Top Masters Programs in Law

Yale Law School offers an unmatched intellectual environment with numerous opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the law and make a positive impact on society.

No set of metrics could ever fully capture our exceptional academic community, but we are committed to providing detailed, transparent information so you can make an informed decision the right law school for you. We believe this data showcases what sets Yale Law School apart as a leader in legal education.

For a deeper look into life at Yale Law School and the New Haven region, here are a few ways to further explore everything Yale Law School has to offer:.

Gerken and the Navigating Law School Admissions podcast.

Career OutcomesThe Student Experience Life in New HavenThe Law LibraryAlumni EngagementThe Tsai Leadership Program.

Yale Law School students are academically excellent, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and are diverse in many ways. Another important source for class statistics is the ABA 509 report. However, please note that the ABA defines certain terms differently than Yale Law School.

57% students of color (this is based on the race ethnicity categories defined by the Education and the ABA unlike the ABA 509 report, it does not distinguish based on citizenship status).

31% first-generation professionals (first generation of their immediate families to attend any graduate or professional school program).

18% first-generation college students (first generation of their immediate families to graduate from a four-year college, university, or its equivalent).

Students gathered outside the entrance to the Law School.

Each year, the Law School admits a small number of graduate students from around the world to pursue studies in law beyond the first professional degree.

Graduate students hail from 17 different countries and 6 continents and their interests range from intellectual property law to family law to bioethics to comparative and international law.

In its inaugural year, the Law School awarded full-tuition scholarships to 51 J.D. students, which provides ~$72,000 per year to every Hurst Horizon Scholar.

The Hurst Horizons Scholarship Program bolsters our exceptional financial-aid program.

Academic work, and offer a loan-forgiveness program that supports students in a broad range of careers.

We proudly offer significantly post-graduate public interest fellowships per student than any other law school in the country, enabling an average of 34 graduates each year to work for the public-interest organization of their choice on our dime.

Academic research, travel, and conference participation.

COAP has many key features, including significant flexibility. loan-forgiveness programs, it supports graduates taking low-paying jobs across sectors and is not confined to a particular type of public interest work.

Since its inception, than 2,000 Yale Law School graduates have participated in COAP and received than $58 million in benefits.

Graduates worked at a wide array of organizations, including:.

Law schools and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

than 30 clinics and dozens of centers, programs, and workshops.

Students enjoy far freedom at YLS to choose their classes than they do at peer schools. At Yale, students are able to select their courses as soon as they reach their second semester. Yale Law School is also unusual in that students can enroll in a clinic during the second semester of their first year.

Yale Law School fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition. All first-term courses are graded on a credit fail basis.

than 30 clinics with a variety of topics and areas of focus including criminal law, health law, entrepreneurship, and many .

The intellectual life at Yale Law School is enriched by dozens of centers, programs, and workshops that serve as hubs for critical scholarly work and make a difference in communities in New Haven, around the country, and globally. This work cuts across many disciplines, giving students abundant opportunities to engage with their interests outside of the classroom. View the full list.

It includes prominent scholars of economics, philosophy, sociology, and history, as well as leading specialists in many areas of law.

One of the most influential law faculties in the country in terms of scholarly impact and citations.

Yale Law School graduates pursue a range of diverse career paths that make an impact across every sector of society. Our graduates are entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, litigators, CEOs, and public servants. They are Cabinet officials and city council members environmentalists and inventors Hollywood agents and U.S. attorneys poets and coders. our alumni leaders.

Yale Law students are among the most sought after in the nation by employers of all types. 10 months after graduation, 99% of the Class of 2022 had long-term, full-time employment, including those pursuing fellowships and advanced degrees.

Class reports provide detailed data the sector, salary, and geographic destinations of our graduates. Law school summers also provide the opportunity for our students to explore employment possibilities and gain insight into different legal practice areas and work settings. Take a closer look at employment data.

Yale Law students secure many highly selective public interest fellowships offered by external funders. In addition, Yale Law School offers significantly postgraduate public interest fellowships than any other law school in the country, enabling than 30 graduates each year to work for a public interest organization at no cost to the organization. Both externally and internally funded fellowships enable our graduates to jumpstart their careers while serving the legal needs of underserved members of our society.

In the last five years, Yale Law School graduates have received on average 17 prestigious external fellowships per year. This includes:.

In the last five years, Yale Law School has funded an average of 34 fellowships per year.

42% of Yale Law School fellowship recipients received offers to remain with the fellowship organization.

Yale Law School supports students and graduates interested in academic careers with robust programming beginning when they are students and continuing through the time when they are on the job market through the Law Teaching Program.

In the last five years, ~75% of Yale Law graduates who went on the market were successful at securing a teaching job, and than 20% of these graduates received positions at leading law schools.

Yale Law School graduates have an excellent record of securing judicial clerkships at the state and federal level. Students work for state and federal courts as well as outside the United States.

~50% of graduates from each class clerk at some point after graduation.

Since 1988, 302 Yale Law School graduates have clerked or will clerk on the U.S. Supreme Court.

199 Yale Law School graduates currently serve as judges on federal, state, and administrative courts.

Preeminent law firms recruit Yale Law School students for summer and post-graduate positions, from global firms with 1,000+ attorneys to small, cutting-edge litigation boutiques and public interest law firms working for social and economic justice. The average starting salary of graduates working for firms in the Class of 2021 was $212,830. Yale Law School alumni work in law firms around the world. 145 Yale Law School alumni serve in leadership positions within their firms, including 14 firm-wide managing partners.

General offices and on Capitol Hill. Through the Heyman Federal Public Service Fellowship, numerous graduates each year work closely with high-level leaders in executive offices, agencies, commissions, and legislative committees.

Yale Law School offers numerous opportunities outside of the classroom to personalize their education and make a positive difference while earning a law degree.

And only 15 minutes to the beach! all within walking distance of Yale Law School.

Graduate student housing is available on-campus, including in the recently renovated Baker Hall adjacent to the Sterling Law Building. Students also live off campus in various neighborhoods throughout New Haven, each with its distinctive personality.

The reading room of the Lillian Goldman Law Library.

The Lillian Goldman Law Library at Yale Law School is one of the largest law libraries in the world, with than 1 million print volumes. The print collection is complemented by vast online resources. The interdisciplinary emphasis of the Law School is supported by the rich resources of the University Library, with some 16 million print volumes and online sources in virtually every discipline.

Our rare book collection includes roughly 50,000 volumes, including a range of items from the earliest English law book (1481) to original comic book art that establishes that Batman is a graduate of Yale Law School.

The Lillian Goldman Law Library maintains a professional staff of ~20 librarians, a significant number of which hold law and library science degrees.

Yale Law School has a thriving community of than 13,000 alumni, including many who maintain strong relationships with the School long after they graduate, serving as volunteers and mentors and giving back to support the next generation of students.

The Tsai Leadership Program, launched in the fall of 2021, seeks to develop a curriculum for the next century as well as to teach skills critical for future leaders who are ready to tackle a diverse set of challenges in the private and public sectors. The program saturates the Law School with classes, workshops, professional skills training, and immersive experiences around the country to better equip students for any career they choose. As part of the program, students have the opportunity to learn from leaders in every sector of society, participate in a mentor-in-residence program on campus, attend unique mentorship events across the country, and engage in professional networking opportunities.

The Leadership Program is centered on two innovative centers: The Chae Initiative in Private Sector Leadership and the Carol and Gene Ludwig Program in Public Sector Leadership.

Recent courses include Blockchain and Digital Assets Networks, Law, and Entrepreneurship Strategy Public Leadership and Policymaking and the Media and Technology Industries.

In 2023, students traveled to California to learn nonprofit and community leadership from prominent graduates. They also went to New York City to explore the financial industry and connect with leaders in the financial sector. Future trips will include an opportunity to learn from policymakers in Washington, D.C., and entrepreneurs in New York.

The Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) is Harvard Law School’s most advanced law degree, designed for aspiring legal academics who wish to pursue sustained independent study, research and writing. In recent years they have created a vibrant intellectual community of young scholars from around the world, most of whom will secure teaching positions in their home countries, the U.S., or third countries. They typically have around 60 S.J.D. candidates (most of whom are in residence) representing 25-30 countries, drawn primarily from among Harvard’s top LL.M. graduates. Ultimately, candidates are expected to produce a dissertation that will constitute a substantial and valuable contribution to legal scholarship.

There are five stages to the S.J.D. program:

1. Completion of a study plan which includes course work

2. Successful completion of an oral examination

3. Two presentations at the S.J.D. Colloquium

4. Submission and acceptance of a doctoral dissertation

5. Successful oral defense of the dissertation

The first two of these requirements—preparation and completion of a study plan, and successful completion of the oral (general) examination—are normally completed during the first year or two of study. The S.J.D. candidate normally completes the remaining requirements—presentations at the S.J.D. colloquium, submission and acceptance of the dissertation, and oral defense of the dissertation—during the three years after completion of the oral examination.

Mastering legal doctrine is just the beginning of a proper legal education. Lawyers play countless roles in the society—as advocates, as advisors, as leaders in their own right. They practice law, work in business and government, put their degrees to use in science, education, and policymaking, and serve their communities in many other ways. Knowledge of the law, both its content and how to argue about it, remains critical in all these roles. But it is not enough, and a lawyer must also understand the needs of the people he or she serves and the consequences for them of different legal positions. And because those needs cross disciplinary boundaries, Stanford Law—true to Stanford University’s heritage of learning without limits— offers the opportunity for a truly interdisciplinary, multidimensional legal education.

Stanford Law has adopted a variety of innovative approaches to prepare students to think not just like lawyers but also like clients and scholars. To begin, we make it easy to experience the diverse learning opportunities that are possible only at a university like Stanford—with its breadth of highly ranked schools and departments, all located close together on a well connected physical campus. Stanford Law students have broad access to courses outside the law school that will fill out their legal education. In this way, students benefit from academic thought leaders across disciplines, not to mention the intellectual life of the campus found in the myriad of conferences and events held each year and in countless other multidisciplinary research programs.

Nor do the opportunities to broaden your legal education at Stanford Law end here. In addition, you can explore law’s intersection with a growing range of fields by pursuing a joint degree and adding a master’s or doctorate to your law degree or by taking teamwork oriented simulation courses with students and faculty from other parts of the university.

The University of Chicago Law School uniquely offers the combination of a small (70–80 students) and diverse (more than 25 nationalities) LLM program with a real sense of community among the students. The rigorous and elite academic atmosphere at the Law School is part of the experience both inside and outside the classroom, and is enhanced by the urban location in one of the great cities of the world.

The Master of Laws (LLM) degree offered by Maryland Carey Law at Johns Hopkins University is an advanced legal program aimed at U.S.-educated lawyers with a JD from an American Bar Association accredited school and foreign-trained lawyers looking to broaden their understanding or specialize in U.S. law. The program is flexible, lasting one year, and allows students to customize their studies to align with their career objectives by choosing from a wide range of courses. To graduate, students must complete 26 credit hours within a maximum of 36 months from their initial enrollment, with full-time students required to take at least 12 credits per semester across two semesters.

The LLM program offers both a general track and specialized tracks in areas where Maryland Carey Law has established expertise. It features a mix of introductory courses, advanced courses, and seminars that provide a comprehensive understanding of specific legal fields, including interdisciplinary areas that address contemporary legal challenges. International students on an F-1 visa may also have the opportunity to stay in the U.S. for 12 months post-graduation under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, provided their work is related to their degree.

The Doctor of Juridical Science Program (SJD) is the highest law degree offered by the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. The SJD program focuses on research and the production of original scholarship. The degree is granted upon the successful completion and defense of a dissertation.

All SJD candidates are required to be in residence at Penn for the first year of the program. Residency after this period is encouraged as it is highly conducive to completion of the dissertation.

Admission to the program is based upon the evaluation of a candidate’s past record and future promise as a legal scholar. Consideration is given to an applicant’s proposed research project, writing sample, academic record, professional experience, recommendations, personal statement, and English-language ability.

In keeping with its mission of training future legal academics and global leaders, Penn Carey Law provides fellowships for eligible SJD candidates that include full tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Fellowships will cover three years of residence at Penn Carey Law.

Northwestern University's Master of Laws (LLM) program is expertly crafted to expand legal expertise and foster specialization within distinct legal arenas. This prestigious program welcomes individuals holding a Juris Doctor (JD) from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign university. Running over the course of nine months, the program is particularly beneficial for international law graduates, offering them an in-depth exploration of American law, international law, and comparative legal studies.

To successfully complete the LLM, students are required to accumulate a minimum of 20 credits in law-related courses. The curriculum is anchored by two compulsory courses: Common Law Reasoning, which sharpens fundamental legal skills, and a choice among American Jurisprudence, Civil Procedure, or Constitutional Law to provide a solid introduction to the American legal framework. Beyond these core requirements, students have the liberty to customize their academic journey with a diverse selection of advanced law courses.

Although the program does not necessitate a thesis, students have the option to engage in specialized Graduate Research projects on topics of their choosing. Moreover, the program offers a unique opportunity to enroll in select courses from the Kellogg School of Management, contingent on space availability. These courses, which are integral to the MBA curriculum and taught by esteemed Kellogg faculty, cover vital topics such as Accounting for Decision-Making and Business Strategy, and are credited towards the LLM degree.

The LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship is an intensive, two-semester program that offers a comprehensive 24-credit curriculum designed to immerse students in the dynamic intersection of law and business innovation. This unique program not only allows students to deepen their knowledge in specialized classroom settings but also to apply their learning practically through real-world experiences in a practicum setting.

Central to the program is a robust framework that equips students with a thorough understanding of both the historical and contemporary viewpoints on entrepreneurship within the legal domain. It is structured to enhance students' comprehension of the critical business, institutional, and strategic considerations that are vital for entrepreneurs. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of public policy and legal structures that underpin innovation, ensuring that students are well-versed in the essential legal knowledge and practical skills needed for the effective legal representation of entrepreneurs.

Beyond the foundational and skill-based learning, the LLM in Law and Entrepreneurship is designed to inspire students to explore and realize their entrepreneurial potential. Through this immersive educational journey, students are prepared to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of law and entrepreneurship with confidence and expertise.

Vanderbilt University's LL.M. Program offers an immersive academic experience for foreign attorneys and international students, centering on U.S. legal practices and research methodologies. The program is integrated into the vibrant Vanderbilt Law School community and benefits from the broader university's resources, including the International Students and Scholars Services. Participants also enjoy the cultural and academic environment of a prominent American city.

The LL.M. Program is structured around three main tracks:

• General Track: Students select from a wide range of law courses, with guidance from faculty advisers or administrators, to meet their professional aspirations and academic interests.
• Law & Business Track: This track provides rigorous training in corporate law, securities regulation, finance, accounting, and corporate governance, capitalizing on Vanderbilt's renowned Certificate in Law & Business curriculum. It is designed for those aspiring to blend legal expertise with business acumen.
• Thesis Track: This research-focused track involves a substantial project culminating in an academic paper, under the mentorship of a faculty adviser in the student's area of interest. It emphasizes legal research and writing skills.

The LLM in Intellectual Property and Technology Law at Washington University in St. Louis is a one-year advanced degree designed for individuals with a basic law degree. It caters to the increasing need for skilled professionals in intellectual property (IP) by offering both introductory and advanced courses in IP law, as well as a critical examination of the politics influencing this field. The program is characterized by practical skills training in small groups, led by seasoned IP lawyers.

The program attracts two main groups of students: JD graduates from the US looking to specialize further in IP law through an intensive year of study, and experienced international IP attorneys aiming to expand their understanding of both US and international IP law. WashULaw enriches the learning experience with a variety of IP-related activities, including conferences, symposia, speaker events, and participation in student organizations and competitions.

To graduate, students must complete 24 credit hours, with at least 15 credits from the IP/TL curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Intellectual Property and Technology Law.