American LLMs preparing internationals for global graduate success

Pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) can open doors to many exciting career opportunities, whether your ambition is to enter academia, work as a policy advisor, or expand your career abroad. But here’s the big question: where should you go?

The US is a standout option. You’ll explore federal and state laws, giving you a well-rounded understanding of how different legal frameworks work together. This kind of exposure is priceless. In fact, in April 2024, 53% of 2023 law graduates in the US found work in law firms, while 11.1% took government jobs.

What’s more, US law schools prioritise practical learning. From tackling real cases in legal clinics to competing in moot courts, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence to succeed in real-world settings.

Sounds exciting? Here are three US law schools that could be the perfect fit for your LLM journey.

Professors at Seattle U Law offer deep expertise in tech law and many other disciplines, educating LLM and Doctor of Juridical Science students from around the world. Source: Seattle University School of Law

Seattle University School of Law

Seattle U Law is the place to be for tech law and social justice. With an “A” ranking in International Law from National Jurist prelaw magazine and a Legal Writing programme ranked #6 nationally, the university offers a well-rounded education imbued with legal theory, doctrine, and practical skills. Seattle U Law is also ranked in the top programmes nationwide for employment law and diversity. Over 700 students are enrolled across its Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Legal Studies (MLS), and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) programmes.

Seattle U Law’s LLM programme is open to students with a law degree from the US or abroad. About 30 students from all six populated continents study in the LLM. Its two tracks prepare graduates for the Washington State, California or New York bar exams. With the LLM in American Legal Studies, you’ll explore Common Law and the American Legal System. The popular LLM in Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship offers specialised tech law training in the heart of Seattle, one of the world’s most vibrant technology cities. Popular courses dive deeply into artificial intelligence, aviation and space law, intellectual property, and cybersecurity.

Global tech giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Expedia, Tableau, call Seattle home. So do many biotech startups. “All the big companies in Seattle like Microsoft matter,” according to Brazilian LLM student Agenor Henrique Silva Leite, one of 25 students worldwide invited with a full scholarship to the 2025 International Association of Privacy Professionals summit.

The city’s thriving tech presence is evident not just in the businesses but also in the community, with 80,000 Indian expats living in the area, along with a new Indian consulate.

At Seattle U Law, these connections are strengthened through the RoundGlass India Center, generously funded by Sunny Gurpreet Singh, who underwrites one full tuition scholarship for LLM students from Punjab. Tanveer Kaur, a scholarship recipient, expresses her gratitude: “It validates all of the hard work that I’ve put in in my undergrad studies and internships.” Most students earn partial tuition scholarships that make quality legal education accessible and affordable.

The university’s diverse community includes staff, faculty, and students from nearly every faith. “As a Catholic, I appreciate how the university focuses on forming professionals with Jesuit values,” says Angie Melissa López Cardona from Colombia. “Seeing professors emphasise social justice and our potential to impact the world confirms I made the right choice.” Join Seattle U Law to become a lawyer that serves, leads, and transforms society through justice and compassion.

Boston University conducts one-on-one advising sessions tailored to meet the professional goals of each LLM student. Source: Boston University

Boston University

In Boston, a city renowned for its rich history and forward-thinking spirit, is a law school effortlessly shaping the legal landscape through rigorous academic pursuits and a fervent dedication to justice — it’s called Boston University School of Law (BU Law). Since its founding in 1872, this institution has successfully graduated over 25,000 alumni, who are now making an impact in over 100 different countries.

They’re working with patent clients at the forefront of technology’s advancements, proposing a novel tax that would allow humanity to benefit from private development of celestial properties, serving as a judicial clerk on a US federal court, and making career changes like moving from Brazil’s public sector to a Big Four accounting firm in Miami.

Such outcomes and countless opportunities are typical of graduates of BU Law’s four LLM programmes. These focus on American Law, Taxation, Banking and Financial Law, and Intellectual Property and Information Law. American Law is the general option, allowing students to freely select from over 200 courses and seminars from virtually every American law subject offered in the JD curriculum. Those looking to lay a solid foundation before specialising could opt for the Two-Year LLM instead. While giving international students more time to enjoy everything the East Coast has to offer, this route also dedicates one full year to helping them develop legal writing, case analysis, and advocacy skills.

All lessons are conducted by BU Law’s esteemed educators, who double as leading scholars and valued contributors to legislative, judicial, and policy-making decisions within the US and beyond. The lineup continuously grows, ensuring insights remain relevant and tomorrow’s lawyers receive the personalised attention they deserve. In 2023, BU Law welcomed 16 new full-time faculty — all representing diverse perspectives and backgrounds, reiterating the school’s core values and the very essence of its culture. To learn more about joining this dynamic intellectual community, click here.

Texas A&M shapes lawyers ready to take on the legal, economic, and social issues shaping Texas and the world. Source: Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University

The Texas A&M University School of Law, ranked among the top 30 law schools in the US, offers a world-class education at an affordable price. Programmes like the on-campus General Studies and Intellectual Property (IP) LLMs give you the legal foundation to thrive.

The one-year General Studies LLM is tailored for non-US law graduates eager to understand US legal systems and prepare for the bar exam. It’s an excellent choice for US lawyers who want to expand their knowledge too. The programme is customisable, with thesis and non-thesis tracks and specialisation in Business and Commercial Law or Criminal Law.

On the other hand, the Intellectual Property LLM prepares you to navigate the complex IP law landscape. Its curriculum combines foundational and advanced courses, for example, patent and copyright law. They are led by professors with expertise in IP education and practice, who ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date IP information and techniques.

Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex, Texas A&M Law connects law students to leading firms, courts, and government agencies while offering access to museums, restaurants, and more. Dallas, known for its top-tier legal market, is easily accessible by car or train.

If flexibility is what you need more, Texas A&M offers an online LLM degree for non-lawyers. This programme is designed to fit your schedule, with no entrance exams, flexible start dates, and full- or part-time options. You can pick from three specialisations: International Tax, Risk Management, or Wealth Management.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International