Overview

Today’s legal practice and legal institutions are unavoidably multinational as the world has become more global and countries more interconnected. Legal rules that previously affected domestic matters are now often subject to the laws of numerous jurisdictions, which is why the understanding International Law has become more and more necessary. This specialization provides students with the background necessary to recognize, understand and manage problems arising in the international legal order, including: International Trade, Investment, Business, Environmental Problems, and Protection of Human Rights.

The International Law LL.M. Program offers two specializations:  General International Law and U.S. & Transnational Law for Foreign Lawyers.  All students must complete 24 credits with a minimum grade point average of 2.30/4.00 to receive the Masters of Law in International Law degree.  Students in the General International Law specialization also must comply with the LL.M. writing requirement. Many students pursue different paths in reaching this goal. The exact number of courses taken depends on how many credits are associated with each course. Many students are most interested in our varied international and comparative law courses.

Specialization in U.S. & Transnational Law LL.M. for Foreign-Trained Lawyers

The International Law LL.M. allows students enrolled in the U.S and Transnational Law specialization to hone their specific interest with a choice of two tracks:  the Experiential Learning Track and the Academic Track.  

• Experiential Learning Track:  Students who are on the Experiential Learning Track are required to complete one supervised, hands-on training experience in a workplace related to their area of study through (1) a pre-approved placement in the International Law LL.M. Practicum Program or, (2) Miami Law's Career Development Office Externship Program, or, (3) through a placement that a student secured him/herself and that can be converted into a practicum or field placement. Practicum/externship placements are part-time and range from 1-3 credits (i.e. 40-120 placement hours per semester).  As part of the practicum/externship program, students are required to attend a number of on-campus lectures. Students participating in the International Law LL.M. Practicum or Externship Programs will be enrolled in the corresponding academic for-credit course (i.e. LL.M. Practicum I or II, Externship I, II or III) during the semester of their placement.  Students on the Experiential Learning Track who are unable to secure a practicum or placement despite diligent efforts on their part may in exceptional circumstances fulfill this requirement by taking additional hands-on lawyering skills courses.
• Academic Track:  Students in the International Law LL.M. who are on the Academic Track can fulfill all graduation requirements by taking general, writing or skills courses and are not required to complete hands-on training experiences in a workplace.  

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

Specialization in General International Law

Curriculum Requirements

Specialization in U.S. & Transnational Law for Foreign Lawyers

This is a sample Plan of Study. Your actual course sequence may vary depending on your previous academic experience as well as current course offerings. Students should meet with their academic advisor each semester to determine the appropriate course selection.

Plan of Study

Specialization in General International Law

 Plan of Study

Specialization in U.S. & Transnational Law for Foreign Lawyers

Mission

International Graduate Law Programs aims to foster the intellectual discipline, creativity, and critical skills that will prepare its graduates for the highest standards of professional competence in the practice of law in a global environment subject to continual transformation. We seek to cultivate a broad range of legal and interdisciplinary scholarship through a rich and demanding curriculum, instruction in legal research and writing, a wide variety of opportunities for professional skills training, and support for students and alumni in planning and achieving rewarding professional careers.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students who received their primary legal education abroad (“foreign-educated students”) will demonstrate advanced proficiency in high-level legal reasoning, fact analysis, and critical thinking as they familiarize themselves with the American legal system.
2. Students who received their primary legal education abroad (“foreign-educated students”) will demonstrate advanced proficiency in written and oral communications as it relates to the discipline in an American legal systems context.
3. Legal Drafting and Written Communication
   Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in legal drafting and written communication as it relates to International Law.