UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. Concentration
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 24 credit hoursTotal Credit Hours
- 1 academic yearProgram Duration
- Integrated J.D. courseworkLearning Environment
- Bar exam preparationCareer Focus
This concentration is designed to equip foreign lawyers with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective global legal practice. You will be fully integrated into the Texas Law J.D. program, attending classes alongside American students to gain a comprehensive understanding of U.S. legal education. The program offers flexibility, allowing you to concentrate on a specific area of law or acquire a broad foundation in U.S. legal principles. You will engage with both introductory and advanced courses, learning how U.S. lawyers analyze legal issues and advocate for clients, thereby enhancing your capabilities as a global practitioner. It is particularly beneficial for students from non-common law jurisdictions who intend to sit for the Texas or New York bar exams. The curriculum provides the necessary flexibility to fulfill bar admission course requirements while also accommodating your unique academic and professional interests.
Curriculum
The program requires a total of 24 credit hours to be completed within one academic year, spanning the fall and spring terms. A key component is either a three-credit writing seminar or a two-credit directed research paper (30-40 double-spaced pages). All students with a foreign law degree must complete an 'Introduction to U.S. Law' course. Students with a common law background may request a waiver for this requirement. For non-U.S. J.D. students aiming to take a U.S. state bar exam, specific bar-required courses must be incorporated into the LL.M. program to ensure eligibility.
- Fall & Spring
- Introduction to U.S. Law
- Writing Seminar
- Directed Research Paper
- Bar-required courses (if applicable)
- Elective Courses
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. concentration?
- Applicants need a foreign law degree and must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official IELTS scores (minimum 7.0 overall) or TOEFL scores. Certain exemptions for English proficiency testing may apply if your degree was earned in an English-speaking country.
- How long does the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. program take to complete?
- The program is designed to be completed within one academic year, spanning both the Fall and Spring terms, and requires a total of 24 credit hours.
- What is the tuition and fee structure for this LL.M. concentration?
- Tuition and fees are structured as a flat rate per college, which includes mandatory fees and college/course specific charges. For the most current and precise rates, please consult the University's One Stop 'Tuition and Fee Rates' page and the 'My Tuition Bill' site.
- How do I apply to the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. program?
- You must submit the online graduate admission application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal, not ApplyTexas. Supporting documents include transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE and English proficiency scores are also required.
- Are there scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, several scholarships and fellowships are available, including the Good Neighbor Scholarship and Tuition Assistance for Mexican Students, which require separate applications. Graduate School and College/Department Fellowships are also awarded through nominations.
- What is the learning environment like for this LL.M. concentration?
- You will be fully integrated into the Texas Law J.D. program, attending classes alongside American students to gain a comprehensive understanding of U.S. legal education and practice.
Entry requirements
Foreign Law DegreeA degree in law from an institution outside the United States.
IELTS7.0 overall
TOEFL
International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Exemptions apply to those with a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language. This exemption does not extend to those who have earned a master's degree from such institutions. Non-U.S. J.D. students planning to take a U.S. state bar exam must complete specific bar-required courses as part of their LL.M. program.
Fees
Tuition (international)The fee structure for graduate, law, and professional students is based on a flat rate per college. This rate includes tuition, mandatory fees, and college/course specific charges. It does not cover the general property deposit, international fees, independent study and research fees, or costs associated with off-campus living for extended trips.
For the most accurate and up-to-date tuition and fee rates, please refer to the University's One Stop 'Tuition and Fee Rates' page and consult the 'My Tuition Bill' site.
Tuition (home)The fee structure for graduate, law, and professional students is based on a flat rate per college. This rate includes tuition, mandatory fees, and college/course specific charges. It does not cover the general property deposit, international fees, independent study and research fees, or costs associated with off-campus living for extended trips.
For the most accurate and up-to-date tuition and fee rates, please refer to the University's One Stop 'Tuition and Fee Rates' page and consult the 'My Tuition Bill' site.
LivingInformation on estimated living costs is not available on the provided pages.
Payment is required to secure registration by published deadlines. Failure to pay tuition in full by the 12th class day (January 29, 2025, 11:59pm CST) will result in an automatic installment plan with a $15 fee. Remaining balances are due by March 18, 2025. Non-payment by this deadline incurs a $25 late fee and a financial hold. Students with a zero balance must confirm attendance or pay with financial aid by the deadline to avoid registration cancellation and service denial. An optional 'Longhorn Fixed Tuition' program is available for undergraduates, offering a fixed rate for four years, but this program is not applicable to this LL.M. concentration.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal.
2. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload a PDF copy of your current transcripts. Provide three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (1-2 pages).
3. GRE ScoresHave your GRE scores sent directly from the ETS testing center to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) using university code 6882. Scores are valid for 5 years; re-take if older.
4. English ProficiencyInternational applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (minimum IELTS 7.0). Exemptions apply for degrees earned in English-speaking countries.
5. Pay Application FeePay the application fee (USD $90 for international students).
Scholarships
Good Neighbor Scholarship—
Tuition Assistance for Mexican Students—
Graduate School Fellowships—
College & Department Fellowships—
Externally Funded Fellowships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. concentration?
+
Applicants need a foreign law degree and must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official IELTS scores (minimum 7.0 overall) or TOEFL scores. Certain exemptions for English proficiency testing may apply if your degree was earned in an English-speaking country.
How long does the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. program take to complete?
+
The program is designed to be completed within one academic year, spanning both the Fall and Spring terms, and requires a total of 24 credit hours.
What is the tuition and fee structure for this LL.M. concentration?
+
Tuition and fees are structured as a flat rate per college, which includes mandatory fees and college/course specific charges. For the most current and precise rates, please consult the University's One Stop 'Tuition and Fee Rates' page and the 'My Tuition Bill' site.
How do I apply to the U.S. Law for Foreign Lawyers LL.M. program?
+
You must submit the online graduate admission application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal, not ApplyTexas. Supporting documents include transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. GRE and English proficiency scores are also required.
Are there scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, several scholarships and fellowships are available, including the Good Neighbor Scholarship and Tuition Assistance for Mexican Students, which require separate applications. Graduate School and College/Department Fellowships are also awarded through nominations.
What is the learning environment like for this LL.M. concentration?
+
You will be fully integrated into the Texas Law J.D. program, attending classes alongside American students to gain a comprehensive understanding of U.S. legal education and practice.