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For those aspiring for greater impact in the legal world, an LLM (Master of Laws) degree in the US can be a powerful career move. It offers a deep dive into specialised fields like intellectual property or international law, transforming you into a sought-after expert. The US legal system’s global influence further amplifies this advantage, making your expertise valuable to international firms and corporations.
However, this prestige comes at a cost. On average, US LLM programmes can range from a hefty US$66,924 to US$75,572 per year. Factor in living expenses, which can go up to US$30,000 per month in major cities, and the overall cost becomes significant. This is where the The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) emerges as a compelling option.
Nestled in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the US, the University of Houston (UH) is a Carnegie R1 university renowned for its prolific research activity. UHLC, its law school, has several top-ranked LLM programmes, a notable international student population, and dedicated support. As the leading law school in the nation’s fourth-largest city, UHLC offers a curriculum among the broadest in the Southwest.
More importantly, UHLC recognises the financial constraints faced by LLM aspirants. The Law Center consistently ranks as one of the best value legal education institutions. UHLC’s tuition and fees are significantly lower compared to peer institutions, both regionally and nationally. In fact, all admitted LLM candidates are automatically considered for scholarships, with some students even receiving a combination of scholarships and in-state tuition waivers, effectively reducing their tuition by a third — a substantial saving for an LLM programme.
What’s more, Houston’s cost of living is another advantage. Compared to other major US cities, private housing keeps living expenses relatively low, making it an attractive option for international students.
Experiential and impactful LLM programmes
UHLC’s LLM programmes consistently rank within the top 50 in US News and World Report.
The International Law LLM allows for specialisation in public or private aspects of international law. Further enhancing the programme’s international focus, the Law Center established the Center for US and Mexican Law, the first independent research centre in the US dedicated to studying Mexican law and US-Mexico relations. Initiatives like this provide key insights into international and comparative law, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in the US legal system.
The Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law LLM equips you to tackle complex legal issues surrounding energy production, environmental protection, and resource management. You can focus on a specific area or pursue a broader approach, examining the interrelationship between energy development and environmental policies. Beyond coursework, students have ample opportunities to network and attend industry events hosted by organisations, including the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, the World Affairs Council, the Baker Institute’s Energy Forum, and many more.
For those interested in Intellectual Property and Information Law, UHLC is home to the Institute for Intellectual Property & Information Law (IPIL), a programme recognised as one of the best in the US. Here, LLM students benefit from the institute’s active research and scholarship, gaining expertise in both traditional and emerging areas of intellectual property (patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret) and information law (internet, software, electronic commerce, and databases).
The Tax Law LLM expands your ability to identify tax problems, plan effective solutions, and adapt to evolving tax regulations. It also emphasises professional responsibility and a thorough understanding of the tax system’s impact on individuals, non-profits, businesses, and financial institutions. This programme also allows you to complement your tax studies with courses in other speciality areas offered by UHLC, such as energy, health, and intellectual property.
The University of Houston Law Center has a welcoming and inclusive community that centres on diversity. Source: The University of Houston Law Center
The Health Law LLM encourages active participation in institute activities, including assisting with academic publications like the Houston Journal of Health Law & Policy. The programme’s proximity to the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, provides unparalleled access to practical learning opportunities. This programme is ideal for attorneys seeking specialised training or to update their knowledge in health law.
Legal English certificate programme
Mastering legal terminology is crucial for practising law in a new jurisdiction. UHLC’s Legal English Certificate (LEC) programme meets this need through an intensive four-week online course specifically designed for foreign-trained lawyers and law students. The programme focuses on written and oral communication, comprehension, and legal language skills.
You’ll receive a solid foundation to excel in the practical components of the LLM programme, including law clinics where you gain hands-on experience handling real cases such as filing motions, interviewing clients, and even conducting trials in court — something Oluwatoyin Oluwadamilola Akinnod experienced.
“I helped professors conduct clinical interviews for clients. I helped draft immigration papers and was involved in research work,” Akinnod says. “Upon completion of the clinical course, I gained a foundation of knowledge of the American legal system and legal experience.”
Ready to advance your legal career? Apply to The University of Houston Law Center today.
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