LLM in International Arbitration

Overview

The International Arbitration LL.M. Program comprises nine months of intensive study and training in the field through specialized theoretical and practical international commercial and investment arbitration courses, including basic and advanced lectures, workshops, and seminars, as well as hands-on skills and academic writing courses.

Many of our international arbitration courses are taught in an innovative short-course format, allowing for intensive daily study of the topic over the course of one week. Students may choose to focus their studies on international commercial arbitration, international investment arbitration, or learn about both. Moreover, students have the opportunity to participate in our International Arbitration LL.M. Practicum program during their studies by completing a legal externship with prominent international arbitration firms and institutions in Miami and beyond. 

The International Arbitration LL.M. Program requires a minimum of 24 credits, 12 of which must be in international arbitration course, completed with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.3/4.00. For the remaining credits, students may choose additional international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution courses, foundational American law courses, and/or any other courses from Miami Law's vast curriculum of 300+ annual lectures, seminars, workshops, clinics, and externships. Miami Law also offers LL.M. students the opportunity to enroll in preparatory bar exam courses, which cover topics tested on the federal and state portions of the bi-annual U.S. bar exam. Students may pursue a variety of paths to reach their individual study goals. 

Admission Requirements

DOMESTIC J.D. STUDENTS

Prior to enrollment, full-time and part-time applicants must have earned a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

• International applicants must hold a J.D. degree or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
• International lawyers must present evidence of graduation from an international law school: official transcripts from all schools attended and listed on the application for admission; certified, translated copy of the transcripts; and photocopies of diplomas received.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of not less than 580 on the written, not less than 237 on the computer based or not less than 92 on the internet based TOEFL test is required to be considered for admission. In the alternative, applicants may take the International English Language Test System exam (IELTS), in which event a score of not less than 7 is required.

Curriculum Requirements

For Domestic Lawyers

Curriculum Requirements

For Foreign-Trained Lawyers

Sample Plan of Study

Domestic Students (2 semesters)

Foreign-Trained Students (2 semesters)

Note: There is flexibility and student will develop their individual study plans together with the program director.  For instance, foreign-trained lawyers will have the opportunity to take additional U.S. law courses in preparation of a state bar exam (e.g. New York).  For part-time students, requirements can be met over the course of 3-4 semesters.

Mission

The objective of the White & Case International Arbitration LL.M. Program (also the “Program”) is providing a unique educational opportunity for those wishing to acquire a profound grounding in the field of international arbitration. The Program offers advanced-level specialized theoretical and practical courses and training in the areas of international commercial and investment arbitration, taught by an internationally-renowned faculty of leading arbitration experts. The Program strives to foster U.S. and foreign-trained students’ intellectual discipline, creativity, and critical skills necessary to achieve the highest level of knowledge, competency and skill and obtain meaningful employment in international arbitration and the broader international law field. It is the Program’s primary focus to develop well-rounded practitioners who are ready to enter or advance their career in the field of international arbitration.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Foreign- and U.S.-trained students will demonstrate an advanced academic proficiency of international arbitration through completing one of the required for-credit international arbitration course:  Forensics of Advocacy in International Arbitration I and II.
2. Students who received their primary legal education abroad (“foreign-educated students”) will demonstrate advanced proficiency in written and oral communications in the American legal system.