Overview

The Maritime Law LL.M. Program comprises of a rigorous study and training experience in the field through a focused theoretical and practical curriculum. The program requires a total of 24 credits completed with a grade point average of 2.3/4.00, of which a minimum of 12 credits must be maritime law courses. 

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

Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses
LAW 300Admiralty3
LAW 303Coastal Law3
LAW 312International Law3
LAW 318Law of the Sea3
Elective Maritime Law Courses12
Maritime and Coastal Legal and Policy Issues in Miami
Marine Insurance
MARITIME P.I.
Cruise Ship Law
Marine Ecology and Law Seminar
Environmental Law
PIRACY, TERRORISM, AND DRUG SMUGGLING IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN
PROTECTION OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES
Total Credit Hours24

Curriculum Requirements

For Foreign-Trained Law Graduates

Required Coursework for Foreign-Trained Lawyers
LAW 999Introduction to U.S. Law2
LAW 19Legal Communication and Research I2
LAW 29Legal Communication and Research II2
Required Maritime Law Core Concepts Courses
LAW 300Admiralty3
LAW 303Coastal Law3
LAW 312International Law3
LAW 318Law of the Sea3
Elective Maritime Law Courses12
Maritime and Coastal Legal and Policy Issues in Miami
Marine Insurance
MARITIME P.I.
Marine Ecology and the Law Seminar
Cruise Ship Law
Environmental Law
PIRACY, TERRORISM, AND DRUG SMUGGLING IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN
PROTECTION OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES
Total Credit Hours30

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.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
LAW 19 Legal Communication and Research I 2
LAW 999 Introduction to U.S. Law 2
LAW 303 Coastal Law 3
LAW 300 Admiralty 3
LAW 194 Cruise Ship Law 2
LAW 924 PIRACY, TERRORISM, AND DRUG SMUGGLING IN THE MARITIME DOMAIN 1
LAW 923 PROTECTION OF LIVING MARINE RESOURCES 1
LAW 261 MARITIME P.I. 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
LAW 29 Legal Communication and Research II 2
LAW 312 International Law 3
LAW 318 Law of the Sea 3
LAW 213 Environmental Law 3
LAW 350 Marine Ecology and Law Seminar 2
LAW 675 Marine Insurance 2
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours30

Mission

The University of Miami and International Graduate Law Program’s mission is 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. The Maritime Law LL.M. Program (the “Program”) prepares attorneys to become specialists in the domestic and international legal problems associated with the use of navigable waters and the protection of the marine environment. The Program offers graduate-level theoretical and practical courses and training.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Maritime Law students will demonstrate an advanced proficiency and practical understanding as it relates to Maritime Law, including substantive rules, relevant procedures, ethical considerations, and lawyering skills specific to the practice of maritime law in a global environment.
  2. Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in legal drafting and written communication as it relates to Maritime Law.
  3. To ensure that students complete the Program requirements, graduate, and either secure employment or advancement opportunities.