Weekend classes offer unparalleled convenience in the LL.M. degree space.

Beginning in Fall 2023, Seton Hall Law School is excited to provide a full-time LL.M. option for foreign-educated lawyers seeking to practice law in the United States that delivers an innovative curriculum and provides an unparalleled work-school-life balance. 

Prospective LL.M. students may earn their LL.M. degree in Seton Hall Law School's hybrid weekend format. By scheduling in-class instruction on the weekend, students in the program have the freedom to structure weekdays as they please. Courses are taught by the same talented professors who teach in the J.D. program.

When students in the LL.M. program are not in the classroom they engage with teachers and peers through the use of technology. This flexible program empowers students to self-direct a portion of their learning experience where and when it fits into their lives.

Importantly, the LL.M. in American Jurisprudence is designed to satisfy the program requirements for eligibility to sit for many state bar examinations, including New York, exponentially increasing your job opportunities upon graduation.

The LL.M. in American Law may be pursued by any foreign-trained lawyer, whether they wish to take a state bar exam or not. Our counselors will help determine the proper curricular path for you to achieve your educational goals and satisfy your legal interests. This weekend-format LL.M. is not only unique because of when the courses are offered; it also allows students the opportunity to extend their studies for a semester and earn a specialization at no additional tuition cost.

"Legal specialization increases job opportunities in areas of compliance, privacy, and risk management."

Brian Sheppard, Associate Dean for Graduate Admissions

Optional Specialization Certificate at no Additional Cost

Beyond the 24 credits needed to be eligible to sit for the bar exam, students have the option of completing 6 bonus credits of electives in one area of specialization for no additional tuition costs. These optional electives enable the students to specialize in Health & Hospital Law, Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Law & Compliance, Financial Services Compliance, or Privacy Law and Cybersecurity.  Legal specialization may increase job opportunities, especially in areas of compliance, privacy, and risk management in fields like healthcare, finance, banking, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and gaming.

How it works

Students begin the program by taking 3 credits in August: 2 credits of Legal English and the first of two credits of Intro to American Law.  Then, you’ll attend classes on alternating weekends. You can anticipate being on campus approximately 8:30-5:00 on Saturday and 9:00 to 2:00 on Sunday. Class work takes place over eight weekends each semester with one additional weekend for final exams. When not on campus, you’ll engage in self-directed activities and participate remotely in discussions with your professors and classmates using Seton Hall’s learning platform. 

Curriculum

Students will work with the LL.M. program director and administrators to develop a course load suited to their interests offered during the semesters of their attendance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How long does it take to complete the LL.M. in American Law?

  The program is 24 credits spread over two semesters. The program begins with 3 credits in the summer (August), and 10-11 credits each in the Fall and Spring Semesters. Students who enroll in the optional specialized certificate will graduate with 30 credits and likely take 18 months to complete the degree.

• What is the tuition?

  The tuition for the LL.M. in American Law program can be found here.

• What is the self-directed Learning Component Like?

  The self-directed learning component in each course includes interactive, online learning activities, discussion boards, and mini-assessments developed by your professor. Cutting-edge technology provides you maximum scheduling flexibility while facilitating more intense engagement with classmates and professors. The self-directed learning component for any course offered every other weekend will comprise 1/3 or less of the instruction time.