llm

Southwestern Law School

3050 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
Phone: 213.738.6602 | Website: www.swlaw.edu

100 Years of Innovative Legal Education

With a long-standing emphasis on diversity, public service, and innovative programs, and a mid-city campus featuring a world-renowned Art Deco landmark, Southwestern Law School reflects the vibrancy of Los Angeles and provides an ideal setting for law study. Founded in 1911 as an independent, nonprofit, nonsectarian institution, Southwestern is fully approved by the ABA and is a member of the AALS. The second oldest law school in Los Angeles, Southwestern has been providing exceptional legal education programs in one of the most culturally stimulating and diverse cities in the world. It is the only law school to offer four JD courses of study that differ in scheduling and instructional approach, including traditional full- and part-time programs as well as a unique two-year alternative curriculum. Southwestern's 10,000 alumni include prominent public officials—from members of Congress to mayors, and over 200 judges—as well as founders of major law firms and general counsels of multinational corporations. The law school has strong ties to the legal, business, and civic sectors, and its Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute is closely linked to the entertainment industry in Hollywood and internationally.

A History of "Firsts"

Southwestern has been at the forefront of legal education since its inception. It was one of the first law schools to encourage the enrollment of women and minorities, the first law school on the West Coast to use the case method of instruction, the first law school in the country to offer an accelerated two-year JD program, one of the first law schools to design a JD program for students with child or elder care responsibilities, the first law school in the country to offer an LLM in entertainment law, and the first law school in the country to offer a choice of three advocacy tracks to first-year students, among many other "firsts." Southwestern has been recognized for curricular innovation by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, among other entities.

Law School Enrollment

Our student population includes approximately 1,120 JD students (650 traditional full-time day students, 280 part-time evening students, 100 part-time day students, and 90 SCALE students) and 55 advanced-degree students.

Physical Facilities

Southwestern Law School occupies nearly two city blocks in the mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles, minutes from downtown. Surrounded by major law firms, corporate headquarters, and Superior Court facilities, the law school is less than a half hour from the quiet canyons and beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean.

The campus, which fronts the legendary Wilshire Boulevard, is one block from the nearest Metro station and easily accessible by several major freeways. This unique location enables Southwestern students to live in and explore the diverse and exciting neighborhoods throughout the city. While it is situated amidst an urban backdrop, the Southwestern campus is decidedly tranquil. The green, park-like Promenade and Commons invite study and discussion, and quiet terraces with city views are scattered throughout the property.

The centerpiece of the campus is the Bullocks Wilshire Building, a 1929 Art Deco landmark that has been restored and converted into a dynamic educational facility. The five-story structure holds the school's award-winning Taylor Law Library; the recently completed, state-of-the-art Dixon Courtroom and Advocacy Center; technology-enhanced classrooms and seminar rooms; a dining area; student lounges; a fitness center; and administrative offices.

Opposite Bullocks Wilshire is the six-story Westmoreland building, which houses additional classrooms, seminar rooms, and administrative offices. The campus also includes multi-level and surface parking lots. A vibrant blend of beauty, modernity, and tradition in the heart of a thriving metropolitan area, the Southwestern campus is an inspiring setting for the study of law.

Housing

Southwestern is pleased to offer housing commencing fall 2013. A limited number of units will be made available to LLM students. Los Angeles also offers a wide variety of housing choices for students. Many students rent off-campus apartments or homes within a 30-minute drive from the campus. Depending on the area, rent varies for a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartment.

LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization

Southwestern Law School offers two Master of Laws degrees:

  • General Studies (Individualized Program)
  • Entertainment and Media Law (on campus or online; must choose one option)

Master of Laws in General Studies (Individualized Program)

Southwestern offers a stimulating, Individualized LLM Program (General Studies) for students who have already earned a law degree and are interested in furthering their legal education. The program allows students to choose their own focus of study—from American Legal Systems to International Law to Technology Innovation and Commercialization—in line with their individual personal and professional goals.

Students will receive an in-depth education in an intellectually challenging yet collegial environment from faculty who are established authorities in a wide range of legal topics. Admitted students will work closely with faculty to develop a detailed course of study tailored to their own interests from a comprehensive selection of over 150 electives and core courses. LLM students will construct a specific course of study in consultation with a faculty advisor.

Among the possible areas of concentration are

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • American Law and Legal Systems
  • Business Enterprise Organization and Practice
  • Constitutional Law
  • Contracts and Commercial Law
  • Corporate Securities Law
  • Criminal Law and Practice
  • Employment and Labor Law
  • Entertainment, Media, and Intellectual Property Law
  • Family and Juvenile Law
  • International Business Law
  • International and Comparative Law
  • International Human Rights
  • Jurisprudence and Legal History
  • Litigation/Civil Practice/Dispute Resolution
  • Public Interest/Civil Rights/Civil Liberties
  • Real Property/Environmental Law/Land Use
  • Technology Innovation and Commercialization
  • Torts and Compensation Systems
  • Trial Advocacy/Litigation
Contact Information

For additional information, please visit the Individualized LLM (General Studies) website, or contact:

Anne Wilson
Assistant Dean for General LLM and International Programs
Southwestern Law School
3050 Wilshire Blvd – W616
Los Angeles, CA 90010
USA

Phone: 213.738.6845
Fax: 213.383.1688
E-mail: llmgeneral@swlaw.edu

Master of Laws in Entertainment and Media Law

Students can choose to earn their LLM in Entertainment and Media Law by either attending classes on campus (resident) or online. Resident students will enjoy the beauty of the campus and convenience to Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. Online students can earn their degree from anywhere in the world—so long as they have access to a computer and an Internet connection. If you are not sure which option is best for you, please contact:

  • For the on-campus program:

    Tamara D. Moore
    Associate Director, Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute
    Southwestern Law School
    3050 Wilshire Boulevard – BW333
    Los Angeles, CA 90010
    USA

    Phone: 213.738.6602
    Fax: 213.738.6614
    E-mail: institute@swlaw.edu
  • For the online program:

    Professor Bridgette M. de Gyarfas
    Director, Entertainment and Media Law LLM Online
    Southwestern Law School
    3050 Wilshire Boulevard – BW361
    Los Angeles, CA 90010
    USA

    Phone: 213.738.5790
    Fax: 213.738.5717
    E-mail: onlinellm@swlaw.edu
On-Campus Program

Drawing on the resources and activities of the Donald E. Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute, Southwestern established the first Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Entertainment and Media Law in the country in 2002. This exciting program is designed to prepare the next generation of effective and talented entertainment, media, and intellectual property lawyers.

Southwestern has had a long and intensive involvement with the entertainment and media industries in the Los Angeles area. Located at the center of the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and the "Digital Coast," the law school has an outstanding entertainment- and media-oriented faculty. Southwestern graduates occupy important positions within a broad range of entertainment and media companies and with law firms specializing in the representation of entertainment clients. Recognizing the growing interest in this area around the country, Southwestern launched the Biederman Institute to provide a broad-based entertainment curriculum for law students as well as information and assistance to practitioners.

Curriculum

Southwestern Law School's Donald E. Biederman Entertainment and Media Law Institute offers the most comprehensive entertainment and media law program in the United States. Our extensive course offerings (over 50 courses), international programs, externship and practicum opportunities, and other cocurricular activities are specifically designed to prepare graduates for the practice of law in creative industries such as film, television, music, theater, advertising, professional and amateur sports, the news media, and the Internet.

Faculty
Online Program

Today, in partnership with Kaplan Legal Education (KLE), the LLM Online Program provides attorneys worldwide the opportunity to take advantage of this unique expertise. The Entertainment and Media LLM Online Program is designed for practicing attorneys and recent graduates who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and skills in these key industries. The online courses are specifically developed for the delivery format relying on the features of the KLE learning platform and the currency of Internet resources to provide an engaging and interactive curriculum.

The LLM Online Program is considered a part-time program so that students can maintain an active practice or work full time while earning the degree. Students usually complete their coursework within two years. They may finish their LLM coursework within one year, but are required to complete all coursework within four years. Courses are held in 15-week semesters with starts in the fall and spring as well as a summer session.

Credit Hours Requirement

To earn the LLM degree, a candidate completes 24 credit hours in designated courses. Students enrolled in the LLM program must attain a cumulative grade-point average of 2.33 to earn the LLM degree. Students who earn 24 credits with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or greater, but less than 2.33, will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.

Admissions

Southwestern's Master of Laws degree program is a highly selective and rigorous course of study designed to immerse graduate students in entertainment, media, intellectual property, sports, and art law. Enrollment is limited to applicants who have attained a JD degree from a law school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools or equivalent degree prior to application for the program. Graduates of other law schools approved by the American Bar Association, and graduates of law schools outside the United States, may be considered for admission on the basis of exceptional credentials.

Admission is determined by the applicant's potential for distinguished performance in and contribution to the program. The applicant's academic record, especially in law school, is of particular importance. Additional factors may include the applicant's professional experience and accomplishments, the institution awarding the baccalaureate and law degrees, recommendations, areas of interest, diversity, and geographic factors.

Generally, successful applicants will have graduated within the top quarter of their law school class and performed at an honors level during their last two years of baccalaureate work. The objective of the admissions policy is to fill each class with the best students from an applicant pool consistent with the high quality standards of the program and the diversity of Southwestern.

The majority of students will be admitted to the campus-based program in the fall semester, but students may begin the program in the spring semester or the summer session, subject to the approval of their courseload and course selection.

Pre-LLM Program: American Legal Learning for Internationally Educated Students (ALLIES)

The transition to studying law in America can be quite challenging. The obstacles are not limited to language barriers. The classroom dynamic and the evaluation process for grading is often different at American law schools than at law schools in other countries. This program is designed to assist students with making the transition to studying the American legal system while maximizing their opportunities for success. Students will learn the process for class preparation, outlining, and final exams in a supportive, small group environment. The program begins two weeks before regularly scheduled classes in the fall and is highly recommended for all foreign-educated students.

Application Process

To apply for admission to Southwestern's LLM programs (Individualized, Entertainment and Media Law, and Entertainment and Media Law Online), prospective students must submit the following:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Application fee of $60
  3. A personal statement
  4. At least two letters of recommendation
  5. A current résumé
  6. Official transcripts from all law schools (including class rank) and other colleges and universities attended by the applicable deadline. See LLM application and summary for more information.
  7. International Students must also include
    • Credentials Evaluation Report
    • Language Test scores (TOEFL® or IELTS™)

Tuition/Financial Aid

Tuition for the LLM program is charged at a per unit rate established by Southwestern. Students who are US citizens or permanent residents of the US and enrolled in the LLM program are eligible to apply for financial aid (federal financial aid programs and private loans).

Tuition for the 2012–2013 academic year is $1,455 per unit, which equates to approximately $35,000 for full-time students or $17,500 for part-time students for the first year.

Student Life

Southwestern provides the programs, connections, and environment to ensure success as a law student and enjoy life at the law school. LLM students participate in many of the cocurricular activities that keep the campus buzzing and students connected to the community. More than 35 student organizations, Career Services, Diversity Affairs, and other resources offer academic and career guidance, social and professional networks, and community involvement. Through these programs and services, Southwestern students deal with contemporary legal issues, gain exposure to members of the bench and bar, and expand their future opportunities as lawyers and leaders.

Career Services

Southwestern's Career Services Office (CSO) provides career planning and job counseling services for JD and LLM students and alumni. Throughout the year, the office assists students by offering a variety of career planning workshops and seminars, reviewing student résumés, videotaping mock interviews, and maintaining a career resource library and job listings. In addition to working with many local and national legal offices, the office actively participates in professional legal associations. The Career Services Office also hosts the successful On-Campus Interview Programs each fall and spring.

The Career Services Office staff is available to assist students and recent graduates

  1. identify and evaluate career options and goals;
  2. learn about available practice areas;
  3. prepare for and conduct a job search; and
  4. locate potential employers through on-campus recruitment programs, listings of current job openings, and the student's or graduate's independent employment inquiries.

Career Services Staff

  • Randy Myricks, Director of Career Services
  • Katrina M. Denny, Assistant Director
  • Noreen Berra, Career Counselor
  • Robin Apodaca, Assistant Director
  • Elizabeth Bernstein, Assistant Director
  • Nicole Cagampan, Student Services Assistant

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