Online master of laws programs

Online master of laws (LLM) programs offer a convenient route to earning advanced credentials. From accreditation to curricula, here's what you need to know to choose the right program.

What jobs can you get with an online master of laws degree?

Lawyers seeking to specialize in a targeted practice area often pursue LLM degrees. The credential can lead to roles in:

• Mediation and negotiation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Judicial jurisprudence
• Regulatory compliance

Additional career paths may be available, depending on the LLM concentration you choose.

Salary expectations for LLM degree holders

Here's a sampling of the careers you might pursue with an LLM degree, along with salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and O*NET Online:

A specialized LLM credential positions you to secure salaries at the higher end of these ranges, especially for compliance officer and mediator or arbitrator careers.

Some roles, like judiciary positions, require extensive legal experience and appointment or election, which adds a political dimension to the path.

Career outlook for LLM degree holders

Many factors, including job market dynamics and demand, impact the career outlook for graduates of online LLM programs. Below are job growth projections from the BLS and O*NET Online:

The BLS reports an average 3% increase in employment across all occupations, so many of these positions show promising growth.

What should you expect from an online LLM program?

LLM programs can help you become an expert in a focused practice area while building an academic foundation for career growth. Credit requirements vary, but most LLM programs can be completed in one calendar year or three semesters.

Concentration tracks are common, but the availability of specific concentrations varies among schools. Popular examples include , , and , among others. Your preferred concentration may not be available online, so keep this in mind as you research programs.

You can also find LLM programs that function like extensions of a juris doctor (JD) degree program. By pursuing this type of generalist program, you can prepare more fully for your bar exam and earn an elevated credential that may help you land your first job or advance into a senior role.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students paid an average of $33,707 per year to pursue a graduate degree in law in 2020. The NCES study offers context for estimating your costs, which could be higher or lower depending on the school you choose.

Understand admissions requirements

You'll likely need a bachelor of law (LLB) or JD degree to qualify for an LLM program. Some schools restrict admissions to applicants who have passed their state's bar exam or hold an active license to practice law. You may also need professional experience in a legal field aligned with your chosen concentration.

Law schools sometimes ask LLB applicants to answer a set of professional conduct questions. If required, you'll need to submit those explanations alongside other commonly requested materials, which include:

• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement
• Professional writing sample
• Two or more letters of recommendation

Also, schools often ask for a . If admissions standards include an active law license, you'll likely need to provide documents that verify your licensure status.

Explore courses and curriculums

LLM programs differ significantly from other graduate-level, non-JD options, such as a (MLS). Before choosing a study path, consider which degree offers the for your career goals.

The core and elective courses you'll take depend heavily on the LLM concentration you choose. However, most programs include classes like:

• U.S. law and legal institutions: Examine U.S. legal systems and institutions in complex depth and detail. The course builds a strong foundation in U.S. common law and its applications.
• Legal reasoning, analysis, and writing: Build on existing knowledge and explore advanced topics in legal reasoning, case analysis, and professional writing standards for LLM students.
• Evidence analysis: Learn about evidentiary standards used in U.S. federal court systems. This class also covers methods for using evidence in legal proceedings, including witness examinations and cross-examinations.
• Advanced legal research: Develop superior legal research skills to work with both primary and secondary legal sources.
• Professional ethics: Engage with issues related to the legal conduct standards, privileges, and duties. The course enhances knowledge of ethical standards for practicing attorneys.

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