Myron Taylor Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-4901, USA
Phone: 607.255.5141
E-mail: llmadmissions@cornell.edu | Website: www.lawschool.cornell.edu
Introduction
The Master of Laws (LLM) program at Cornell Law School originated in 1929. It is a one-year program designed for students holding a non-US first degree in law who wish to increase their understanding of American legal principles or to develop their knowledge of specialized areas of the law. Because of the long history and broad reach of the program—a typical class of LLM students will represent about 28 countries—Cornell LLM alumni hold important legal positions around the world with government and international agencies, private law firms, universities, and businesses.
The success of Cornell's LLM program stems from
- a selective admission process (typically 900–1,100 applicants for 70–80 seats);
- flexible LLM degree requirements, which allow students maximum latitude to tailor their program to their specific needs and interests, and encourage full integration of LLM students into the life of the law school;
- a strong and committed faculty who are renowned as both teachers and as scholars; and
- the lifestyle benefits of a nonurban location combined with the cultural and social opportunities of a large university community.
Cornell Law School and Cornell University
Cornell Law School is housed in Myron Taylor Hall, one of the signature complexes in Cornell University's beautiful central campus. The university itself, the largest of the Ivy League universities, is perched on a sprawling campus that overlooks Ithaca, New York, and Cayuga Lake, one of central New York's Finger Lakes.
While Cornell University is large (roughly 19,000 students), the law school is small (roughly 660 students: 70–80 LLM students and 590 JD students). This allows for a collegial and supportive law school experience combined with the resources and opportunities afforded by the larger university community.
The Cornell Law School mission has been international in scope and purpose since its founding in 1887. Graduates are trained to succeed in a rapidly evolving transnational environment. The faculty's teaching and research is internationally respected and the student body is drawn from around the globe.
Housing
Cornell University operates a number of graduate student housing facilities, including housing for families. Private houses, apartments, and cooperatives are within easy walking distance of the Law School. If you are unfamiliar with Cornell and its surrounding neighborhoods, you might be surprised by the variety and affordability of housing options, especially compared to urban alternatives.
LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization
There are no specific courses required for the LLM degree, and although there are a small number of courses designed specifically for LLM students, students are free to choose their courses from the regular law school curriculum, including some first-year courses and clinical offerings. There is a thesis option for LLM students who wish to pursue advanced scholarly work. A large majority of Cornell LLM graduates sit for the New York State Bar Examination following receipt of their LLM degree.
Following a special one-week orientation program before classes start, LLM students and their families are fully integrated into the life of the law school. LLM students are encouraged to participate in the school's many student groups. LLM students also have their own student organization, which works closely with the law school's professionally staffed Graduate Legal Studies Office in planning and scheduling programs and events designed specifically for LLM students. Typical programming includes a monthly LLM speakers' series and the annual Inter-University Graduate Student Conference, which attracts LLM students from law schools across the country.
Career and placement services for LLM students are provided through the Graduate Legal Studies Office. Informational and networking programs are scheduled throughout the year. Cornell Law School also participates in a major LLM job fair held in New York City at the end of January each year. The Law School's Career Office facilitates interviewing opportunities for employers who would like to interview LLM degree candidates.
For more information, including current degree requirements and up-to-date tuition and costs, go to www.lawschool.cornell.edu/admissions.
Application Highlights
For other application requirements and instructions, go to www.lawschool.cornell.edu/admissions.
Contact Information
Additional information is available at:
You may also contact:
Cornell Law School Admissions
226 Myron Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
USA
Phone: 607.255.5141
Fax: 607.255.7193
E-mail: llmadmissions@cornell.edu
Ithaca, New York
The Finger Lakes region of New York State, where Ithaca and Cornell are located, is celebrated for its lakes, waterfalls, vineyards, parks, gorges, and outdoor recreation. Ithaca's nonurban setting frees its residents from the hassles of life in a larger city. It is very easy to learn your way around and to feel comfortable in a short time. Still, for a small city (30,000 nonstudent residents), Ithaca has a more sophisticated feel to it than most visitors expect. Restaurants within a short walk of the law school serve more than a dozen international cuisines. There are theatres, galleries, and movie screens galore—as well as 14 bookstores, at last count. Ithaca also is a wonderful place for children, as culturally diverse as it is pleasant, safe, and convenient.
Recreational possibilities abound. In addition to watersports, skiing, and other outdoor sports in the surrounding area, LLM students have access to a Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course, tennis courts, gyms, an indoor climbing wall, workout facilities, and other activities located around the campus. If collegiate sports interest you, Cornell has nationally competitive teams in hockey, lacrosse, and wrestling.
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