LL.M. (Legum Magister or Master of Laws) Degree Defined

The Legum Magister or Master of Laws degree is an advanced law degree that is usually only open to those who have a first law degree. For U.S. students, entry into an LL.M. program requires completion of a J.D. degree. For international students, entry into an LL.M. program typically requires completion of a first (LL.B.) degree in law. The LL.M. degree allows a candidate to specialize in a particular area of law or become familiar with another country's legal system. The LL.M. degree is typically awarded after successful completion of one year of full-time post-graduate law study (a part-time option, extending study over a longer period, is available at some law schools). If other requirements are met, an LL.M. degree may qualify a foreign-trained law graduate to sit for some states' bar exams.