The LL.M. program exposes students to American modes of legal education (which emphasize critical thinking and self-inquiry) as well as to substantive law, and enhances their ability to do advanced scholarly work. The program offers students a wide range of courses and seminars to choose from, as well as opportunities to conduct independent research and participate in clinical programs.
The LL.M. degree requires students to complete a minimum of 23 credits of coursework, which can be done in either two or three consecutive terms (Fall-Winter or Fall-Winter-Spring). Students must also complete a short written work requirement and a substantial written work requirement, which can be either a thesis or a paper in connection with a seminar or course.
LL.M. Application Deadlines and Materials
The application deadline for the LL.M. program is December 1 of the year prior to the year in which you intend to enroll (e.g., December 1, 2023 for enrollment in August 2024). The application materials include:
A completed online application form
A personal statement
A resume or curriculum vitae
Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
Official TOEFL or IELTS score reports (if applicable)
Three letters of recommendation
A $85 application fee
All application materials must be submitted electronically through the online application system. Applicants can view a sample 2024 LL.M. application [here].
LL.M. Tuition and Financial Aid
The tuition for the LL.M. program for the 2023-2024 academic year is $67,081. In addition, students should budget for living expenses, books, health insurance, and other fees. The estimated total cost of attendance for the LL.M. program is $97,870.
Harvard Law School offers a limited amount of financial aid for the LL.M. program based on both merit and need. Financial aid awards are made at the time of admission and are final. Applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit a financial aid application along with their LL.M. application by December 1. Applicants can view a sample 2024 financial aid application [here].
LL.M. Class Profile
The LL.M. class of 2023-2024 consists of 180 students from 65 countries. The average age of the class is 28 years old, and the average work experience is 3 years. The class includes 94 men and 86 women, representing 55% and 45% of the class respectively.
The class has diverse academic backgrounds, including law degrees from more than 100 different law schools around the world. The class also has diverse professional backgrounds, including lawyers working in firms or NGOs, government officials, law professors, judges, diplomats, activists, doctoral students, business people, and others.
The class has diverse interests and goals, ranging from pursuing careers in academia or public service to enhancing their skills and knowledge in specific areas of law or expanding their global network of contacts and opportunities.
The class is united by a common passion for learning and a commitment to excellence. The class is also enriched by the vibrant and collaborative environment of Harvard Law School, where students can interact with faculty, fellow students, and alumni from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
References
LL.M. Program - Harvard Law School Harvard Law School
LL.M. Admissions - Harvard Law School Harvard Law School
Graduate Program - Harvard Law School Harvard Law School
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