LLM

536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-2968, USA
Phone: 415.442.7234 | Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu | Website: law.ggu.edu

Introduction

Golden Gate University (GGU) School of Law is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The university was founded in 1901 as the YMCA Evening Law School to give working adults and others who might otherwise have lacked the opportunity a chance to pursue a law degree. In addition to the School of Law, Golden Gate University includes the Ageno School of Business, the Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation, and the School of Accounting. GGU emphasizes practical skills training and real-world experience in all of its programs, and since its founding has been committed to enhancing diversity, access, innovation, and opportunity.

GGU School of Law was a trailblazer in developing LLM programs. It offered the first LLM in Environmental Law in California, offered one of the first LLMs in Intellectual Property with enrolled students taking advantage of the many opportunities offered in nearby Silicon Valley, and was one of the first law schools in the United States to offer an LLM in US Legal Studies. Its well-known Taxation program was established over 30 years ago and is the largest LLM in Taxation program in the US. GGU's LLM in International Legal Studies program, which was founded by the former ambassador to Thailand, has been expanded upon by a leading international law scholar who added one of the few programs in the US for students seeking an SJD in International Legal Studies.

Law School Enrollment

• Full-time JD enrollment: 608
• Part-time JD enrollment: 95
• LLM and SJD enrollment: 199

Physical Facilities

GGU is located a half block from public transportation in two buildings, one of which includes a café and a bookstore. All of the classrooms, a full-sized Moot Courtroom in which students can practice trial skills, and most faculty and administrative offices are located in our recently renovated six-story building. The entire building features Wi-Fi access, and the classrooms all offer technology and plug-ins for laptops.

On the bottom floor is our recently renovated law library with over 270,000 volumes, a full range of electronic journals and databases, wireless Internet access, and highly qualified, helpful librarians. The law library hours are:

• Monday through Thursday: 7:30 am–10:30 pm
• Friday: 7:30 am–9:00 pm
• Saturday: 10:00 am–7:00 pm
• Sunday: 10:00 am–10:30 pm

Housing

There are numerous housing options in the surrounding downtown areas. Housing resources are provided to incoming students through the Graduate Law Programs office.

LLM Programs

Each of our five LLM programs and our SJD program are unique and have their own admission requirements. With the exception of the SJD program, students may choose to start in spring, summer, or fall with rolling admissions for all three semesters. A fall start date is recommended for the LLM in International and US Legal Studies programs. Tuition is $1,390 per unit for the 2012–2013 academic year. Application requirements include:

• Application form
• Application fee: $60
• Personal statement
• Law school transcripts required for all applicants: LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service optional
• TOEFL or equivalent score for international students
• Recommendation letters are optional

Environmental Law

GGU's Environmental Law Program offers a rich curriculum in US and international environmental law taught by experts in the field. Students may choose from environmental law courses on global warming, energy law and policy, land and water use management, conservation and biodiversity, toxics law and policy, international trade and the environment, and environmental justice. The program emphasizes the urban environment and the environmental, economic, and social equity implications of laws and policies. The program also includes hands-on training experience. Students may have the opportunity to write for the Environmental Law Journal or to represent real-life clients in the Environmental Law and Justice Clinic.

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:

Brad Lai
Program Coordinator
GGU Graduate Law Programs
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA

Phone: 415.442.7234
Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu

Intellectual Property Law

The LLM in Intellectual Property Law Program provides students with a broad understanding of intellectual property law. The close location of Silicon Valley allows GGU to offer classes taught by leading lawyers from the IP field. The program is directed by two well-known IP litigators who have represented well-known clients in the entertainment and technology fields. Students may obtain a broad understanding of IP law, as well as specialized training in one or more focus areas:

1. Copyright, Entertainment, and Sports Law
2. Internet and Software Law
3. Patent and Biotechnology Law
4. Trademark and Unfair Competition Law

An attorney with an LLM in IP Law degree from Golden Gate is equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in this fascinating, complex, and rapidly changing area of law.

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:

Brad Lai
Program Coordinator
GGU Graduate Law Programs
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA

Phone: 415.442.7234
Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu

International Legal Studies

The LLM in International Legal Studies program is designed to provide in-depth coverage of international and comparative law. It emphasizes the legal, cultural, sociological, and business activities of the European Community, Pacific Rim, and other regions of the world as they interact with one another and with the United States. A sampling of classes includes International Investment Law, Law of the Seas, and International Business Transactions, with over 20 other subjects offered. This program was led for many years by the former ambassador to Thailand, and is presently directed by a leading scholar from Nigeria. The program also offers an SJD degree to those who wish to pursue even more intensive studies and to write and defend a dissertation. (Please note that the International Legal Studies program does not concentrate on US law; see below for the LLM in US Legal Studies.)

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:

Brad Lai
Program Coordinator
GGU Graduate Law Programs
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA

Phone: 415.442.7234
Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu

Taxation

The LLM in Taxation Law Program is one of the preeminent graduate tax law programs in the West. Classes are taught by experienced tax practitioners, government attorneys, and full-time faculty members who specialize in tax law. Its approach is both academic and practical. The program offers advanced instruction in six core areas: business taxes, estate planning, tax litigation and procedure, international taxation, employee benefits, and general taxation. Students will obtain a solid foundation in all aspects of tax practice and policies, and may have the opportunity to assist low-income clients in tax disputes before a California taxing agency. Students who are unable to commit to a 26-unit LLM degree may choose to register for the Certificate in Estate Planning, which requires only 16 units.

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:

Natascha Fastabend
Senior Program Coordinator
GGU Graduate Law Programs
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA

Phone: 415.442.6604
Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu

US Legal Studies

GGU was the first law school in the nation to offer an LLM in US Legal Studies. Since 1997, when the program began with five students, over 250 law graduates have earned an LLM in US Legal Studies degree from GGU. Students gain a comprehensive background in US law by registering for any courses offered at the law school, with more than 200 to choose from. Students who wish to take a bar examination will be counseled on their course selection so that they can prepare specifically for the bar. Over 125 graduates have passed California, New York, and other US state bar examinations. The LLM in US Legal Studies also offers opportunities for students (including F-1 visa holders) to represent clients in on-campus clinics or work in law offices or courts.

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Law website, or contact:

Brad Lai
Program Coordinator
GGU Graduate Law Programs
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
USA

Phone: 415.442.7234
Fax: 415.495.6756
E-mail: gradlaw@ggu.edu

Unique Classroom Experience

GGU offers a congenial atmosphere in which students learn while making connections with other students from around the world and getting to know their professors. The faculty to student ratio is 1:19, so the professors know the students and are readily available to mentor and advise them. GGU's full-time faculty are scholars and writers with strong backgrounds in the practice of law, but even more importantly, they are excellent teachers. Students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a clinic or take a Directed Study class with one-on-one learning supervised by a professor.

Career Services

The School of Law Office of Career Services provides assistance to enrolled students and alumni of the Graduate Law Programs in finding job placement both locally and around the world. Golden Gate University also participates in specialized job fairs for LLM students.

Student Life and City Attractions

GGU has been ranked as one of the nation's most diverse law schools, with students of many races and ethnic backgrounds coming from many countries. GGU offers countless opportunities for its students to network, socialize, and unwind. Graduate Law Programs hosts a bus tour and bowling and ice-skating events each fall semester. In November, all of the LLM students and professors are invited to a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Students will appreciate San Francisco's beauty and GGU's central location. Students can enjoy the nearby historical and cultural events of Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Mission District, and North Beach. GGU is only a short walk to those sights as well as to world-class shopping at Union Square, baseball games at AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants), and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The symphony, opera, theatre, concerts, and Golden Gate Park beckon. Students can take weekend trips to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Point Reyes National Seashore, the Wine Country, Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur. A little longer drive will bring students to Las Vegas, Hollywood, and other tourist sights.

« Back to LLM/Graduate Law Program Guide