Empowering Global Legal Excellence.

Boston University School of Law’s Two-Year LLM Program equips internationally trained lawyers to excel in the global legal arena. Beyond acquiring a thorough understanding of US legal doctrines, students enhance their legal English skills and learn critical legal analysis and advocacy techniques characteristic of US legal training. Recognizing the pivotal role of the English language in global communication, especially in the legal field, this program also focuses on enabling international lawyers to thrive in English-speaking legal environments, thereby facilitating their success in a tightly interconnected world.

Cultivating legal expertise and professional success.

Our Two-Year LLM Program offers a methodical approach to fostering expertise in various legal domains while honing critical thinking, analytical reasoning, legal research, and advocacy competencies.

The program enhances legal English writing, oral advocacy, and negotiation skills for operating within the American legal framework and on the international stage, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities. Our graduates go on to various positions in law firms, government, international organizations, corporations, and academia and bring with them an appreciation for ethical practices and the societal impacts of legal work.

A two-year program will elevate your LLM studies and pave the way for future success.

A confident you in a global arena.

Shaping students into confident communicators, skilled advocates, and highly sought-after professionals in the global legal arena.

Two-Year LLM: A transformative legal education.

A transformative experience in legal education, the Two-Year LLM Program is the pathway to achieving your professional aspirations.
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Building confidence and mastering US legal skills.

Develop the skills needed to thrive in an American law school and, ultimately, international legal practice.
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Boston: the hub of everything.

As a vibrant hub of legal innovation and progress in various sectors, studying in Boston gives you a front-row seat to transformative developments in the field.
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Two-Year LLM: A transformative legal education.

A transformative experience in legal education, the Two-Year LLM Program is the pathway to achieving your professional aspirations.
Learn More

What is the BU Law Two-Year LLM Program?

What

A comprehensive two-fold academic experience where students concentrate on developing a robust foundation in US legal skills, strategies, legal English language, and culture. This preparation readies them for a smooth transition into the full-time, residential LLM program of their choice in the second year in American Law, Banking and Financial Law, Intellectual Property Law, or Taxation LLM programs.

Who

For globally-minded practitioners seeking success in US law and wanting early, intensive exposure to case law and common law reasoning, and aiming to enhance their legal English knowledge in anticipation of the LLM program.

How

BU Law faculty are known to prioritize accessibility and tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of their students. They are recognized by The Princeton Review for providing the “best classroom experience.” Our Two-Year LLM faculty, particularly, are highly skilled at instructing students whose first language is not English.

Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in their chosen field with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and/or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

BU Law stands out for our commitment to excellence and student learning, delivering an unparalleled academic journey.

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#10

for “Best Classroom Experience.”

– Princeton Review

Building confidence and mastering US legal skills.

Develop the skills needed to thrive in an American law school and, ultimately, international legal practice.
Learn More

Our Two-Year LLM Program delivers an academic journey that empowers students to advance with excellence.

Distinct advantages to a Two-Year LLM for international lawyers:

1) Depth of study
In the first year, students expand their legal English vocabulary, enhance legal reading and writing skills, and develop case analysis and advocacy competency. Then, they will dive into the second year, well-equipped to take specialized classes from their chosen degree program.

“We enhance important speaking, reading, and writing skills. The Two-Year LLM students are often the most vocal in classes, especially in their second year, and are often selected to speak at graduation because they are so confident in their speaking abilities.”

— Professor Rebecca Pendleton, Faculty Director, Two-Year LLM Program

2) Enhanced skills development
Requisite classes provide an incredible opportunity to gain and practice legal English skills. Courses in this immersive curriculum include:

  • US Legal Discourse
  • Legal Reasoning and Analysis
  • Academic Skills for US Law Studies
  • Introduction to US Legal Culture
  • Research and Writing for LLMs
  • Persuasive Legal Advocacy
  • International Contracts and Negotiations

A Two-Year LLM Program will empower you with the skills to successfully navigate business with English speakers.

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“…a great experience for me and a beneficial part of my journey.”

Sara Alrehaili
Two-Year LLM ‘20
LLM in American Law ‘21
Commencement Speaker

Boston: the hub of everything.

As a vibrant hub of legal innovation and progress in various sectors, studying in Boston gives you a front-row seat to transformative developments in the field.
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Boston is an epicenter for legal education and is a destination where the world comes together to learn and grow.

As a student, you’ll gain access to an abundance of resources both on and off the BU Law campus.

Boston is a legal hub in the heart of diverse sectors such as business, medicine, technology, and government. Home to thousands of law firms specializing in the most sought-after legal fields, the city attracts and employs some of the top legal minds from around the world. Boston is not just a city but a dynamic platform to boost your professional network and grow your knowledge.

The Two-Year program uniquely positions students to maximize the advantages of living and studying in Boston, a legal epicenter:

  • 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.

Furthermore, spending two years in Boston and at BU Law allows students to become Boston locals and fully immerse in the city’s rich history and culture.

Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative two-year learning journey.

Immersed in American legal history and at the forefront of change, BU Law is the place to be.

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#1

QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranked Boston first in the United States

A community dedicated to empowering students.

At BU Law, our LLM programs are a testament to our dedication to student success. We believe that fostering an environment of academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with providing robust support systems.

From personalized study plans to one-on-one mentoring, our BU legal community has all the resources to prioritize individual success and empower our students throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Whether embarking on careers in law firms, multinational corporations, or public service, students will emerge from BU Law’s LLM programs feeling confident and well-prepared to realize their aspirations and leave a lasting impact on the legal landscape.

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 in 2015, 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

#1

QS Best Student Cities 2023 ranked Boston first in the United States.

#10

for “Best Classroom Experience.” – Princeton Review

#27

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 the BU Two-Year LLM Program do for you?