Explore the curriculum as well as academic and experiential learning options inside and outside the classroom.
The LL.M. Program offers you one year of boundless opportunities for intellectual, professional, and personal growth.
All LL.M., Executive LL.M., and J.S.D. students receive individualized support from the Office of Graduate Degree Programs (OGP) throughout their Law School experience—from application to degree conferral. The office also maintains close contact with our broad network of alumni.
The LL.M. year begins with a three-week-long orientation program. At this time, our seasoned advisers in the Office of Graduate Degree Programs help you design an individualized program of study to meet your academic and professional goals, from expanding your general knowledge to specializing in an area of study to deepening your understanding of a particular legal system.
The orientation program is designed to introduce students to Law School administrators and their fellow classmates, and to provide important information to help make the LL.M. year a success.
Introduction to American Law (IAL) and LL.M. Legal Research and Writing (LRW) courses begin during these weeks. Students learn standards of U.S. constitutional, contract, criminal, and civil law and the fundamentals of research and writing in legal practice.
Courses and CourseworkMost lecture courses are taught using the Socratic method, while seminars invite close collaboration with faculty and J.D. students, producing a robust, collaborative exchange of ideas and viewpoints. To sharpen your critical thinking and advocacy skills, you can take workshops and simulation courses that address real-world challenges in small group settings.
Our course guide contains the latest information on curriculum, special programs, law journals, and experiential learning opportunities. Plan your schedule while you browse our numerous course offerings across specific areas of study.
Columbia Law School also offers rewarding experiential learning opportunities through clinics, externships, and skills-based courses, such as the popular Deals and Negotiation workshops. In addition to enriching your education through daily lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences, centers and programs serve as vehicles for involvement in research, career, advocacy, and school-related ventures.
To earn the LL.M. Degree, students must:
Work on a law journal, collaborate with faculty on research, or participate in pro bono projects or student organizations. The possibilities for learning, networking, and growing professionally at Columbia Law School are endless.
U.S. Bar ExamsAn LL.M. degree does not guarantee eligibility to practice law in the United States. Each jurisdiction in the U.S. determines its own eligibility and admission requirements for the practice of law. Typically, if you are deemed to be eligible to take a state bar exam, you must pass the bar exam and meet other state admission requirements.
Click to Open New York Bar ExamAn LL.M. degree does not guarantee eligibility to sit the New York bar exam. The rules which govern the eligibility of foreign-trained lawyers are in Section 520.6 of the Rules of the Court of Appeals for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law (22 NYCRR 520.6). Eligibility determinations for the New York bar exam are rendered by the New York State Board of Law Examiners (BOLE). It is your responsibility to have your eligibility to sit for the bar determined by the BOLE, and Columbia Law School plays no role in the eligibility determination process. You begin that process by completing an Online Foreign Evaluation and submitting all supporting documentation.
Only the BOLE can determine whether you are eligible to sit for the New York bar exam. It is your responsibility to contact the BOLE with any questions and to submit all documents and fees in a timely manner. The eligibility determination process takes approximately six months once all documents are received by BOLE, so you are strongly encouraged to submit your documents prior to beginning your LL.M. program. Columbia Law School and the Office of Graduate Degree Programs cannot make copies of your foreign law school transcripts or other documents or share them with BOLE. No exceptions will be made.
Click to Open New York Bar-Qualifying Courses at Columbia Law SchoolTo assist LLM students in creating a course of study that satisfies the New York State Bar Examination eligibility requirements, the courses below have been approved by the New York State Court of Appeals as satisfying the requirements of Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi)(a)-(d). Please note that students may not use the same course to satisfy more than one eligibility requirement.
The following courses satisfy Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi)(a), which requires a minimum of 2 credits in professional responsibility. Please note that Columbia Law School allows students to take only one Professional Responsibility course.
The below course satisfies Rule 520.6 (b)(3)(vi)(b), which requires a minimum of 2 credits in legal research, writing and analysis.
The following courses satisfy Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi)(c), which requires a minimum of 2 credits in American legal studies.
The following courses satisfy Rule 520.6(b)(3)(vi)(d), which requires a minimum of six credits in other courses that principally focus on subject matter tested on the New York State bar exam.
In addition to passing the New York bar exam, there are a number of other requirements you must complete in order to gain admission to the New York bar. These steps are outlined here and note you must also fulfill the Skills Competency Requirement.
Click to Open Bar Exams in Other JurisdictionsIf you are interested in qualifying for a bar exam in another U.S. jurisdiction, please review qualification requirements for graduates of foreign law schools here.
