Advance your legal expertise with a globally recognized LLM from Willamette University.
Advance your legal expertise with a globally recognized LLM from Willamette University.
LLM (Master of Laws)
Graduate
25
1-2 Years
Salem Campus
Surviving pirate attacks, prison, and unimaginable loss, Sonny Nguyen’s life could have taken many directions. Instead, he turned his past struggles into a passion for justice, now thriving as a personal injury attorney in Tacoma, Washington.
The Willamette University LLM program is committed to fostering a deep understanding of the law, both in the United States and internationally. Our program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, practical application, and ethical leadership, empowering students to become proficient legal professionals who can navigate complex legal challenges in a global context.
The LLM program at Willamette is guided by experienced legal professionals who are passionate about your success. Our faculty are more than just teachers - they’re mentors who provide personalized guidance, helping you master complex legal concepts and apply them in real-world situations. With their support, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your legal career.
Professor Nafziger is an internationally recognized expert in international law, dispute resolution, and sports law, with a distinguished career that includes teaching and leadership roles at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Professor Symeonides is a globally renowned expert in conflict of laws and comparative law, with a prolific career that includes drafting influential legal codes, authoring 29 books, and being honored with multiple lifetime achievement awards.
Professor Grey is an expert in the legal regulation of money and finance, with a focus on digital fiat currency, and brings a wealth of experience from both academia and legal practice.
The LLM curriculum at Willamette is designed to provide a robust foundation in U.S. law while allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests. Whether you choose to concentrate in Business Law, Advocacy, International Law, Public Service, Health Law, or U.S. Law, you’ll benefit from a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
This foundational course provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. legal system, including its structure, sources of law, and key legal principles. It is essential for international students who wish to understand the nuances of American law.
Develop your legal research and writing skills with this intensive course, which emphasizes the techniques and strategies necessary for effective legal analysis and argumentation. This course is particularly valuable for students planning to sit for a U.S. bar exam.
The LLM program requires the completion of 25 credit hours, including core courses and electives tailored to your chosen concentration. For students with foreign law degrees, the program includes mandatory courses in Legal Research and Writing and Introduction to American Law. Additionally, LLM candidates must complete a supervised writing project that meets the Graduation Writing Requirement.
To apply, candidates must hold a JD from an accredited American law school or its equivalent from a foreign law school. The application process includes submission of a personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Admissions are rolling, and we encourage early applications for best consideration.
Willamette University offers financial aid options, including federal aid and merit-based scholarships for qualified LLM candidates. All applicants are automatically considered for scholarships based on academic performance and professional experience, with no separate application required.
Willamette University