4801 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA
Phone: 202.274.4110 | Website: www.wcl.american.edu
Introduction
American University Washington College of Law is a dynamic law school at the center of policy, business, and all things international. We are a law school of over 2,000 JD, LLM, and SJD students who Champion What Matters.
Founded on the principles of humanity, diversity, and equal rights, the law school's students, faculty, and alumni incorporate these values into everything they do within its walls and around the globe. We offer more than 25 specialized programs including international law, human rights, law and government, intellectual property, business, and gender studies, as well as nationally recognized clinical and trial advocacy programs. Our location in Washington, DC, opens up extraordinary internship and employment opportunities within branches of government, international organizations, private and public interest law firms, and nongovernmental organizations. What's more, you'll be surrounded by a community of students and faculty that encourages and inspires one another.
Law School Enrollment
| As of Fall 2012 | Full-Time | Part-Time | Total |
| JD | 1,215 | 307 | 1,522 |
| LLM | 148 | 53 | 201 |
| SJD | 5 | 15 | 20 |
| Visiting | 68 | 189 | 257 |
| Total | 1,436 | 564 | 2,000 |
Physical Facilities
- Students, faculty, and staff have 24/7 access to the Pence Law Library
- Full range of electronic journals and databases
- Reference librarian assistance is available 9:00 am–9:00 pm during the week and 12:00 pm –5:00 pm on the weekends
- Free campus-wide wireless network
- Jacobs Fitness Center and Reeves Aquatic Center
- Campus conveniently located in Washington, DC, in a parklike suburban setting
Housing
On-campus housing is not available to graduate students, but many resources regarding area housing are provided to students upon admission through resource guides, discussion boards, and LISTSERV postings. Due to the metropolitan location of the law school, many housing options are available to all incoming students.
LLM Programs/Areas of Specialization
American University Washington College of Law offers three LLM programs that are 24 credits and generally take one calendar year to complete.
International Legal Studies
With students from over 50 countries, the LLM in International Legal Studies is one of the top LLM programs in the United States. The flexible curriculum includes eight different areas of specialization including:
- International Business Law
- International Environmental Law
- International Human Rights Law
- Gender and the Law
- International Commercial Arbitration
- Free Trade Agreements and Regional Integration
- International Organizations
- International and Comparative Protection of Intellectual Property
Our students learn from leading professors and practitioners, intern with global organizations and law firms, and have the opportunity to work on research and writing projects. The ILSP is currently the only program in the United States to offer a dual LLM/MBA degree.
To learn more, visit the LLM in International Legal Studies Program website, or contact:
Bill Churma
Assistant Director of Admissions
American University, Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA
Phone: 202.274.4114
Fax: 202.274.4116
E-mail: llminfo@wcl.american.edu
Law and Government
The LLM in Law and Government offers both new and experienced attorneys the opportunity to develop their existing areas of legal expertise, to chart out new professional terrains, to do serious scholarly research and writing, and to achieve hands-on experience in the field of American law and government. The program has propelled in exciting and dramatic ways the careers of law firm partners and associates moving into public life, government attorneys changing disciplines, young lawyers preparing for careers in public service or academia, and attorneys seeking the intellectual community and support to develop original scholarly work for publication. Areas of concentration/specialization include:
- Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice
- Communications Law and Policy
- Environmental Law and Policy
- Health Law and Policy
- Immigration Law and Policy
- Labor and Employment Law and Policy
- Civil and Constitutional Rights
- Criminal Law
- Disability Rights
- Gender and the Law
- Law, Politics, and Legislation
- Business and Financial Regulation
- Antitrust Law and Policy
- Intellectual Property and Information Policy
- Securities Law and Policy
- Tax Law and Policy
- US Trade Law and Policy
- Individualized Specialization
- 12 Credit Certificate Program
- New York Bar Track
In addition, the program offers innovative dual LLM programs such as the LLM/MPA, LLM/MPP, and dual LLMs with the International Legal Studies Program and the Trial Advocacy Program.
To learn more, visit the LLM in Law and Government website, or contact:
Hilary Lappin
Assistant Director of Admissions
American University, Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA
Phone: 202.274.4268
Fax: 202.730.4709
E-mail: lawandgov@wcl.american.edu
Advocacy
The Advocacy LLM offers law students and practicing attorneys at any stage in their careers the opportunity to advance their advocacy skills in and outside of the courtroom. The Advocacy LLM combines a rigorous academic curriculum and a breadth of practical litigation training, including optional credits from teaching opportunities, practical exposure through externships, and writing projects. LLM students enhance their technical trial skills; learn new litigation strategies and tools, master courtroom technology, and focus on the application of professional ethics in the pretrial and trial settings. The Advocacy LLM program is part of the Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program, which champions experiential learning in advocacy.
The flexible curriculum includes:
- Civil and Criminal Trial Advocacy
- Evidentiary Foundations and Objections
- Litigating in the High-Tech Courtroom
- Pre-trial Civil Litigation
- Criminal Defense Externship Seminar
- E-discovery
- Challenges and Obligations of a Prosecutor
- Scientific Evidence and Expert Testimony
In addition, the program offers dual LLMs with the International Legal Studies and Law and Government Programs.
To learn more, visit the LLM in Advocacy website, or contact:
Tahniat Saulat
LLM Coordinator
Stephen S. Weinstein Trial Advocacy Program
American University, Washington College of Law
4801 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016
USA
Phone: 202.274.4474
E-mail: advocacyllm@wcl.american.edu
Entry Requirements
For all three LLM programs, applicants must:
- Have completed a law degree at a US law school accredited by the American Bar Association, or at a foreign law school with equivalent standards.
-
Submit a complete application form before the specified program's deadline.
-
Provide proof of competency in English (non-native English speakers only).
- Meet visa requirement (international students only).
For specific details on each LLM program's entry (i.e., application deadlines, minimum English test scores, etc.), please visit each program's direct admission website:
Application Procedure
NOTE: Prospective students must apply directly to the specific LLM admission office in which they are interested.
Application requirements for all three LLM programs include:
- Application form
- $55 application fee
- Official proof of competency in English (for non-native speakers) sent from testing agency
- Official copies of academic records
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Tuition remission form (if applicable)
Financial Aid
Tuition Remission Scholarships
All three LLM programs offer Tuition Remission Scholarships. These partial tuition grants, usually 2 to 8 academic credits, are available for a limited number of LLM students. Tuition remission applications should be submitted with your LLM application. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
ILSP Alumni Fund
The LLM in International Legal Studies offers five Full-Tuition Scholarships. The Alumni Fund Scholarship is awarded to newly admitted fall semester students who display rigorous academic dedication to the advancement of issues in international law (applicants for the spring term are ineligible). Scholarship applications must be submitted with a completed International Legal Studies LLM application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The ILSP can only grant these scholarships to LLM students who are eligible to receive an I-20 from the university and who maintain legal immigration status as an F-1 visa holder. The deadline to apply is March 1. Visit the International Legal Studies Scholarship website for detailed information on how to apply.
LLM Fellowship in Law & Government
The LLM in Law & Government Fellowship is designed for exceptional students passionately committed to their field of specialization. Successful applicants will have an exemplary academic background and a demonstrated potential to excel in the LLM program. The fellow will enroll in the 24-credit LLM program and will receive a number of benefits, including a partial scholarship.
Student Services and Organizations
The students at American University Washington College of Law come from all over the world. Each year we have approximately 200 lawyers representing over 50 countries in the LLM programs. The diverse faculty and student body offer many opportunities for students to thrive academically and socially. Each semester the LLM programs plan many events, discussions, and conferences that allow students to not only socialize, but network with faculty members and legal professionals in the field. LLM students are eligible to take part in any of the student-run organizations within the law school.
LLM Boards: Each program offers the opportunity for students to join an LLM board, a group of students who plan social events and conferences. The students on the LLM Board are a great resource for our newer LLM students, and the events planned by the LLM board offer great ways to meet friends.
Become a fan on Facebook of the International Legal Studies LLM, the Law and Government LLM, or the Advocacy LLM!
Career Services
The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) at American University Washington College of Law is committed to working with LLM students by helping them formulate dynamic job-search campaigns that correspond to their career interests. OCPD offers both Foreign-Trained and Domestic-Trained LLM career counseling along with résumé review, mock interviews, career database access, and career development programs and events.
Additional Information
American University Washington College of Law offers many short summer programs both in DC and abroad. Programs range from one to six weeks during the first part of summer. Several summer programs, if taken for credit, can be directed toward your LLM degree.
Summer Programs in Washington, DC
- Anti-Corruption
- Comparative Law (US/Brazil)
- Environmental Law
- Health Law and Policy
- Hospitality and Tourism Law
- Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
- Intellectual Property
- International Arbitration
- International Organizational Law and Diplomacy
- Judicial Reform in Latin America
- Law and Government
- Legal English
- Litigation Skills
Summer Programs Abroad
- Chile/Argentina
- Europe: London, Paris, Brussels, Geneva
- The Hague
- Turkey
- Geneva/Washington, DC
For more information on Summer Law Programs, please visit the Summer Programs website.
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