program.

How long is the LL.M. program?
The LL.M. program is a two-semester, 24-credit hour program that starts in the fall semester (start date in early August) and concludes in the spring semester (graduation date in late May).

Do you allow transfer credits from previously completed law degrees into the LLM program?
No, students must complete at least 24 credit hours at SLU LAW to obtain the LL.M. degree.

Do you require an evaluation of documents of international applicants?
We require a certified English translation of all documents that are in a foreign language, including but not limited to diploma(s), transcripts, résumé/C.V., etc.

Can students send the application and the required documents by email?
Yes, students can send the application and the supporting documents via email to the Assistant Director for International Students, Mariajose Ortiz (mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu). Please note, an official copy of the student’s transcript must be turned in or mailed to SLU LAW upon matriculation into the program.

How and where should I send the recommendation letters?
Recommendation letters MUST be sent directly from the recommender to the Assistant Director for International Students, Mariajose Ortiz via email at mariajose.ortiz@slu.edu or via post. Mailing Details:
ATTN: Assistant Director for International Students

Saint Louis University School of Law
100 N. Tucker Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri 63101
U.S.A.

Do I need to take an English language proficiency test?
International students whose native language is not English and did not receive a bachelor's degree or graduate degree where the language of instruction was in English, are required to take an English proficiency test.

What is the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS score for direct admission?
An 85 TOEFL score or a 6.5 IELTS score are the minimum required TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission.

Do you accept Doulingo English Proficiency Exam?
No

How long will it take to process my admission application?
The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and makes admission decisions within two to four weeks upon receiving the complete application.

What concentrations or tracks does SLU LAW offer for LL.M. students?
SLU LAW offers 5 tracks for the LL.M in American Law degree:

• Business and Commercial Law Track
• Health Law Track
• Labor and Employment Law Track
• Intellectual Property Law Track
• Taxation Law Track

Does SLU LAW offer a part-time LL.M. in American Law program?
No

Does SLU LAW offer an online LL.M. in American Law program?
No, SLU LAW does not offer any online programs.

Does SLU LAW offer deferred admissions?
Yes, we can defer your admission for up to two years.

Financial Aid and Living Cost

What is the tuition for the SLU LAW LL.M in American Law for Foreign Lawyers program?
Please refer to the “Cost of Attendance and Financial Arrangements” tab above.

What other costs can I expect during my study at SLU LAW?
Please plan for book expenses, health insurance, housing and food, and other miscellaneous expenses. See the “Cost of Attendance and Financial Arrangements” tab above for further information and figures.

When is the tuition payment due?
Tuition must be paid a week before the start of the program. However, payment plans may be arranged with the guidance of the Assistant Director of Student Financial Services & Financial Education.

Does SLU LAW offer wire transfers to pay for tuition from a country outside of the United States?
Yes, international students can pay their tuition from their home country using Flywire.

Does SLU LAW offer scholarships for international students?
Yes, international students are eligible for merit-based and need-based scholarships. Please visit the International Scholarships resource page linked here for more information on types of aid and how to apply.

Can international students apply for a loan in the United States?
To apply for a federal loan through the Free Application for Federal Aid (“FAFSA”), the student must be a permanent legal resident or a U.S. citizen. However, there are private banks that give loans to international students. The Assistant Director of Student Financial Services & Financial Education, Jessica Seavers (jessica.seavers@slu.edu) can serve as a resource for navigating loan options.

Does SLU LAW have on-campus housing?
No, there is no on-campus housing for law students. However, the Assistant Director for International Students provides admitted students with a list of trustworthy housing options that vary in cost and distance from the Law School. Shared student housing accommodations (off campus) may also be an option based on interest and availability. Admitted students interested in shared student housing options should indicate their preference when committing to the LL.M. program.

The Bar Exam

Can international students take the bar exam?
Each state sets its own standards for admission of attorneys. Please refer to the National Conference of Bar Examiners Jurisdiction Information page linked here for more information.

Many of our LL.M. graduates have successfully sat for various bar exams, including the New York Bar exam and the Missouri Bar exam. The New York State Board of Law Examiners lists the relevant requirements here.

Does SLU LAW provide bar preparation resources, classes, and workshops?
Yes, SLU LAW provides students excellent resources and Bar preparation programs free of charge through our Academic Resource Center.

In February 2020, the American Bar Association Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar released a comprehensive set of data on Bar passage outcomes for ABA-approved law schools. Saint Louis University School of Law had a passage rate of 97.96% while the national average was 89.5%. This puts SLU LAW at 14 out of the 198 U.S. law schools, coming in just behind Harvard and New York Law and just above Cornell University.

Visa and Immigration Law Issues
All international students are subject to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. For questions on getting a visa, students should rely on the Saint Louis University Office of International Services.

When will I receive my I-20?
After the SLU LAW Admissions Committee grants you admission into the LL.M. program, the Saint Louis University Office of International Services will begin the visa application process. Once you show proof of all relevant visa documents and financial information, the Office of International Services will generate your I-20.

After completing the LL.M., can I stay in the summer to work?
Yes, U.S. immigration law currently permits F-1 student visa holders, who were continuously enrolled in an LL.M. program for two semesters, to apply for post-graduate Optional Practical Training (“OPT”). The Optional Practical Training allows F-1 students to remain in the U.S. for up to one year to undertake law-related, paid or unpaid, employment.

"Saint Louis University School of Law's LL.M. degree program gave me a thorough understanding of how the American legal system works. It also gave me the opportunity to form the necessary professional relationships to start my legal career in St. Louis. One of the great strengths of the program is the close professor-student interaction, which always made me feel that the faculty truly cared about my professional success."

Gustavo Arango ('05)
Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri

"I’m Béatrice from Mauritius Island and I pursued my legal studies in France, England, and the U.S. I’m currently living and working in St. Louis at Charter Communications Inc. Getting my LL.M. at SLU LAW was definitely a great decision. The curriculum was comprehensive and provided a nice overview of American law and the common law system. The professors were knowledgeable, approachable, and understanding. Not only was it good for my career, but I also made some lasting friendships with my classmates.

Béatrice Zdrodowski (Lasse) ('14)
Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri

"I really enjoyed my time at Saint Louis University School of Law. It was a great opportunity to further my education. The faculty and staff members were very nice and made LL.M students feel very welcome. The classes were very interesting and the professors were always there to answer my questions. Being part of SLU's LL.M program was a rewarding experience and prepared me for the NY Bar exam."

Souhella Makouri ('15)
Attorney in New York City, New York

Armenia	Israel	Russia
Azerbaijan	Kazakhstan	Serbia
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Korea	South Africa
Canada	Kyrgyzstan	Spain
China	Mauritius	Sri Lanka
Columbia	Mauritania	Sweden
Croatia	Moldova	Taiwan
Denmark	Nepal	Tajikistan
Eritrea	Nigeria	Tanzania
France	Pakistan	Thailand
Germany	Poland	Ukraine
India	Romania	Uzbekistan