In one year, the LLM in International Law at Stetson University College of Law sets you on specialised route to success. Based in Gulfport, Florida, the programme offers three different outcomes based on your career goals. The American Legal Studies track makes you eligible for the New York Bar exam after earning your degree. The Public/Private International Law track is exactly what it sounds like, focusing on subjects integral to international lawyers. If you want a straight road to getting your Juris Doctor, the three-year LLM to JD pathway is where you need to be.
Ikenna Iheuwa
Ikenna Iheuwa decided to pursue an LLM because he wanted a rigorous master’s programme that would transform his passion for justice into effective advocacy. When he was working as a state counsel for the Department of Public Prosecution in his home country, Nigeria, he realised how the law functioned as an instrument for both justice and governance. But some issues transcended national boundaries and demanded international solutions. Things like corruption, environmental degradation, and cross-border energy disputes. That’s when he decided to shift gears and study international law in greater depth.
“The decision has proven invaluable,” says Iheuwa, who’d been impressed upon learning that Stetson Law is a top-ranked school for advocacy and legal writing. “My LLM journey at Stetson has been both transformative and empowering. The mentorship, writing-focused curriculum, and opportunities for scholarly engagement have equipped me to realise my vision of being a voice for reform.”
LLM International Law students at Stetson Law have access to more than 300 clinical and experiential education opportunities. Source: Stetson Law
A rich and diverse learning environment
When Iheuwa arrived at Stetson, the first thing he noticed was how kind everyone was. He received a warm welcome from faculty and staff, and felt that spirit carried through even in classes that hosted students from more than 50 countries. Perspectives are diverse, and discussions are open.
“That diversity taught me that international law is not a fixed construct; it’s a living system shaped by culture, history, and experience,” says Iheuwa, who met students from France, Egypt, Brazil, and more.
Pursuing the Public/Private International Law track, Iheuwa could choose electives such as “National Security Law,” which explored terrorism, armed conflict, and presidential powers. Alongside that, he took “Energy Law,” which intersects with environmental governance, a strong interest of his. Foreign-educated students are also required to take the “US Legal Systems” and “US Legal Research and Writing Courses” to deepen their understanding.
Another advantage of an LLM at Stetson is that you get to apply what you learn. Students have access to more than 300 clinical and experiential learning opportunities, including field placement. Professor Jagdeep Bhandari from the “National Security Law” course would nominate Iheuwa to represent Stetson at the conference at Duke University. Iheuwa sees it as one of his most defining experiences, where he got to speak with military generals, defence experts, and policymakers.
After completing his LLM, Iheuwa has continued with Stetson Law to pursue his JD. To him, Stetson is now home, one that has empowered him to dream bigger. “Today, I don’t just see myself as an African lawyer practising international law — I see myself as an international lawyer, equipped with the cultural intelligence and practical readiness to navigate complex global issues with empathy and skill,” he says.
At Stetson Law, the LLM International Law programme is an excellent opportunity for mid-career lawyers to switch practice areas or expand their expertise on the global stage. Source: Stetson University
A curriculum that’s made for you
If you’re looking to take the New York State Bar exam, the American Legal Studies track is designed just for you. This curriculum trains foreign attorneys to gain a deep understanding of US law and legal methods, fulfilling the eligibility requirements to sit for the bar exam upon completion. Alongside the two compulsory courses for foreign-educated students in the Public/Private International Law track, you’ll take courses in “Civil Procedure,” “Constitutional Law I,” “Professional Responsibility,” and more.
Of course, you also have the option to select two electives that align with your interests. There’s the “Property” course, which serves as an introduction to real, personal, and intellectual property. You can take “Commercial Transactions” if you’re looking for a broad exposure to commercial law, or “Crim Procedure-Investigation” if you want to examine leading constitutional cases on criminal justice. The options certainly don’t stop there.
Estefania Motoa
Estefania Motoa, originally from Colombia, deems the pursuit of the LLM in International Law at Stetson as one of her best decisions. Wspecially now, since she’s pursuing the New York bar exam. “The academic support, combined with the incredible community and resources at the International Office, made me feel welcomed and empowered from day one,” she says. ‘This experience has been key to my growth as an international legal professional, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to take the next step.”
Want a clear gateway to becoming a lawyer in Florida instead? You can opt for the three-year LLM to JD pathway, where you’ll spend one year on your LLM, and the remaining two on the JD. This accelerated route comes with the possibility of waiving the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), should you produce a strong LLM academic performance. Upon graduation from the JD programme, you can directly sit for the Florida Bar exam and launch your career in-state.
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