Top programs and countless opportunities. Create your future.

Boston University School of Law (BU Law) is the academic destination for students from both the United States and around the globe who are looking to elevate their legal expertise. Whether you aim to deepen your knowledge in your area of practice, broaden your professional connections, enhance your qualifications, or transition towards a different legal specialty, BU Law offers premier graduate and certificate programs tailored to drive your career forward and achieve your professional aspirations.

BU Law: where support and opportunity thrive.

At BU Law, students benefit from top-ranked faculty who expertly blend theory with practice. Our faculty includes law firm partners, in-house counsel, judges, advisors, consultants, and government officials — all accessible, approachable, and dedicated to your professional growth.

Moreover, our global legal network is extensive. Our vibrant academic community offers ample opportunities to engage with guest speakers, explore networking and job prospects, and collaborate with peers. Our graduates excel in diverse environments, from law firms to government agencies and beyond. And with over 25,000 alumni worldwide, there is no shortage of valuable career opportunities, mentorship, and connections across various legal fields.

We pride ourselves on an inclusive community that values diverse perspectives and support. You’re never alone in your journey toward success.

An unsurpassed experience.

Our graduates rave about their time at BU Law, calling it one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives! You’ll hear them share that their journey here not only met but exceeded their expectations. If you’re looking for an exceptional legal education and transformative experience, BU Law is the place to be!

Discover BU Law Programs

Top-ranked programs to help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
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A Flourishing Legal Community

Experience support, connection, belonging, and inspiration.
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Boston: the hub of everything.

The best the East Coast has to offer.
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Discover BU Law Programs

Top-ranked programs to help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
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Discover what BU Law has to offer:

  • LLM in American Law (general LLM): One of the nation’s premier LLM programs, this full-time, on-campus program is best for lawyers trained outside of the US and serves as a comprehensive introduction to the US legal system. Its for those who want to qualify to take a US bar exam, transfer to a JD program, gain practical experience, and/or explore new practice areas.
  • LLM in Banking and Financial Law: This program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the regulatory, transactional, and compliance needs of financial services clients in today’s global economy. The program is designed for those who want to work in financial institutions and central banks, have an internship during their studies, qualify for a US bar exam, and/or explore new practice areas. Students may choose from versatile learning formats, including residential or online and full-time and part-time scheduling options.
  • LLM in Intellectual Property & Information Law: The full-time, on-campus program is designed with the ever-changing IP landscape in mind and is for those who want to be at the forefront of IP law, gain practical experience from leading Boston-based IP experts, and/or deepen their understanding in this field. Best for lawyers aiming to elevate their expertise in IP law, and who want to become experts in copyright law, patent law, and trademark and unfair competition law.
  • LLM in Taxation and Master in the Study of Tax Law: An LLM in Taxation degree from BU Law is valued by employers all over the world because it signals rigorous training and superior preparation. This program is designed for those who want to launch or advance their careers in tax law, have an internship during their course of studies, make a mid-career shift in specialization, and/or deepen their focus area within tax law. Students may choose from versatile learning formats, including residential or online, as well as full-time and part-time scheduling options. Master in the Study of Tax Law is offered for non-lawyers.
  • Two-Year LLM Program: Designed for lawyers whose first language is not English, this full-time, on-campus program builds legal English skills, English proficiency, and cultural insights. The first year emphasizes legal English, writing, case analysis, and advocacy. The second year allows specialization in American Law, IP, Banking and Financial Law, or Tax Law. Non-lawyers can pursue the Master in the Study of Tax Law degree.
  • Estate Planning Certificate: This certificate program is specifically designed for professionals who are seeking enhanced, specialized tax knowledge in the legal sub-specialty of estate planning. It is designed for estate planners and wealth management professionals who seek to enhance their skills. This 12-credit program leverages the faculty and curriculum of the Graduate Tax Program.

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#8

for “Best Classroom Experience.”

– Princeton Review

A Flourishing Legal Community

Experience support, connection, belonging, and inspiration.
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At BU Law, graduate students are people, not numbers.

Our top reputation is closely linked to the highly personalized treatment you’ll receive. Our priority is ensuring that your study plan supports your professional path. Each program has its own dedicated staff, enabling you to receive support that suits your individual needs.

Inclusive and Enriching Learning Environment

BU Law boasts a dynamic and diverse academic and legal community where students from across the globe bring their personal and professional backgrounds. As a student at BU Law, your professors are not just educators but also mentors and guides. With a wide array of classes to choose from, they offer one-on-one academic advising to help you shape the perfect learning pathway that aligns with your aspirations. Moreover, faculty members are always accessible to students, often sharing meals and maintaining connections with their students long after they’ve graduated from BU Law.

Comprehensive Career Support

The LLM Professional Development Office is another invaluable resource, offering expert guidance and comprehensive career services at every step. Support includes resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, free Boston Bar Association membership, networking and events with firms ensuring you are well-prepared for your legal career. Plus, students seeking to sit for a US bar exam, receive extensive counseling on eligibility and bar preparation.

LLM Internship Program

Our LLM students have the opportunity to participate in a short-term, full-time, post-graduation, law-related internship in the US through our unique LLM Internship Program. Placements are intended to help students further their understanding of US legal culture, gain practical exposure to US legal practice and refine their professional development skills. We work with an outside organization, the Global Career Center, to help identify the right kinds of opportunities for you.

Student Connection and Community

At BU Law, engage in one or more of the 30 student organizations at the law school or explore the 450+ student groups at the university level. The options are endless, ensuring there’s something for everyone to be a part of!

Outside the classroom, adventure with fellow students through BU Law-organized events throughout the year. You will go apple-picking, ice skating, snow tubing, and attend Red Sox baseball games. You’ll actively participate in the events and activities that define BU Law’s high-energy, positive, dynamic learning environment, whether at the law school itself or elsewhere on BU’s bustling, urban Charles River Campus.

 

Whether you’re a residential or online student, you’ll notice there’s never a dull moment at BU. BU’s commitment to creating connections extends to all of its students, not just those in residence. Students in our online programs connect through online discussion boards and  virtual office hours. Plus, you’ll have access to our community of students and alumni from all over the world with many opportunities to attend alumni meet-ups and events after you graduate.

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“They spoiled us… It has been such a warm environment since day one. From apple picking to the Philadelphia trip and Thanksgiving dinner, the warmth and generosity struck me each time. The sense of community, sharing, and belonging was and is still astonishing!”

– Nour Ouardani, LLM in American Law, Class 2024

Boston: the hub of everything.

The best the East Coast has to offer.
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Boston is an exhilarating epicenter where the world converges to learn and play.

Ask anyone who has visited. Often called a European city on American shores, it offers something for everyone. A world-renowned music and cultural scene. Dozens of international enclaves. Restaurants galore. A historic past blended with cutting edge discovery and innovation. A legendary enthusiasm for sports. Picturesque beauty. One of the most diverse and educated populations on earth. And a rich quality of life. No matter your taste, you’ll find it here.

Students at BU Law benefit from a wealth of resources both on and off campus. The university is situated in a city renowned for its concentrations in business, medicine, technology, and government. Home to a multitude of prestigious law firms, Boston attracts and employs some of the top legal minds from around the world.

Take advantage of studying in Boston:

  • Witness court proceedings 
  • Attend lectures with renowned guest speakers 
  • Participate in employment fairs 
  • Join Bar Association events 
  • Engage in many BU Law-sponsored social and networking events

Boston serves as a ready-made laboratory for legal education across various fields, with seasoned practitioners and faculty offering invaluable insights across fields from intellectual property to banking, finance, and health law. Few cities can match Boston’s depth of expertise and career growth opportunities.

At BU Law, you’re at the heart of it all.

Just steps from campus, you can stroll or run along the splendid Charles River Esplanade. Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, is a 10-minute walk; downtown’s charming Back Bay area is another 10 beyond that. Keep walking or hop on the “T” and you are at Boston’s glorious Public Garden, and soon at the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean. All along the way, you’ll find points of historical interest and urban flair virtually unmatched by any other city.

Boston’s irresistible charm and diversity make the city a compelling place to live and study. Plus, with nearly 100 colleges and over 250,000 students from around the world in the Boston area, our city exudes an intellectual vibe that is palpable – and fun. 

Boston proudly stands out for its unmatched quality of life.

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#1

QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranked Boston first in the United States.

Finance your studies.

We understand that your education is a significant investment, which is why all candidates admitted for our residential programs in Boston, as well as admitted candidates employed in the public service sector applying to a full-time, online program are eligible to receive a merit-based scholarship. These scholarships come in the form of partial tuition waivers, with no additional forms required.

Our goal is to support your educational journey and attract highly qualified students to build a dynamic learning community.

In addition to our merit-based scholarships, we encourage students coming to the United States from abroad to inquire about additional financial resources for international students such as employer and government sponsorships.

The BU Law global alumni network.

Joining BU Law means becoming part of a dynamic and expansive alumni network. Our graduates extend across the globe, bringing their expertise to diverse legal fields and industries. This extensive network offers you not only valuable connections, but also a collaborative community committed to supporting each other’s professional growth.

As a BU Law alum, you gain access to a countless number of resources, mentorship opportunities, and a shared commitment to advancing the field of law on a global scale.

Your journey doesn’t end with graduation; it extends into a lifelong connection with a network of accomplished legal professionals, positioning you for success in your career endeavors.

Modern facilities for law students.

Visitors to BU Law enter the law complex by way of the glass-enclosed Robert T. Butler Atrium, the heart and social hub of the building, designed to inspire a sense of pride in our students. The law tower, a leading example of Brutalist architecture, was built in 1964 and completely renovated, adding almost 100,000 square feet of student-centric space.

The Redstone building offers two libraries, moot court rooms, and bright and sun-filled classrooms featuring state-of-the-art technology.

Spaces specifically designed to build community can be found throughout the building, as well as areas dedicated to peaceful study. The second-floor dining and seating facility in McCausland Commons features floor-to-ceiling views of the Charles River.

Welcome to BU Law.

If a long history, nationally recognized faculty, and top-tier law school sound good to you, then welcome to BU Law. Since 1872, we’ve been educating lawyers for the world ahead. Our faculty is recognized nationally for exceptional teaching and preeminent scholarship. We’re located in the LEED Gold-certified Sumner M. Redstone Building, right in the heart of Boston. Not only is Boston the state capital, it’s also an economic and cultural hub providing the school with experienced faculty, our students with enrichment and entertainment, and our graduates with a whole host of employment opportunities.

Come visit us, you won’t want to leave!

By the Numbers

Top10

in US Tax Law – LLM Guide (2024)

#8

in Intellectual Property Law – U.S. News & World Report.

Top10

in Banking & Finance Law – LLM Guide (2024)

#8

for “Best Classroom Experience.”

Princeton Review

#27

in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 ranking of U.S. law schools.

1 of
20

U.S. law schools ranked among the top 100 in the world by 2018 QS World University Rankings.

What can a BU Law Graduate Program do for you?