A Comprehensive Guide to Earning an LL.M. Degree

As our legal systems become increasingly interconnected and globalized, attorneys have the added responsibility of remaining competitive and enriching their expertise so they can serve their communities and advance their futures.

Those eager to further their careers and deepen their specialized knowledge can earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree. Keep reading to explore the intricacies of a Master of Laws and see if it’s a suitable degree path for you.

LLM Program
Section Contents

What Is a Master of Laws Degree?

A Master of Laws degree is a postgraduate law degree that allows those who have already earned a law degree to specialize in advanced areas of legal practice. Since many LL.M. programs are strategically created for international lawyers, they also help these students learn the American law system and can offer great support in working to pass the bar.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an LL.M. Program?

comprehensive guide to an llm classroomWhile the length of a Master of Laws program depends on the law school and your unique enrollment situation, you can generally earn your LL.M. degree in one year through full-time study.

The LL.M. program at Vanderbilt Law School requires one year of full-time study. This format empowers students to immerse themselves in their legal studies and research, connect with their peers and professors, and, if they choose, prepare for the bar exam, which qualifies them to practice law in the U.S.

Can You Practice Law with an LL.M. Degree?

comprehensive guide to an llmWhile a Master of Laws is an advanced degree, it does not qualify an individual to practice law in the United States. Generally, an individual needs a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree—or an equivalent from a law school outside the U.S.—and must pass the bar exam in the state in which they want to become a licensed attorney. However, if an international lawyer would like to practice in the States, earning an LL.M. degree provides a firm foundation in the U.S. legal system.

Vanderbilt’s LL.M. program delivers an advanced legal study of American legal issues and legal research methods, and it helps prepare students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to take the bar exam. Students must familiarize themselves with the requirements of the bar exam they wish to take, as well as complete additional criteria, which may vary by state.

Review the bar exam information for LL.M. students.

Who Should Pursue a Master of Laws Degree?

Due to the rigorous nature of these academic programs, the best candidates for an LL.M. degree include:

  • Practicing lawyers seeking highly specialized education in legal areas such as business, human rights, intellectual property, and more.
  • Foreign attorneys or international law students who want to expand their understanding of U.S. or international legal systems and are interested in practicing law in the States.
  • Legal scholars who pursue advanced research and pedagogy.

Vanderbilt’s Master of Laws program helps international lawyers learn the nuances and intricacies of the United States legal system. While we strive to keep class sizes small, our students' impact is anything but. Recent LL.M. students have represented more than 45 countries and bring diverse perspectives, rich academic backgrounds, and impressive professional experiences.

Want to learn more? Explore our LL.M. program’s class profile.

llm class profile

The Benefits of an LL.M. Degree

  • Highly Specialized Academic Growth

    Many law schools offer LL.M. programs with distinct concentrations or specializations.
    Because these law degrees build upon students’ previous legal education experiences, narrowing the scope of their studies empowers them to engage with cutting-edge legal theory and develop more profound subject expertise. Additionally, LL.M. programs provide essential hands-on learning opportunities during which students sharpen their research, critical thinking and communication skills.

    Vanderbilt’s LL.M. program curriculum has three unique tracks based on each student’s professional interests and aspirations. Students choose between the Course Track, the Law and Business Track, and the Thesis Track, each of which delivers an intensive yet personalized course of study. Through exploring diverse legal disciplines and pursuing their own scholarly research, our LL.M. students emerge ready to innovate and advocate in their chosen fields.

    Read our curriculum overview to discover what you’ll learn as a Vanderbilt law student.

  • Increase Professional Opportunities

    While many students who obtain their Master of Law degrees are already practicing lawyers, acquiring more advanced credentials, increased credibility and niche legal experience opens more professional pathways. These opportunities may include serving in higher-level roles in prestigious law firms, multinational corporations, or government agencies. An LL.M. can also help attorneys transition into more academic and research-focused roles at colleges and universities. These advanced positions often command higher salaries, increasing their financial stability and earning potential.

    Vanderbilt Law School takes a career-based approach to legal education, ensuring our students receive the tools and guidance necessary to thrive. We offer a range of hands-on learning experiences and exposure to many prestigious firms, nonprofits, and corporations, as well as services like résumé and cover letter support and practice interviews. This helps our LL.M. students grow professionally and prepare for an ever-evolving workforce.

    Discover our career services.

  • Develop Your Professional Network

    Because of their niche focus and selective admissions processes, Master of Law programs tend to cultivate small but engaging classes. Students can foster more meaningful connections with peers that improve their program experience and long-term success.

    Smaller student communities also lend themselves to more personalized mentorship from expert faculty members. This can mean better in-class support, more access to research partnerships and other extracurricular activities, and student-faculty relationships that lead to post-graduate career opportunities.

    One of Vanderbilt Law School’s defining characteristics is how we curate a collaborative community. With an average class size of 51 students, our LL.M. program brings ambitious lawyers from around the world together to learn alongside our top-ranked professors.

Join Vanderbilt’s Master of Laws Program

The Master of Laws degree at Vanderbilt Law School delivers an immersive academic experience and helps unlock new potential. Our one-year program invites you and other students and lawyers from around the world to refine your expertise and expand your ability to practice law within the U.S.

With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and career-focused training, our LL.M. program enriches your skill set. It welcomes you into a thriving community of well-practiced lawyers, legal scholars and advocates.

Explore the possibilities that await at Vanderbilt University. Learn more about our LL.M. degree program today!