Top Universities & LLM Programs

Numerous universities and law schools around the world offer top-ranking LL.M. programs, attracting students from various legal backgrounds. Among these prestigious institutions are Washington College of Law, the University of Otago, Suffolk University, George Mason University, Utrecht University, and the University of Birmingham. Each of these universities offers a unique set of programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their chosen legal field.

The Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C., stands as one of the leading providers of LL.M. programs in North America. Ranked third on the Financial Times 2009 list of LL.M. programs in the region, the law school boasts a diverse and rigorous curriculum. The LL.M. Program in International Legal Studies offers students the opportunity to specialize in various critical areas of international law. These specializations include International Business Law, International Environmental Law, International Human Rights Law, Gender & the Law, Free Trade Agreements & Regional Integration, International Organizations, and International & Comparative Protection of Intellectual Property. With 260 LL.M. students in the 2008-2009 academic year, the program attracts a global cohort of students, fostering a dynamic learning environment. American University’s location in Washington, D.C., further enriches the program, as students can access legal institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, providing invaluable networking and career opportunities.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the University of Otago in New Zealand offers a highly regarded LL.M. program, which is recognized as an entry qualification for a PhD in law. The program is designed to be completed in at least one year of full-time study or the equivalent part-time. Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LL.B. Hons.) degree to be eligible for admission. The University of Otago is ranked 125th among the world's best universities in the Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings 2009, and it has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence in the field of law. The LL.M. program at Otago is ideal for those looking to specialize in a particular area of law while engaging in independent research, providing students with a solid foundation for a future career in academia or high-level legal practice.

Suffolk University in Boston, USA, offers an LL.M. in Global Law and Technology, which is designed for individuals seeking to understand the intersection of law, technology, and global business. The program is flexible, allowing students to specialize in one of four tracks: Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, Biomedicine and Health Law, International Law and Business, or U.S. Law and Legal Methods. Suffolk’s LL.M. students have the option to pursue up to two specializations, enabling them to develop a broad skill set tailored to their specific interests and career goals. The Law School is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is accredited by the American Bar Association, ensuring that its programs meet the highest standards of legal education. Suffolk’s focus on global law and technology makes it particularly appealing for students interested in emerging fields and international legal practice.

George Mason University School of Law, also in the U.S., offers two LL.M. programs, one in Intellectual Property (IP) and the other in Law & Economics. The Law & Economics program is particularly noteworthy, as the school was ranked in the top 10 for faculty quality in law and economics according to a study conducted by Professor Brian Leiter at the University of Texas. George Mason Law School is ranked 41st among the top 100 American law schools according to U.S. News and World Report 2009. Its strong emphasis on the intersection of law with economics, particularly in the field of IP, makes it an attractive option for students interested in the economic analysis of law and those looking to specialize in intellectual property law. George Mason’s LL.M. programs are designed to prepare students for high-level legal and policy work, particularly in government, academia, or private practice.

In Europe, Utrecht University in the Netherlands offers highly regarded English-language LL.M. programs. The university is consistently ranked among the top law schools in Europe, with the Elsevier peer ranking placing it first for Dutch law programs in 2006 and second in the subsequent years of 2007 and 2008. Utrecht’s LL.M. programs are particularly well-regarded for their academic rigor and international scope, offering a range of specialized courses in areas like international law, European Union law, and human rights law. The university’s strong academic reputation, combined with the opportunity to study in a vibrant international city, makes it an attractive destination for students seeking an advanced law degree in Europe.

The University of Birmingham in the UK offers a range of taught LL.M. programs in specialized areas such as Commercial Law, International Commercial Law, Criminal Law & Criminal Justice, and European Law. The university is highly regarded in the UK, with the Times Good University Guide ranking Birmingham Law School 7th in the nation, and the Guardian University Guide placing it 8th. The University of Birmingham’s LL.M. programs are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of law, preparing them for successful careers in legal practice, policy, or academia. The law school’s strong reputation, combined with its comprehensive curriculum, makes Birmingham a top choice for students seeking an advanced legal education in the UK.