From tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon and Expedia to Boeing and biotech startups, Seattle has established itself as a global leader in technology and innovation. For decades, the city has been at the helm of software, retail/ecommerce, gaming, and new emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, and AR/VR. Today, it ranks #2 in the US for best places for employment (US News & World Report) and #6 among top cities worldwide (Oxford Economics Global Cities Index).
Vibrant economies attract the best talents. Seattle is no exception – communities are cosmopolitan, and the city is one of the most LGBTQIA+-friendly in the country. Up to 80,000 Indian expatriates call the Emerald City home – so influential is their presence that the Indian government opened an Indian consulate nearby.
At the heart of it all is Seattle University School of Law, where LLM programmes both mirror and contribute to the richness of the legal community in this Tier 1 city for technology talent.
Tailored for professionals
Success in the legal field requires a strong foundation and continuous skill development — even for seasoned professionals like Vidushi Chaturvedi and Prachi Trivedi. Chaturvedi is the former Deputy Director General of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), while Trivedi is an expert in corporate and family law. Seeking to stay updated with the latest regulations and provide better solutions, they chose Seattle U Law’s LLM programme to expand their expertise.
Open to students with a law degree from the US or abroad, the programme has two specialisations. The LLM in American Legal Studies focuses on key topics like legal research, constitutional law, and bar exam strategies, ideal for those looking to practise in the US. For Trivedi, these modules proved invaluable. Before even graduating, she impressed attorneys from Wechsler Becker LLP during a panel discussion and was offered a position on the spot.
Meanwhile, the LLM in Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship is designed for those interested in privacy, cybersecurity, digital commerce, and financial technology. Courses cover the ethical and regulatory schemes underlying popular and disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence. Faculty infuse extensive knowledge, research, and real-world practice into their teaching.
Chaturvedi found this specialisation aligned perfectly with her work. “While dealing with technology, I realised that the regulator has to first understand the technology, especially a disruptive one,” she says. “I knew I needed to upskill, and this programme gave me that opportunity. From the office room to the classroom, it’s been a very amazing jump for me.”
Both LLM tracks prepare students for the bar exam too, with most graduates successfully passing and advancing in their legal careers.
Seattle U Law’s newest students, who soon will join over 12,000 alumni, stay connected by attending networking events, professional development, and frequent guest lectures. Source: Seattle University School of Law
Experience the law, not just study it
Ranked among the top in the nation, Seattle U Law holds an “A” rating in International Law, is in the top 14 for business law, top 25 for diversity law, and top 20 most innovative law schools (National Jurist preLaw). It’s a powerhouse in many areas – including experiential learning opportunities that prepare students to make a positive impact.
A key part of this is the Legal Writing Programme, ranked #6 by US News & World Report. Here, students master legal writing and analysis from nationally-recognised faculty adept at helping students build skills for success in the US legal system.
Another highlight is the Externship Programme, which connects students with real-world experience that earn academic credit. Placed in law-related roles outside the classroom, students work with government agencies, nonprofits, and courts, all while attending a seminar led by law school faculty.
The programme is led by Associate Professor Gillian Dutton, a multilingual educator who deeply understands the multicultural journeys of LLM students. She expands the programme each year, adding approximately 40 new externship sites. Placements are open to all law students, with recent sites ranging from local government offices and a Washington State Supreme Court Justice to working with the Seattle Sounders soccer club and the Fred Hutch Cancer Centre.
For Trivedi, who completed her LLM in December 2024, the overall experience was empowering. Driven by the school’s change-making values, she feels ready to be among the next generation of leaders serving justice.
“My time at Seattle University School of Law as an Indian master’s student was transformative,” she says. “The supportive community, rigorous academics, and emphasis on social justice provided me with invaluable skills and experiences. I’m grateful for the mentorship and opportunities that will shape my future legal career.”
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